Avoid using the lectern

The lectern is a classic element in the art of public speaking and has been used throughout history as an indispensable tool for speeches and public presentations. From ancient Greek orators to modern political leaders and speakers, these structures provided an elevated place from which the speaker could address the audience, ensuring that his or her voice was clearly audible and his or her presence prominent.

To what extent is it necessary to use the lectern as a security support? Is it advisable not to use it? What are the advantages and disadvantages of its use? In this article we will examine these details in depth.

Balance: In the context of the elements that influence a presentation, one of the important points to consider is the use of the lectern. The lectern is a support used to hold notes, documents or any other material that the speaker may need.

However, it is crucial to note that the use of the lectern should be moderate. A speaker who relies too heavily on the lectern runs the risk of sounding unnatural or reading his or her speech in a monotone manner with no connection to the audience. It is critical that the presenter establish regular eye contact with the audience and use the lectern as a supplementary resource rather than relying entirely on it.

Benefits: The use of the lectern during a speech offers several significant benefits. It provides a visual reference point for the audience and helps the speaker maintain a logical order in his or her presentation by providing a physical support for notes and documents.Likewise, it can serve as a physical barrier that provides some sense of security and confidence to the speaker. By being behind the lectern, the speaker can feel more protected and in control of the situation, which contributes to his or her performance and confidence on stage.

Disadvantages: However, the use of the lectern can also have negative effects. Several reasons why it is advisable to avoid using a lectern will be explored below:

• First, standing behind a lectern creates a physical barrier between the speaker and the audience that can make it difficult to establish a direct connection.

• The audience may perceive the speaker as distant and even uninterested in the topic, which can negatively affect their receptivity and attention.

• The use of a lectern limits the speaker's mobility and expressiveness by restricting him/her to a specific place. Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in conveying the message, and the lack of movement can make the presentation monotonous and boring.

• Likewise, the absence of gestures and facial expressions can detract from the dynamism and energy of the presentation, making it difficult to maintain the audience's interest.

Psychological barrier: In addition to these negative aspects, the lectern can also create a psychological barrier for the speaker. By relying heavily on notes, the speaker may experience anxiety or nervousness when faced with the possibility of forgetting or getting lost in his or her speech.

The presence of the lectern can constantly remind the speaker of the possibility of making mistakes, which can increase the stress level during the presentation. This state of stress can negatively affect the speaker's verbal fluency and overall confidence.

Notes: Another aspect to consider is over-reliance on notes. If the speaker relies too heavily on notes, he or she is more likely to read constantly and lose eye contact with the audience. This can give the impression that he or she is unfamiliar with the content or lacks confidence in his or her ability to communicate it without outside help.

In addition, constant reading can affect the speaker's confidence, pace and intonation of the speech. This can hinder the clarity and understanding of the message by the audience.