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Over the years Mr Vass received a number of anonymous communications from those who held the lectern. The "kidnappers" laid down two conditions before the Dunked podium would be released. These were that it was to stay in Scotland, and that no action would be taken to find and prosecute those responsible. St Stephen's parish made an offer that should the rostrum be forthcoming, the parish would see that it was returned to Scotland. Now, you can see your way clear to the pulpit. The closer you get, the more nervous you feel. Not to worry, I have a theatre secret for you. Ever wonder how actors can just walk on stage as if they’re already in motion? It’s easy; they use techniques. One popular technique is called the moment before. The moment before is a trade secret actors use to create action before they walk on stage so they enter already in motion. The moment before is that moment right before you walk onto the stage. Actors create an action or simply a thought to propel themselves into the moment. So to keep your butterflies in check, as you are walking to the lectern, use this technique. For example, an actor might be thinking, Yuk, I see a big spider! For the speaker, you might be thinking to yourself as you hear the applause, they love me; I’m going to give a great speech! These simple statements will do two things. First, you’ll already be active and ready to deliver your speech. Second, you’ll give your mind something to do other than think about how nervous you are. Consequently, you’ll eliminate any signs of nervousness for the time being anyway. You made it to the rostrum. Before we continue, let me say this about the podium. The lectern is not a podium, and a podium is not the same thing as a lectern. The most common mistake speakers make is calling the lectern a podium. Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary’s defines a pulpit as an upright desk or stand with a slanted top used to hold a text at the proper height for a lecturer, whereas a podium is an elevated platform for an orchestra conductor or public speaker. Podium comes from the word Podiatry, the profession dealing with the care of feet. An easy way to remember this is to think of a podium as a platform where you put your feet. This trick could save you from the embarrassment of confusing the words podium and podium. However, in some aspects, the increasing popularity of story has created a phenomenon which I don’t support. Speakers are speakers. In Toastmasters we’re encouraged to get away from presenting from a rostrum if we can. I support that. However, many presenters in the public arena such as business leaders and politicians still prefer the pulpit, so why this sudden emphasis on ‘working the stage’ as if one were an actor in a play? Okay, you have finally arrived at the lectern on the podium after what seemed like a very long walk. Before you utter a word, take time to adjust the microphone and prepare yourself. Stand 10 to 12 inches behind the pulpit. Take a moment to scan your audience with your eyes as if in one smooth, wave motion with a genuine smile. Take a beat before you speak. Breathe and then start with your opening line. Taking this moment will instantly put you at ease and help you to connect to your audience. Checking out lectern, you'll see how crucial a public speaking is, and how you need to use it for additional guidance.
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