Public speaking with a lectern

Many public speakers who are used to speaking without a lectern find it a challenge to speak with one. Speaking properly and naturally from behind a lectern will make you a very well rounded public speaker, so you are ready for any kind of public speaking gig. A few simple tips that you can practice will make you a much better speaker if you are used to giving over keynotes rather than lectures.

When you stand behind a lectern make sure that you plant your feet firmly. If you tend to shift from foot to foot or lean on to the podium this will give your audience the impression that you are nervous or anxious. Practice standing up straight and tall will give the impression to the audience that you have confidence and know what you are talking about.

Don't think too much about what to do with your hands. Many speakers try to choreograph their hand motions with their speech, but that will start to look staged. When you practice your speech find a comfortable place to put your hands, whether resting on the lectern or gripping the sides. Forget about moving your hands and the gestures will just come naturally making you look more comfortable with your speech.

Print your speech in a large print or on note cards with large spacing. If you are giving over a long speech with figures or numbers and a lot of information, using large print will make it easier for you to find your place should you forget what comes next in your speech. Although you shouldn't be reading from your notes, having them will give you a little more confidence than not but don't rely on them too much.

Practicing with these three tips in front of the mirror at home or with a friend in the lecture hall that you will be speaking will help to improve your public speaking skill dramatically.