Getting Free From the Lectern

There’s an old expression that I just made up that goes something like this: a lion in the tall grass is as good a hunter as a mouse. My point is there is no net difference unless someone makes a move. The tall grass is a lovely place to hide until you decide to bag the big audience. For speakers, the lectern is the tall grass.

Speaking from behind the lectern has its advantages. It’s the safest place on stage. It’s warm and cozy or it may have a mini-fan hidden on it. There may be a fancy logo on the front of it that promotes you (or maybe just the hotel at which you’re speaking.) It can hold your notes. You need notes? Well, yes, sometimes. (more on that in another newsletter.) For short speakers giving spooky speeches, it can make you look like a mysterious floating head. But for positives, that’s about it.

The drawbacks behind the lectern should make you think twice about being there. There is the floating head syndrome. Less to look at is less to be interested in from the audience’s point of view. More importantly, the lectern can become a barrier to hide behind or a steering wheel that some people can’t let go of (it feels good in your hands but, really, it’s not a race car. You’re not getting to the finish line any sooner by gripping the thing like you’re in a hairpin turn.)

Getting out from behind the lectern allows you to connect with the audience. Lions turn into hunters when they break from the tall grass. Your job is much easier. By moving out into the larger speaking area, you take command of the space, you establish greater authority to be in the room. And to be the focus of people’s attention. Connecting with the audience can happen more directly, as you move toward an individual while you make a point or refer to a specific audience member. It’s less formal, seems more natural.

Your gestures become more full-bodied, you communicate all the way from your toes. Paint more vivid stage pictures. Try describing climbing a mountain from behind a lectern. Without one, all your limbs are available to suggest the angle of the ground, the effort, the wind.

As you move around, free from the lectern, arms and legs more engaged, your voice fuller, you are more like a lion; you are more whole . More of a complete speaking animal.

Next Time: Flailing to make the grade…