How to Deliver a TED Talk: Secrets of the World's Most Inspiring Presentations, revised and expanded new edition, with a foreword by Richard St. John

CHAPTER 17

Using a Lectern

TIP 93: Use a lectern when you need to project authority.

Though rare on the TED stage, lecterns are neither purely good nor purely evil. Several outstanding speakers, including Chimamanda Adichie¹ and Karen Thompson Walker² used them. (As every commentator on this topic has done before me, I offer the gentle reminder that a podium is a stage you stand on and a lectern is a stand you speak behind.)

Let’s start by assuming that you have practiced your material and have your content and delivery solidly nailed. In that case, you are simply making a stylistic decision about whether or not to use a lectern. In most cases, the best choice is to avoid using one entirely because it creates a physical and psychological barrier ...