A lectern is a small table for the speaker’s notes. A podium is something a speaker stands on. Riverside Club has a lectern but no podium.

The gavel is the symbol of authority of the person in charge of the meeting at any given point in the program. The Sergeant at Arms presents the gavel to the Chair at the beginning of the meeting. The Chair passes the gavel to the person conducting the business session, usually the Club President, when scheduled on the agenda. At the conclusion of the business session, the gavel is passed back to the Chair.

When you are the Chair, stick to the facts about the person you are introducing. Embellished or effusive introductions may create unreasonable expectations of the speaker (e.g., "here is the world’s greatest speaker"). Prepare and rehearse your introduction ahead of time. Be brief. Lead the applause and shake hands with the speaker. Step backward to allow the speaker to proceed directly to the speaking area. Do not cross in front of the person you are introducing. Then take your seat.

When you are the formal speaker, review the agenda so you know when you will be called upon to speak. Be ready to rise from your seat as soon you are introduced. When called to the lectern, arrive quickly. Shake hands with your introducer and proceed directly to the speaking area. Always acknowledge your introducer and the audience near the outset of your presentation. This is common courtesy. It also allows you valuable seconds to collect your thoughts and calm yourself before giving your presentation. Before you leave the lectern, return control of the lectern to the person who introduced you. Step backward to allow the Chair to proceed directly to the lectern. Do not cross in front of the Chair. Then take your seat.

The lectern is never left vacant. If you have control of the lectern but have left something such as your notes at your seat, call on another person such as the Sergeant at Arms to retrieve them for you. If you are calling someone to the lectern to present a brief report (1 or 3 min.), shake hands and step backward but do not take your seat. Then you will be ready to return to the lectern as soon as the report is concluded.