A lectern can look like the perfect fit online, right up until a presenter opens their laptop and discovers there’s nowhere left for their notes. Buying a lectern involves more than choosing a style. Its dimensions need to work with your speakers, presentation equipment, and the spaces where you’ll use it.
Before ordering, measure the presentation area, required speaking height, working surface, doorways and storage location. A little preparation makes it easier to compare models and choose one that works comfortably throughout your venue.
Start where the lectern will actually sit. Measure the available floor or stage space, accounting for nearby furniture, screens, microphone stands and other equipment.
The lectern’s footprint is only part of the picture. Presenters also need room to approach it, stand or sit behind it, and leave without squeezing between furniture or stepping over cables.
Try marking the proposed footprint with removable tape. Then walk through the setup as a speaker would. This can reveal restrictions that aren’t obvious from a floor plan.
If the lectern will move between rooms, check each location. A model that fits a large auditorium might feel crowded in a smaller meeting room.
Overall lectern dimensions tell you how much space the unit occupies. Speaking surface dimensions tell you how much room presenters have to work. You’ll need both when comparing options.
Consider who will use the lectern and whether they’ll present standing or seated. The speaking surface should let them refer to notes or a device without repeatedly bending down or reaching awkwardly.
For shared spaces, compare the adjustment range with the needs of different presenters. If wheelchair users use the lectern, consider knee clearance and approach space, along with comfortable reach. Height adjustment is only one part of a suitable setup.
Check the widest and deepest parts of the assembled lectern, including its base. The top, frame and base may have different dimensions.
Also account for accessories that extend beyond the main unit. A laptop shelf, for example, may change how much space the setup needs.
If a listing doesn’t clearly identify the footprint, ask the supplier to confirm it.
Rather than guess how much room a presenter needs, gather the items they’re likely to use:
Arrange them on a table as they would sit during a presentation. Measure the width and depth of that arrangement, leaving room to turn pages and use the device comfortably.
This gives you a practical starting point for comparing the usable lectern speaking surface.
For example, our H2W Lectern has a speaking surface measuring 31 inches wide by 19 inches deep. An optional laptop shelf can help free up space for notes. Confirm accessory compatibility when choosing your configuration.
A suitable lectern size needs to work along the route to the presentation area.
Measure the clear opening of the narrowest doorway the lectern will pass through. Check the space available around tight corners and inside elevators, including the elevator entrance.
If you’ll use a protective case or transport cart, include its outside dimensions. The complete transport setup may take up considerably more room than the lectern alone.
Weight and handling requirements matter alongside measurements. Check how the manufacturer intends the lectern to be moved, and whether your team has the equipment needed to handle it.
Measure your storage location’s width, depth and height before deciding where the lectern will go. Leave enough room to move it in and out, without having to rearrange the entire storage area.
Include the space needed for a protective cover or case, and any accessories that will remain attached.
Lectern storage space can also mean the shelves or compartments inside the unit. If you plan to keep equipment there, check the usable interior dimensions and the size of the access opening. Outside measurements won’t tell you whether a particular item will fit inside.
Keep your measurements together, so you can compare models using the same information. A simple checklist should include:
Record everything in the same unit of measurement. Before ordering, confirm any missing dimensions with the supplier and check that they apply to your chosen configuration.
Taking measurements before buying a lectern helps you look beyond appearance and focus on everyday use. You’ll have a clearer picture of what fits your venue, supports your presenters and accommodates their equipment.
Podium Pros can help you compare lecterns and accessories based on those needs. Contact Podium Pros with your measurements and presentation plans to find the right lectern for your space.
There isn’t one height that suits every presenter. Choose a speaking surface height that allows comfortable access to notes and equipment. For multiple users, compare adjustable models against the range of people who will use them.
Don’t assume it will. Compare the laptop’s dimensions with the usable speaking surface, allowing space for the open screen, charging connection, notes and other accessories.
Shipping dimensions describe the packaged shipment. Use assembled product dimensions to assess the lectern’s fit in your venue, and check packaged dimensions separately when planning delivery access. Podium Pros provides separate product and shipping information on product listings.
Ask the supplier for the missing details before ordering. Specify what you need to check, such as base width, usable surface depth or clearance beneath the top, so they can provide the relevant measurement.
Important Cross Border Shipping Update
Podium Pros will continue to provide you with a seamless shipment process for cross border transactions – Due to the fluidity of the information coming from The US govt.- we must notify you that imposed tariff amounts may be applicable and will be charged in addition to your order total – TBD on date of shipment – Estimate is $80-101 per standard aluminum Podium.
