Buying Guide - Presentation Stations

Presentation stations or lecterns are essentially used as podiums in classrooms, churches and sometimes even in the corporate world while having investor presentations or summits. This kind of purchase is usually not done frequently and one presentation station lasts for many years. The type of presentation station depends on who uses it and where it is used. The format, style, size and design of the lectern vary significantly based on the purpose of usage. Following is a brief guide that will help you while purchasing a podium.

Purpose

In case the presentation station is used in a school or college, it can be smaller in size and even made adjustable as it would be used by several individuals of different heights and dimensions. Additionally, it should be lightweight and portable so that it can be carried easily from one place to another. On the other hand, a presentation station which is used for corporate purposes should be more dignified and solid looking, and could also be heavy as it would not be moved around on a regular basis.

Sound System

While selecting podiums, understand the sound system and microphone placement of the lectern. While some have an in-built amplification station or a wired microphone, others prefer to use a separate microphone for greater sound clarity. The disadvantage of using a separate microphone is that when you have different speakers, the height of the microphone always needs to get adjusted based on the height of the speaker; in case of a collar microphone, there is unnecessary time which is lost while switching between the speakers. Progressively designed presentation stations are also designed keeping in mind the usage of laptops. These lecterns have an opening for the wire of the laptop and power plug underneath for charging the laptop.

Placement

Needless to say, the presentation systems are always placed in the front of the room. This not only gives a prestigious aura to the speaker but also attracts attention. Solid, ornate and sturdy presentation stations make bigger impressions and give a regal feel. While many like the heavy and solid wood-impression like podiums, nowadays sleek and modern looking lecterns are also in vogue. In addition, since traditional styled podiums cover the entire body of the speaker, there is a switch to the modern looking podiums particularly since it makes the body of the speaker partially or completely visible.

Material

As mentioned earlier, the material of the presentation station can make a significant difference in the style and impression you want to create. Lectern material can range from wood, to acrylic to clear plastic. They can look formal and corporate with a company logo or school emblem on the front or can be made a little more casual by being in clear plastic material with colorful decorative designs on the front and sides.

Dimensions

Presentation stations should give elegance, style and a powerful aura to the room as well as to the speaker behind it. For this purpose, podiums should be tall but care should be taken that they are not exceptionally tall so that the speaker is hidden behind it. Additionally, the presentation station should not be exceedingly heavy especially when it is made of solid wood as there might of instances that it would be needed to be moved around and this would become different if the lectern is very heavy.

Design

Traditionally, presentation stations are long, square-shaped on top and may also have a small shelf under the top for the speaker to keep papers and other speaking notes that he may not want to disclose to the audience. Some podiums also have a small footboard on which the speaker may stand thereby preventing from causing any kind of embarrassment in case the speaker is short in stature. The length of the podium is typically suited for a single speaker; however there are many variants of presentation stations that have been customized allowing two speakers to stand next to each other. This is particularly true during an award ceremony or corporate presentations.

Accessories

Several advanced presentation stations are now available in the market that are ahead of their time. With the functions of reading lights, rechargeable batteries, extension speakers and other paraphernalia, presentation stations are no longer the boring heavy wooden styles as they were in the previous decade.