Don’t be the guy who's in the spotlight
Be a narrator instead. When you can, focus your audience's attention on other things. Don’t let them focus on the podium. Don’t be at the center of attention at all costs, warns an article on the presentationmagazine.com website.
Look at the audience
Eye contact is even more important when you're on a podium. It connects you with your audience. They know that you have your notes there, but that's not a problem. People don’t mind if you have notes, but they do mind if the notes get all your attention. Give your attention to your audience and hold eye contact. You can look to your notes when you finish a thought, but then move forward again and look your audience in the eye.
Keep it short
When you're on a podium, the chances are that you'll speak longer than if you aren't.
Feel free to walk in front of it
No rule says that you can’t leave the podium. By doing so, you break down the barrier between you and the audience. A more intimate and personal atmosphere will be created and you'll be much more engaging.
-jk-