ORLANDO, Fla. – If you ever find yourself in a heated debate at the water cooler over the definition of platforms or stands (you probably won’t), consider yourself armed with the knowledge of a king.
According to GrammarBook.com, the terms podium and lectern can be used interchangeably, but if you want to be annoyingly specific, here are the true meanings of the following words:
Pulpit: A pulpit is traditionally a raised and enclosed platform. Pulpits have long been associated with priests or pastors delivering sermons at churches.
Podium: Traditionally, a podium is an elevated platform that a person stands on. The word relates to the Greek prefix “pod,” which means “foot.” The raised area for a public presentation is technically the podium.
Lectern: A lectern is a stand that supports books, notes, or sometimes a microphone. It is generally meant to be stood behind while one delivers a speech or set of remarks
Dais: A platform for a lectern or throne. One site claimed that a podium can hold only one person, but a raised platform for several people is a dais. Discuss amongst yourselves.
And because, why not, here’s a bonus word:
Rostra: An ancient Roman platform for public orators, not to be confused with the Roman rostrum which was a bronze ram attached to the bow of an ancient warship used to punch holes into the hull of enemy ships to disable or sink them.