[coon2000]

It is nowhere near 16 inches. If it were, the guy standing behind the podium must be 8 feet tall.

[knarf]

The female aid in the blue suit is right up against the platform for a fraction of a second and the top of the step is just below her knee.

My wife is 5' and her "just below the knee" is at 14"

Let's put it THIS way ... it ain't no 7 1/2" riser.