In our Executive Seminars and presentation workshops, we hear some questions rather frequently. Each month this year, we'll provide some answers to those public speaking FAQs.
Speakers in our Executive Seminar are delivering two-minute impromptu messages. One of them decides to amble out from behind the lectern and lean an elbow on it.
In discussion after the exercise, we ask the class: How did you feel about that lean?
To many people's surprise, the answers are varied, backed with strong feelings. Some like the lean, thinking it makes the speaker look comfortable and at ease. Others unequivocally despise it, saying the speaker seems cocky and too casual.
So what do we say? Should you lean on the lectern?
The answer is one we give in a number of circumstances: It depends. Rather than tell a speaker to always do this or never do that, we'd rather provide some considerations—and urge speakers to make deliberate choices about how they stand and move.
To help you determine what's best for you, here are some questions we ask:
What's your goal?
More specifically, when you step around a lectern and lean on it, what are you trying to communicate?
Speaking from a lectern can be great—but it can also send certain signals to your audience:
- This is a formal message.
- I am speaking from a position of authority.
- I am somewhat removed from my audience.
You may be moving out from behind the lectern because you want to change how you're relating to the audience—to be less formal, to feel more connected.
If that is your goal, you can come out from behind the lectern and move away from it rather than lean on it.
How long do you have with this audience?
If you are speaking for a short amount of time—less than 45 minutes—perhaps you choose NOT to lean on the lectern, knowing it can be a polarizing move. You don't have long to build rapport. You must quickly make a strong impression.
So, make deliberate moves to support that and avoid one that could lose the affection of part of your audience.
If have a long time to spend with an audience (for example, you're leading a full day of training), then you've got more latitude. The audience has time to know and appreciate you.
Every single move you make becomes less important. Leaning on a lectern, perching on a table—these actions carry less weight because the audience has time to know you more fully.
What's the context?
Every speaking situation provides different opportunities and challenges. Your personal speaking style factors in. So does anything you know about how your target audience likes to receive messages.
For example, a small off-the-cuff session with co-workers will and should look different than a planned presentation you give to a new client or a speech at a conference.
We urge you to always be true to yourself and your delivery style, but to also consider what your best approach might be for every situation
Make deliberate moves
Our goal as public speaking instructors is not to give you absolutes, but to make you aware that you have options and to encourage you to be aware of how movements can support or distract from a message.
Of course, few speakers are deliberate in every move they make. And we are not encouraging you to become stiff, robotic, or so self-conscience that you no longer feel like yourself.
If you can become more mindful, though, of how you are using your body to communicate, you'll be more effective.
LEARN MORE
Find our founder's guidance here for using gestures that fit your style and the occasion.
Go here to find our insights on how a solid stance can enhance your delivery.
For more tips and considerations when using a lectern (or as some call it, a podium), see this article.
