Podium vs. Lectern: What is the difference?

A podium is a platform that you stand upon. A lectern is an upright piece of furniture that holds your book or notes while you stand behind it.

People often mistake the lectern as a podium.

Here’s an easy way to remember the distinction between podium and lectern.

When the Olympic athletes accept their medals, they stand on the podium.

When a speaker delivers a lecture, they often stand behind a lectern which holds their notes. And they read the notes, which is one reason so many lectures are boring.

Let’s explore the origins of these words.

The Latin word for foot is ped. That leads to English words: pedal, centipede, pedestrian and pedicure. The Greek word for foot is pod and for feet podi. That gave us these English words: podium, podiatrist and tripod.

Pod means feet and a podium is a platform or stage where we put our feet.

The word lecture is derived from the Latin lectus, which means “to read”. Originally a lecture was read to the audience. Unfortunately, many lectures still are delivered this way.

Lectern is from the same Latin root, because it meant “reading desk”. A lecturer places their notes upon the lectern and reads the lecture to the audience. Perhaps the lectern also provides a place to hide when the audience starts throwing rotten fruit and vegetables at the boring reader.

Quick review.

What do we stand upon?

A podium.

What do we hide behind to read our notes?

A lectern.