Correspondingly, how do you overcome a talking podium or lectern?
Body language “DO's”: Stand straight, both feet on the ground in a parallel position. Keep both feet behind the podium. Watch your posture. And this bears repeating: Look up at your audience often, make eye contact with people throughout the whole room, and not just those closest to – or smiling at – you.
Additionally, why is it a good idea to not touch a podium while speaking? There's no reason to avoid touching, moving among, and connecting with people. Physical objects and distance between you and your audience create an emotional distance between you as well. They make it harder to connect, relate, and build rapport. Don't get stuck back there behind the podium.
Considering this, what can you use a podium for when it is located on your speaking stage?
A podium with built in sound can help you gain instant authority. The mere act of walking up to the podium identifies you as the speaker and will let your audience know the speech is about to start. Use your podium to hold notes that mark the important points you want to make in your speech.
Is it acceptable to put your hands on the podium during a speech?
And let's be honest…a podium can be a VERY useful tool on which to put your notes, it gives you a place to put your hands, you get a little 'protection barrier' from the audience (unless it's one of those clear plastic ones, in which case your audience can see EVERYTHING), and above all, you don't have to worry about
