podium /ˈpoʊdijəm/ noun
plural podiums
Britannica Dictionary definition of PODIUM
[count]
1
: a raised platform for a speaker, performer, or the leader of an orchestra
2
US : a stand with a slanted surface that holds a book, notes, etc., for someone who is reading, speaking, or teaching : lectern
A conductor stands on a podium, a speaker stands behind a lectern - modern usage.
lectern (n.) early 14c., lettorne, lettron, "reading-desk in a church," from Old French letron, from Medieval Latin lectrinum, from Late Latin lectrum "lectern," from root of Latin legere "to read," literally "to gather, choose," from PIE root *leg- (1) "to collect, gather," with derivatives meaning "to speak (to 'pick out words')."
Books and notes are placed on a lectern.
A speaker or conductor stands on a podium; and with a speaker, the lectern is in front of them.