The correct spelling of the word for a standing podium is "lecterns" [ˈlek.tərnz]. This is pronounced "LEK-turnz" with the emphasis on the first syllable. Some people might mistakenly spell it as "lecturns" or "lecturons". However, the correct spelling maintains the 'e' after the 'c' and precedes the 'r' with 't'. So, whether you are presenting at a conference or giving a speech, make sure your spelling is on point when referring to this important piece of furniture.
Lecturns refer to specifically-designed stand-up reading or speech podiums, often made of wood or metal, used during formal presentations, speeches, or religious ceremonies. They are standalone structures that provide a raised platform for a speaker or presenter to rest their notes, books, or other written materials upon, ensuring they are easily visible to the audience.
Typically, lecturns are equipped with a slanted or angled surface, which accommodates the speaker's materials and ensures comfortable reading during a presentation. This angled structure allows the speaker to maintain eye contact with the audience while reading or delivering their speech. Lecturns may also feature additional features such as adjustable height settings, built-in microphones, or audio systems for amplification, enhancing the speaker's voice projection. In religious settings, lecturns are commonly used by priests, ministers, or religious leaders to present holy texts, sermons, or scripture readings during worship services.
Lecturns play a crucial role in both professional and ceremonial events, providing a functional and organized platform for speakers to effectively convey messages to their audience. They contribute to the overall professionalism of a speaker's delivery and ensure that their notes or materials are readily accessible, minimizing distractions or fumbling. The use of lecturns has become a standard practice in numerous fields, including academia, politics, religious institutions, and public speaking events, granting speakers a designated space to command attention and engage with their audience.
The word lecturn derives from the Latin word lectus, which means read or chosen. It shares its root with other similar Latin words like lectio (reading) and lector (reader). The Latin term lectus eventually evolved into the Old French word lettrun, which designated the desk or stand from which scriptures were read during religious services. From Old French, it entered Middle English as lettron and eventually transformed into its current form, lectern.