Why Do People Use Podiums While Giving Presentations?

A podium can add to or detract from your presentation, depending on how you use it.

Podiums are a staple of churches, classrooms, and meeting facilities. Many speakers rely on podiums to give presentations, while others prefer to do without. The choice of using a podium or not is based on personal preference and presentation requirements.

Microphone

In some cases, a speaker must use a stationary microphone in a presentation. If the microphone is attached to a podium or stand, then it only makes sense to stand behind the podium to give the presentation.

Notes

If a speaker needs to use notes in a presentation, a podium can provide a resting place for those notes. Rather than holding the notes and shuffling them in his hand, a speaker can discreetly place the notes on the podium while speaking.

Visual Aides

If a speaker needs to use visual aides, such as photographs or charts, she can place them on the podium when she isn't using them, and thus, she doesn't have to hold them throughout the presentation.

Hiding Place

For some inexperienced public speakers, a podium is something to hide behind during a speech. This can be a negative aspect of the presentation, if the speaker shrinks to a nearly invisible stature due to his presence of the podium.

Hand Rest

For some speakers, it can be difficult to find a place to put your hands while you speak. A podium can be a resting place for your hands so you do not appear fidgety during your presentation.

References

• Posture and Podium