ImageSellsYou.com - The Professional Image Resource

Public Speaking
By Diane Parente, AICI, CIP

On stage all eyes are on you. Your clothing, as one of your props, helps to set the tone for your presentation. Your physical presence can lead the audience to tune in or tune out even before you begin to speak. Remember, you want your clothing to add to your presentation, not detract from it, because it is difficult to reverse a poor first impression.

To convey a professional image, first define the audience and your message. Then make whatever adjustments are necessary to be certain that your clothing fits the presentation, place and time. More serious presentations (for instance, those concerning financial, legal or governmental topics) call for a dark structured suit or dress with a contrasting blouse or scarf to reinforce your message. Conversely, for more informal situations (such as high technology or academia), try a lighter relaxed suit, dress, or coordinated separates (perhaps even a pantsuit). For more persuasive presentations, such as sales promotions or political speeches, try an eye-catching, distinctive jewel tone, such as ruby, royal, emerald, or purple in structured suits or dramatically styled dresses.

The following suggestions provide you with the basics on presenting an effective image on stage:

Select clothing that is conservative, yet distinctive, such as a red suit with a dramatic cut or asymmetrical closing.
Enhance your visibility from a distance by wearing a contrasting blouse and jacket, or a dress that contrasts with your skin color.
If you will be moving around, select a garment that provides freedom of movement without pulling, gapping or excessively wrinkling.
Skirt or dress hemlines should be mid-knee or longer, especially on an elevated platform where some of the audience may be looking up at you.
Develop a signature with either accessories or clothing. Try a colorful scarf, conversational pin, unique cut of the garments, or use of color.

Create a professional image by wearing pumps with a moderate heel, especially in a formal or conservative setting.
Try to wear hosiery in natural or sheer tints.
Select earrings no larger than your eyes to prevent distraction.
Be sure your eye glasses have non-reflective lenses.
Wear understated makeup for a smaller group and more exaggerated for a larger group (100 or more, where the light and distance may make you look washed-out to those in the back of the room.

Other Valuable Tips:

Whenever possible, check on the background color before going to the location to be sure you have the proper contrast and balance of colors. If you feel the background is inappropriate, ask if there is a screen or other backdrop that can be used during your presentation.
If you will be using a clip-on microphone, be sure your outfit has a lapel for the clip and a place to attach the microphone pack (on the belt or waistband).
Be prepared to take your clothes with you and change before you go on stage. Impeccable grooming and wrinkle-resistant dressing are a must.

Public speaking is one of the best ways to promote your business. If you give more than two presentations a month, you may want to have certain designated outfits that can be worn exclusively for these engagements. By doing this you always have something appropriate to wear, even if you get a last-minute call.

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