When space is at a premium or when you need portability, a tabletop lectern can be a great aid to a speaker without taking up the space of a full-size, stand-alone podium. Wooden lecterns give an air of elegance, but lecterns made of other materials also have their benefits. You can customize some models with a company logo for added brand recognition.

There are many different styles of tabletop lectern. Features that affect the pricing and costs of table top lecterns include the following factors:

1. The material used to make the table top podium;

2. The ability to amplify sound, which may be a built-in system;

3. And extra features, including whether it folds for ease of carrying or has extra features such as a light or a clock.

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Choose an acrylic table top podium for a venue with modern decor

Manufacturers generally design acrylic lecterns to blend in with the environment, often using clear acrylic for the design. Black acrylic models are also available, as are podiums that you can customize. Expect to pay between $125 and $450 for an acrylic table top lectern, not including any sound equipment.

I recommend: View examples and read about various ways to have your company logo transferred to acrylic lecterns and other items at Displays2Go. Browse many styles of lecterns including a table top acrylic model at Modern Office.

Find simple table top lecterns for small conference rooms

A simple lectern gives a speaker a place to put his or her notes and can hold items such as notebooks or the speaker's beverage. Use this type when the room is small enough that it doesn't require a sound system or when you have a sound system that does not require a microphone stand and speaker, such as a wireless microphone system with built-in speakers. Expect to pay as little as $100 for a simple wood model up to as much as $1000 for a model made of high-quality wood.

I recommend: Choose from several articles about lecterns and podiums and their benefits at Lecternsandpodiums.com. Buy one of several quality wood lecterns at BestLecterns. Read about the benefits of table top lecterns at Lecterns.com.

Use tabletop podiums with sound amplification for larger rooms

Table top lecterns can be a simple podium with a built-in speaker and attached microphone, or they may have advanced features like a light to illuminate the speaker's notes, wireless capability for the microphone or a digital clock viewable by the speaker. Choose a lectern with built-in sound for larger venues or locations with background noise that you can't control. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for one of these lecterns.

I recommend: Find several models of table top lecterns that include a built-in speaker and microphone at Vernon Library Supplies. Choose from several tabletop lecterns with built-in sound amplification at Hertz Furniture Systems. Read a podium and lectern buyers guide at the Projector Screen Store.

Go mobile with a portable table top lectern or PA system

If you have to speak in many different locations away from your place of business, consider investing in a portable lectern that contains sound. There are many styles, some made of wood or wood veneer, and others that look more like an industrial speaker. Expect to pay anywhere from $350 to $1500 for a model with these features. Table top lectern providers that sell models with sound often sell accessories such as extra microphones.

I recommend: Choose from several options of portable podiums with quality sound systems built-in from Amplivox. Read a PA system buying guide at CSN Supply.

A portable table top lectern offers versatility and add-on accessories to fit your business presentations. Set them up on any elevated surface to enhance your audience's attention. At over half the size and priced much less than stand-alone floor lecterns, the table top podiums don’t compromise on features.

The prices range from low, medium to high-end. Built-in electronics automatically come with certain models. Some table top lectern manufacturers offer them as options. These options include reading lights, sound systems, speakers, amplifiers, AC and DC power and microphone capabilities. Choose from various laminates and wooden lecterns. Choose a portable table top lectern suitable for your purpose:

1. Get a folding model to go wherever you travel.

2. Find the right size and price for in-house portability.

3. Choose from several options and accessories to enhance your table top lectern.

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Choose a lightweight low to medium table top podium

Affordability ranks high with these models. The height averages 15 inches giving easy transportation to different rooms.

I recommend: The ParkCatalog features a basic model with choice of laminate. Consider a 25 lb. lectern made with a polyethylene shell with options at AmpliVox. HertzFurniture offers a radius edge lectern with color options for lower budgets.

Find a larger veneer or wooden table top lectern suited to your presentations

Wooden lecterns look like full-size podiums without the base. They weigh on average 50 lbs. with over 2 feet in height. Styles and designs vary, each adding a distinctive look.

I recommend: Select a high-end wooden table top podium from ThePark catalog. For a nice contemporary style check out HertzFurniture. See the Pro-series with flat panels and oak molding at BestLecterns.

Select a suitable folding table top lectern

Built for the traveling business person who needs added flexibility with limited space, a folding table top lectern provides the solution. Collapsible size averages 17 by 22 inches with 5 inch depth. Some models have sound systems included.

I recommend: Choose the wood finish for a 28 lb. lectern with grip handle, nylon carrying case and wheels at Displays2Go. For a lighter weight, 12 lb. folding oak lectern see ModernOfficeStores. Select portability with speakers, amp and mic inputs with an EZ Speak Lectern at AmpliVox.

Expand the capabilities of a table top lectern with built-in options

Some lecterns contain a variety of built in options. Reading lamps, sound systems with amplifiers, wireless and plug-in microphones all broaden their usage.

