Podium
A podium is a wooden, glass or logo embossed stand where the speaker of event is situated. The speaker will usually stand behind or beside the podium which usually has a surface in which to place their notes for reference. The podium directs the audience’s attention towards the speaker and allows for the speaker to have something to rest on while they are speaking. It might be a little uncomfortable for a speaker to be in the middle of a stage without some type of table or something to set their notes or glass of water. Some podiums might have an attached microphone which can be adjusted according to the height of the speaker.
Event planners can opt not to use a podium especially if other things are occurring on the same stage after the speaker or the speaker is short in stature. Award ceremonies do not typically use podiums because the podium shields the body of a speaker. Part of the excitement of awards show is seeing what everyone is wearing, so using a podium on stage can be a disadvantage to the excitement of the overall event. Logo embossed podiums often boast the name of the organization or company who is hosting the party and can add a personal touch to the stage décor. Podiums are not typically heavy items even though most of them are made of wood. This is because they are often just a frame and not a solid piece of furniture. Some podiums are attached to a preexisting stage or floor while other podiums can be easily moved and manipulated around the stage. In the event planning industry, most podiums are free standing because a stage has to be built beneath them.
