Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to deciding how to use the stage. One common question for many speakers is whether to stand behind a lectern or step away from it entirely. The lectern — that familiar stand holding notes and scripts — can either support your confidence or subtly hold you back. Understanding how to use it well is key to maintaining both comfort and connection with your audience.
The Advantages of a Lectern
A lectern can be a useful ally when used thoughtfully. It provides a stable surface for your notes, allowing you to stay organised and focused. For some speakers, it also offers a psychological anchor — a spot that feels safe and secure, especially for those who are new to public speaking. It gives your audience a visual focal point, signalling where attention should be directed. When used naturally, it can lend structure and presence to your delivery.
The Drawbacks to Watch For
At the same time, a lectern can easily become a barrier. Standing too rigidly behind it can create distance between you and your audience. It can also restrict movement, making your presentation appear rehearsed or stiff. Worse still, nervous fidgeting with papers or the lectern itself can become distracting. When the stand feels like a shield rather than a tool, connection is lost — and that’s when it stops serving your purpose.
Using It Effectively
If you choose to use a lectern, practise with it beforehand. Stand tall, maintain good posture and avoid leaning or gripping it for balance. Step aside occasionally to make eye contact and use gestures freely. Think of the lectern as a base, not a boundary. It’s there to support your speech, not contain it. Moving naturally around it can make your delivery feel confident and conversational.
The lectern isn’t the enemy — it’s simply a tool. Used wisely, it helps you organise your thoughts and deliver with poise. Used carelessly, it creates distance. The choice is yours. Mastering how you use it — or when to move away from it — gives you the freedom to connect fully and speak with confidence.
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