lectern etiquette

is for LECTERN ETIQUETTE

"The lectern is the point of control. NEVER leave it unattended."

- Linnaea Mallette

In comedy skits (like Saturday Night Live), sometimes the camera opens on “the naked lectern.” It looks so silly. Why? It sends the unconscious message that no one is in control.

To help YOU appear in control, here are some tips:

-Never leave until someone takes over

Stay put until the person you call up arrives and shakes your hand. Think of it as playing “tag.” You don’t move away to take your seat until someone has “tagged” you with a handshake. Step back to allow the approaching person to step in front of you.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t move around while you are "performing." When finished, however, remain until the next person to take control arrives and shakes your hand.

-Lead the Applause

When a program calls for the audience to applause, you lead by applauding first.

Additional lectern tips are available at verbacom.com. Check it out.

WHAT TO SAY IF YOU TRIP
From: One-Liners for Disaster, by Tom Antion

-I also do magic tricks.

-It took years of finishing school to learn to do that.

-Is there a doctor in the house?

-Ok, Who planted the banana peel?

-I used to be too humble to stumble.

-Give me an inch, and I’ll take a fall.

Don't confuse the lectern with a podium!

Is there a difference? You bet! For the definition of both, and a humorous discourse, read this funny article on the topic