Definition

Noun: A lectern is a tall stand with a slanted top, designed to hold a book, notes, or papers at a comfortable height for someone who is standing up and speaking to an audience. It is commonly used by lecturers, speakers, preachers, or musicians.

Usage

A lectern provides a surface for reading while allowing the speaker to maintain eye contact with the audience. It is a piece of furniture found in settings like classrooms, lecture halls, churches, and conference rooms. - The professor placed his notes on the lectern before beginning his talk. - The speaker gripped the sides of the lectern as she addressed the large crowd. - The choir director's music was propped up on a lectern.

Advanced Usage

• To speak from a lectern: This phrase emphasizes the formal act of delivering a speech or lecture while using the stand for support.
  • The award recipient was nervous to speak from the lectern in front of so many people.
• Behind the lectern: This describes the position of the speaker, often implying authority or the role of presenting information.
  • The expert stood confidently behind the lectern.

Variants and Related Words

• Podium: While often used interchangeably in casual speech, a is technically a raised platform on which a person stands, whereas a is the stand placed upon it or on the floor. A speaker stands a podium and a lectern.
• Rostrum: A platform or stage for public speaking.
• Pulpit: A raised enclosed platform in a church from which a preacher delivers a sermon; it typically incorporates a lectern.

Synonyms

• Stand
• Reading desk
• Speaker's stand

Related Idioms or Phrases

• Tame the lectern: An informal phrase meaning to overcome nervousness about public speaking.
  • After years of practice, she finally tamed the lectern and now speaks with great ease.

Noun

1. desk or stand with a slanted top used to hold a text at the proper height for a lecturer