We have collected everything you need and want to know about speaking booths in one place. Planning to buy a speaker chair, or still gathering information? Then look no further! Because we are happy to share our knowledge.
What is the function of a pulpit?
For ages, speakers have stood behind a pulpit to address their listeners. Whether in churches, schools, crematoriums or companies; it always gives something extra that keeps your attention focused on the speaker.
Over the years, there have been many new developments that have changed the appearance, but nowadays also the interior, of cathedrals considerably.
Of course, a pulpit is not just for giving the audience a nice view. The main purpose of a pulpit is to provide support for the speaker during his or her presentation.
For example, a speaker needs somewhere to put his drinking glass, documents and other utensils so that he does not have to hold them in his hands the whole time. This allows the speaker to stand quietly and relaxed behind the lectern and the audience will not be distracted by all the things in their hands.
What does a pulpit look like?
Over the years, lecterns have gained a huge number of variations and different types of material.
Whereas in the past, lecterns were mainly made of wood, today other materials are also used, such as acrylic and metal.
This also allows the pulpit to be more easily adapted and integrated into the environment in which it serves.
For example, you will not easily see a brightly coloured pulpit in a church. Or in a modern school an older oak-panelled lectern.
Exceptions aside, of course.
Not only has the use of materials brought about change, but the input of technology also affects the function and appearance of a speaker's chair.
Technology allows speaking chairs to be equipped with microphone, lighting or a lift system, for example. With such options, it is a speaker's pleasure to present and keeps the attention of his audience.
Where are lecterns used?
Lecterns are used at venues and events where audiences are addressed. But where? This can be done in more places than you might think!
- Education: Here, teaching is often done in large halls to large numbers of students.
So for teachers, it is ideal to have a speaking desk on which he has all the information he needs to tell. - Companies: internally, presentations are regularly made on certain important topics within a company or an important representative addresses his staff.
A pulpit can create a formal setting in such situations. - Crematorium or funeral home. This is often where last memories are shared with the bereaved and people say a final word. Here too, a pulpit is indispensable and provides a safe hold for the speaker to speak his or her words calmly and pleasantly.
- Religious settings. Children are baptised or people listen to the weekly sermon on Sundays. The lectern provides a solemn and ceremonial setting.
- Press conferences: You often see them at Mark Rutte's corona press conference, but in other countries too, all speeches are done from a pulpit.
- Reception venues: Speaking booths are also increasingly seen in places where guests have to report and are received by a host or hostess. These include restaurants, hospitals and (large) events.
So you can see the versatility of a lectern, where they add tremendous value on different occasions and situations.
The different types of pulpits
Wooden pulpit
Wood creates a cosy, warm atmosphere and has a solid character.
Naturally, we therefore often see wooden pulpits in environments where that very look prevails, such as a chic cathedral or an exuberant restaurant.
+ Weight. Because the speaker chair is lightweight, you can easily move it and put it somewhere else.
+ Sturdiness. The weight and solidity of wood makes for a sturdy product.
- Opaque material. This can create distance between speaker and audience.
Plastic pulpit
A plastic lectern is often used when the setting is more informal.
Because the plastic is transparent, you can fully see the speaker, which efore ensures that no distance is created between the audience and the speaker.
+ Weight. Because the speaker chair is lightweight, you can easily move it and put it somewhere else.
+ Stable. Despite being made of plastic and lightweight, the speaker chair is very stable.
+ Transparent. The transparent material makes it easy to see the speaker.
- Screws. As nice as the plastic is, it cannot be avoided that the screw fasteners are visible. Minimal, but still…
Metal pulpit
A metal lectern is strong speaking and often used at companies and press conferences. Due to the heavier material, the metal provides a serious and neat appearance.
+ Appearance. The metal / stainless steel provides a businesslike and robust appearance.
+ Cleaning. Metal and stainless steel is easy and quick to clean.
- Weight. The heavier metal cathedrals are difficult to move. This can be solved by placing castors under the lectern.
A pulpit is for everyone
Inclusiveness is paramount at Bravour®.
We therefore believe that a pulpit should not be a restriction for any speaker.
You often see that a pulpit is too high for a wheelchair user or disabled person, for example.
We therefore have a range of height-adjustable speaking chairs, some of which are even wheelchair-friendly.
The principle with these speakers' chairs are the same.
A built-in lift system allows the speaking chair to be set at the height the speaker chooses.
So when a wheelchair user speaks, he or she presses the "lower" button and the lectern will then lower to the desired height. If a speaker wants the lectern at a higher position, he clicks the "up" button.
Everything you need to know about pulpits
The article contains a lot of information and, as mentioned, the choice of a pulpit can be quite complex.
Therefore, here is another small summary of what we have discussed in this article, and that easily in a row:
- The main purpose of a lectern is to provide support for the speaker during his or her presentation.
- A lectern is versatile and can be a valuable addition in almost any situation.
- Pulpits are available in various materials such as wood, acrylic and metal (or combination).
- Almost all pulpits can be fitted with technology such as microphones or lighting
- A pulpit need not be an obstacle for wheelchair users either!
Curious about the possibilities?
We have already helped several organisations with speaking solutions.
Contact our specialists for more information.