Stand and Deliver

When speaking from a podium, there are some essential dos and don'ts that you must keep in mind:

Plant your feet. Ideally, you want to hold yourself as if the podium weren't there: don't lean on it, or shift your weight from one foot to another.

If you need to rest your hands on it, do so on the ledge of the shelf that holds your notes or computer. Don't grasp the sides or front of the podium (yes, I've watched in horror as speakers lecherously held onto it as if it were an attractive life preserver).

If your podium holds a microphone, DO NOT lean down to speak into it! As far as your posture in relation to it, you should be standing straight and

speaking as if the mic weren't there. If the sound person is doing their job, they'll make sure you can be heard; or you can check beforehand that the volume setting is sufficient to capture your voice.

Your podium is there to hold your notes and maybe a microphone--NOT YOU!