Podium

A podium is a platform that is used to raise something to a short distance above its surroundings. In architecture a building can rest on a large podium. Podiums can also be used to raise people, for instance the conductor of an orchestra stands on a podium as do many public speakers.

Related Topics:
Architecture - Conductor - Orchestra - Public speakers

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One common type of podium is that used to honour medallists in sporting events such as the Olympics. In the Olympics a three level podium is used, the highest level in the centre holds the gold medallist, to their right is a somewhat lower one for the silver medallist. To the left of the gold medallist is an even lower platform for the bronze medallist. Some sports, most notably rowing shun podiums, and the symbolism they represent.

Related Topics:
Olympics - Rowing

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Many people often mistakeningly refer to lecterns as podiums. The two words are not interchangeable. The distinction is that lecterns are what a speaker stands behind and keeps his or notes on, while the speaker stands on the podium.

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