Lectern

Lectern or speaker's stand for ceremonies and speeches

A lectern, also called a speaker's stand, gives the speaker a neat and clearly defined place: a surface at the right height for the text, a front that calms the picture, and a fixed position in the room that everyone looks towards. It is a small piece of furniture with a big effect on how formal an occasion feels.

We supply lecterns to municipalities and public services for council chambers, receptions and commemorations, and to companies and organisations for receptions, academic sessions, press moments and internal gatherings. Usually it forms part of a larger set-up with sound reinforcement, a ceremonial carpet and flags.

Where you use it

• Municipal councils, boards of aldermen and official receptions
• Commemorations, ceremonies and occasions with protocol
• Academic sessions, graduation ceremonies and openings
• Press conferences, panel discussions and conferences
• Corporate events, new year receptions and product launches

Versions

The classic model is a closed free-standing unit with a sloping surface, a full front and a sturdy base. That looks formal and offers a large face for your coat of arms, logo or emblem. The open version with a frame and a surface is lighter, more modern and easier to move.

Transparent versions in acrylic are popular when the speaker has to stay fully in view. For touring set-ups there are demountable and folding versions that fit into a case.

Watch the practical details: a reading light, a lip that stops the text sliding off, a shelf underneath for water or notes, and a passage for the microphone cable. If you work with changing speakers, a height-adjustable surface is the best choice.

Material and finish

Wood in lacquer or veneer conveys tradition and suits council chambers and historic rooms. Metal and aluminium are lighter, cleaner in line and sturdier under frequent transport. Acrylic is the discreet choice.

The front lends itself perfectly to personalisation. We apply your coat of arms, logo or name in print, film, milled lettering or an interchangeable panel. The last of these is handy when the same piece of furniture serves several departments.

In practice: protocol, set-up and maintenance

The biggest pitfall with ceremonial furniture is not the furniture itself but the alignment with protocol. Where does the lectern stand in relation to the flags, the guests of honour and the audience? Does the coat of arms stay visible when the speaker stands in front of it? Who speaks after whom, and does the furniture have to be moved for that? Run through it in advance with the person responsible for protocol and test the set-up with someone actually standing in the room.

Think about the cables as well: a microphone cable across the walking line is a trip hazard and looks untidy. Provide a cable passage and a cable mat. Make sure the speaker can reach the surface, including when they are shorter than average or speaking seated. An adjustable surface, or one with knee clearance, makes the furniture usable for everyone.

For storage: keep the unit dry and dust-free, preferably in a cover. Clean lacquer and acrylic with a soft, slightly damp cloth without abrasives; scratches on a front carrying your coat of arms show up immediately.

What determines the price?

The price of a lectern depends on the material and finish, the version (closed, open or transparent), the dimensions and any height adjustment, the options such as a reading light, shelf or cable passage, and the personalisation with coat of arms, logo or interchangeable panel. Hire or purchase, the number of units, delivery and installation, and any transport cover also play a part. We draw up a proposal tailored to your room and your use.

Your room correctly equipped

Tell us where the lectern will stand and on which occasions you use it, and we will propose a suitable version. Feel free to get in touch for advice or a quotation.