A few considerations when purchasing your next lectern.
Whether you’re working in a corporate setting, an education
environment or in a church, communication is the common currency. Putting an
individual in front of a group of people is the most basic form of mass
communication and goes back thousands of years. But the problem of how best to
make the podium or lectern support a message has been debated ever since.
Corporate, education, church — all of these are presentation venues for groups
of various sizes and purposes. The right presentation equipment, including
appropriate lecterns, sound systems, and other presentation tools, provides the
foundation for effective communication in any of these settings.
Public speakers have used lecterns for centuries. In years past,
an imposing lectern enhanced any speaker’s image as a voice of authority, along
with providing a place to set down notes and a glass of water. Today, however,
the descendants of the traditional lectern deliver a host of options that
greatly expand the range of aesthetic and practical possibility. There’s no
need to settle for “one size fits all” — with so many choices available,
administrators, educators and pastors can select specific lecterns that
perfectly fit the diverse functions within their respective institutions. In
addition, lecterns come in an expansive range of design styles to enhance any décor
with a high degree of customisation.
Lecture
Halls: A well-chosen lectern can be an essential classroom
tool. For large auditorium settings, the best lecterns will incorporate
multimedia connectivity to give the speaker easy access to video and audio controls,
as well as access to room control of lights, installed projectors and
integrator audio systems, usually in the form of touchscreens. Multimedia
features do not have to drive style choices, however. High-tech options can be
included in a wide range of furniture styles, from traditionally formal to
sleekly modern. Choose a lectern that complements the style of the lecture hall
it’s going to be used in.Conference
Rooms: Small-room presentations frequently require the same
level of media support as a lecture hall speech, but the speaker often needs to
manage multiple different types of equipment to keep information flowing. Thus,
space constraints play a pivotal role in the selection of lecterns for
conference rooms. When projectors and other devices are needed, a mobile
computer cart/lectern combination is an efficient choice that can easily move
from room to room. These types of lecterns can also take the form of:Multimedia
Centers: Public speakers today rely heavily on evolving
technology to help get their message across, and lecterns have evolved to
accommodate multiple devices including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and
document cameras. All used to relay graphical and other information, which then
must be clearly projected for viewing by the audience. Sound systems also play
a vital role in larger rooms, carrying the speaker’s voice to the far reaches
of the audience. Features to look for include dedicated shelving, lockable
storage, and integrated power and other outlets to simplify connections.Tabletop lecterns also play a versatile role, serving the
functions of space-efficiency and mobility. Some tabletop units include
full-featured sound systems for great presentation delivery in a portable
package. For occasional use, some tabletop lecterns can even be folded,
collapsed, and stored flat.
Concierge/Valet
Stands: An attractive, weatherproof lectern provides a secure
point of contact for arriving visitors and guests. Highly durable lecterns in
polyethylene are available in a range of colours, combining an attractive
appearance with great practicality. Lockable storage, easy mobility, and
customized logos are all valuable assets to consider for a concierge desk or
valet stand.Chapels:
An appealing lectern enhances the quiet dignity of your facility’s sanctuary
while providing presentation support for services. In churches, separate
lecterns allow ancillary areas to become ad hoc worship spaces. As a focal
point of the chapel, the lectern should match the overall décor of the space.
Elegant lecterns are available in many varied materials, from solid wood to
clear acrylic. If the chapel activities require sound amplification, look for
lecterns with discreet built-in speakers or with connectivity to established
house systems.