A Lectern is a stand or piece of furniture used to support reading materials, such as books or notes, while a person delivers a speech or presentation. Typically found in lecture halls, churches, classrooms, and conference rooms, a lectern provides a surface for speakers to place their materials at a comfortable reading height. Many modern lecterns come equipped with features like microphones, built-in lighting, and storage shelves for audiovisual equipment, making them suitable for various speaking engagements.