A solid, quality lectern for most uses is a type of furniture

If you expect the lecture to stand up to a lot of use -- for instance, to be used for regular public speaking events, like on a stage, ballroom, or a school setting -- be prepared to spend on something heavy, wooden and sturdy.

I recommend: Lecturns for heavy use can be found at office furniture specialists like Hertz Furniture Systems and Best Lecterns. See more at the Business.com directory listing of lectern vendors.

Lecterns for office settings can be simpler, more portable

Speaking to smaller groups or off-camera is often less formal -- and more effective -- if there's less visual clutter between the speaker and his or her listeners.

I recommend: Consider a plexiglass or pole-style lectern. They hold up speech notes but don't get in the way. Take a look at some examples of this type of podium at Modern Office and Displays2Go.

Another portable lectern is the desktop lectern

Typical of university settings, a desktop portable lectern can be effective in an office setting as well, in part because it is much smaller and be stored with a hassle.

I recommend: Review desktop portable lectern models, also called tabletop lecterns, at AV Furniture Plus and School Outfitters.

A podium lectern can come wired with audio-visual tools

In many educational settings, a lectern is most useful if it's highly adjustable and comes ready to plug in projects, computers and other audio-visual gear.

I recommend: Some vendors of state-of-the-art AV podiums, lecterns include SmartDesks, Eon Designs and Hi-Tech Furnishings.

Buying a church lectern

Lecturns for churches and synagogues are particular in design and sold by furniture makers with years of experience. They are generally much heavier, not a portable lectern, and come ready for microphone wiring.

I recommend: Take at look at the choices in a church lectern from Heavenly Wood and Hall Furniture.