A poetry reading can be held anywhere. It can happen in a coffee shop, auditorium, and more. The key to it all comes down to where the reader is going to read. A stage is a good idea, but mostly the person reading needs a place that will set them apart from the listeners. In most cases, this means a podium. If you want to host a poetry reading or allow people the freedom to express themselves from center stage, you may want to consider building a podium for them to use.
Necessities for a Podium
A podium can have several features that range from basic to high-tech. Even the most basic will have a microphone, sound control options, and a slanted table for you to put the item that you plan to read aloud. However, others may not have a microphone, but include cubby holes on the backside of them where the reader can access them easily. Some podiums also have built-in tablets so that you can scroll through your notes while you are giving your speech or reading a book of poetry.
For a poetry reading, you need only the most basic, with a microphone and a tabletop. Both will put you front and center and ensure that your voice is heard clearly by all the people in the room before you. This means that virtually anyone can build a custom podium before hosting an event.
Building a Custom Podium
The size of your podium will depend mostly on where it will be positioned and who will be using it. Most podiums are going to be between waist and chest high. These are rather basic. Often, just a pedestal to put the speaker front and center. You should build a cabinet that measures approximately 48”x20”. You can cut one end at an angle for the top if you want to or build a second box for that part. The raised platform table can be made of laminated scaffold planks to ensure a smooth surface area. Shelving on the inside of the cabinet, microphone hookups, and more can all be stuffed into the shelves. If you have a stationary microphone, a hole may need to be drilled into the top of the cabinet for wires. To finish the build, you can stain it, paint it, or put sealant on it to protect the wood.
Why Podiums Matter
A podium may seem like something you can leave out of your next poetry reading, but most people suggest that if you want to be heard, you have one. A podium is a place that gives your words more value. They are heard and felt by an audience because you are placed above them. Even without a microphone, you will be heard more clearly at the back of the room and all around you.