The Podium Hog

by Micah Ray

We've all seen it happen. We've probably been guilty of it ourselves at times. After all, it can get tiring standing behind that podium, trying to say something that's going to get somebody's attention, trying to remember all the things you studied so diligently -- at the last minute the night before. (Ouch! That hits a little too close to home!)

You hold tightly to each side of the podium, but that looks and feels too stiff. So you prop up one elbow on the side of the podium while you try to look more casual. Then before you know it, you have draped yourself over the podium, resting there while you pour out your wisdom on the rapt students in your class.

Don't be a "Podium Hog"!

(I came into the office one day to find that James left a rough sketch of the idea of what a "Podium Hog" might look like. I loved it so much that I drew this version to use in our workshops!)

James and I include a section in one of our workshops on basic "Do's and Don'ts" of public speaking. And being a Podium Hog is one of them. In fact, we recommend that you try to get away from a podium to really connect with your learners. That way, you can't be accused of being a Podium Hog!

Try it next time you're teaching. Get rid of the podium and open up the communication between you and your learners. Don't just talk to them -- start communicating!