I recommend: Choose a sound capable system for large audiences and rooms at HertzFurniture. Select a premium table top podium for large audiences at HeasterLawson.com. See ErgoInDemand for several nicely equipped lecterns.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Table top lecterns come in various types, so consider not only present needs but future needs. For a growing business with a traveling sales force, portability ranks high. A business with several presentation rooms might need a lighter model, while a single conference room should have a more elaborate model.
• •  When looking at table top podiums, know the size of your audience and room. Models increase in price based on options because larger speakers and amplification produce better results.

A table top lectern is a good option for speakers who are presenting materials in a fairly informal situation or in a conference room. It helps to keep your papers organized and out of sight of your audience. Many churches find these a good addition to Sunday school classes or the pulpit, as they can hold the Bible while the preacher or teacher speaks.

Finding the best table top podium for your needs should be fairly easy, as there are numerous table top lecterns types and styles. Consider the following suggestions to help you make the most informed decision:

1. Consider a tabletop lectern without a sound system if you speak in a small area or have a loud voice.

2. Opt for a table top podium with a sound system if you speak to large groups or have a soft voice.

3. Take your table top lectern with you easily with a portable model.

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Keep it simple with a basic table top podium

A basic table top podium simply holds the papers or books for the speaker. These are a good option if you are speaking only to a small group of people or if you have a portable sound system. These table top lecterns, including wooden table top lecterns, can usually have your logo or company name placed on it, either through etching or on a plaque.

I recommend: Best Lecterns sells tabletop podiums. This store offers hand made wooden lecterns with numerous options available on each one. Everything Furniture sells basic table top lecterns. This company offers volume discounts based on the total amount you spend in a single transaction.

Reach your audience with the help of a table top lectern with sound

Some table top lectern manufacturers include a speaker, microphone holder and other accessories that can be used with a sound system. A lectern that includes these accessories is ideal if you speak to large groups of people or if you have a soft voice. Some of lecterns may feature independent sound equipment, meaning that you don't need any external equipment. Others have dependent sound equipment, which means that you have to be able to hook the equipment up to an external sound system.

I recommend: LecternsandPodiums.com sells tabletop lectern models that have sound systems capabilities incorporated into the lectern. You can find table top wood podiums with sound capabilities at ivgStores. This store offers discounted prices on quality merchandise.

Consider a portable table top lectern

If you are a speaker on the move, you may find it beneficial to have your own table top lectern, as many venues don't provide these items. The good news is that portable table top lecterns now come in foldable models that are very easy to carry. However, if you need an independent sound system in your table top podium, you won't be able to find a foldable model. You can still find a portable one, but it will be more bulky than the foldable models.

I recommend: Displays2Go sells portable table top lectern models with various features. There is one that folds and another that is sound system ready. This company offers fast shipping and discounted prices. Podium and Lectern Store has portable table top lecterns with sound available. This company offers detailed information about all the lecterns it sells.

In all kinds of businesses where a speaker attracts an audience, table top lecterns provide a versatile tool for facilitating important meetings. Many different models provide support for specific uses, whether it's a small lectern for a non-amplified use in hearings or internal meetings, or a bigger electrical lectern for larger assemblies and meeting halls. Knowing about some of the common terms for table top lecterns will help buyers get the specific models they need.

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Mic enabled or wireless mic lecterns

Some table top lectern models include either the capacity for wireless mic hookups, or wired in microphone settings. Either one of these can be good for easily connecting your lectern to an amplifier to address large crowds.

I recommend: Find a variety of visuals and specs on wireless or mic enabled lecterns at Podiums and Lecterns.

Polyethlene

Polyethlene is a leading polymer used in the construction of items like table top lecterns. It makes the lectern light and ultra portable.

I recommend: Find out more about polyethlene at this page from BayTec Containers. Check out table top lecterns with polyethlene shell design at The Find.

Laminate

Laminate is a kind of processed product that mimics the look of sealed wood product. It is making huge inroads in replacing hardwood for items like table top lecterns.

I recommend: Find out more about laminate at this page from Countertop.com. View some options for attractive laminate table top lectern models at Everything Office Furniture.

Book holder

A book holder is an accessory, either stand alone or built in, that enables the user of the table top lectern to place a book handily for easy reading while lecturing.

I recommend: See some options on stand alone book holders for table top lecterns at Large Print Reviews.

Folding table top lectern

A folding table top lectern is one that actually folds into a compact design for easy portability. This is perfect for a speaker on the go, who may need to bring the lectern to several locations daily.

I recommend: Get visuals and details on a folding table top lectern from Kiwanis.

Solid wood table top lectern

Another choice for materials is the traditional solid wood option. These types of table top lecterns may come with a higher price tag and a greater weight, but their authenticity carries its own value. Wood construction is good for table top lecterns that are not likely to be moved routinely in an office building.

I recommend: See options on customized solid wood lecterns at Modern Office.