Lectern

A lectern is a raised reading desk or platform, usually slanted, that a speaker uses to hold their papers and other material during a speech. In the NCFCA and Stoa, debaters almost always speak behind a lectern. Because a given tournament will have many debate rounds taking place simultaneously, lecterns are often improvised: the use of orchestral music stands is common, or (if no other substitute can be found) several boxes may be stacked on a chair.

"Lectern" vs. "podium"
Lecterns are frequently referred to as "podiums", even in official NCFCA documents. This is technically incorrect; a "podium" (derived from the Greek word for "foot") is not a reading desk, but rather a raised platform that supports both the speaker and the lectern. A speaker stands on a podium, and behind a lectern.

The vast majority of debate rounds take place in rooms with only a lectern, not a podium, so the use of "podium" is technically incorrect. However, even those that recognize this distinction may often use the word "podium" to refer to the general area that the debater stands in while speaking.