| p>"What should I wear when I present?" One of my | | | | wear layers so she can remove a layer (like a jacket) |
| coaching clients asked me this question recently. | | | | if she's feeling too warm. |
| While it might sound more like a question for a style | | | | 3. Do a dress rehearsal |
| consultant, like my colleague Teresa Morisco on her | | | | If your outfit is not something you're used to |
| Wardobe 911 blog, it's also an appropriate question | | | | wearing, practice wearing it while delivering your |
| for a presentation skills coach like me. | | | | presentation. For example, if you normally wear khaki |
| In addition to your presentation content and delivery, | | | | pants and a polo shirt, practice wearing the suit and |
| how you dress and present yourself can affect the | | | | tie so you're not fidgeting with the tie or your shirt |
| success of your presentation. Like your non-verbal | | | | collar instead of focusing on your message. |
| communications, how you dress should support the | | | | 4. Consider your props |
| message you are communicating and not distract | | | | If you'll be wearing a lavaliere or clip-on microphone, |
| from it. What you wear is particularly important in a | | | | plan ahead how you will wear it. Lavaliere |
| high-stakes presentation, but it's also important in any | | | | microphones can be clipped easily on a tie or jacket |
| presentation, especially if it's your first time speaking | | | | lapel, but if you don't have one of those, you have |
| to this audience or you're very nervous. | | | | to figure out where else you can clip it. Also plan |
| Here are 5 tips for dressing for success while | | | | where you will put the microphone unit, especially if |
| presenting, no matter what the occasion: | | | | you don't have a pocket or sturdy waistband. |
| 1. Dress appropriately | | | | 5. Bring or wear something meaningful |
| What is considered appropriate depends on the | | | | Many of my clients find it helpful to have with them |
| audience and the venue. For example, if I'm | | | | an item with special meaning. Especially if you're |
| performing improv comedy for entertainment at the | | | | nervous, having some kind of physical reminder of |
| monthly meeting of a women's social club, I usually | | | | something special can help calm your nerves. For |
| wear nice jeans. If I'm doing an improv workshop at | | | | example, you could wear a necklace that your |
| a Fortune 500 company, however, I wear a business | | | | husband gave you, the watch you received when |
| suit. If you're not sure what is appropriate, ask the | | | | you got promoted or the ring you bought on your |
| meeting planner or the person who invited you to | | | | vacation to Hawaii. You could even keep something in |
| speak. And if you're not sure what looks good on | | | | your pocket, like a religious medal, or bring a special |
| you or what is age-appropriate, consult a style | | | | pen or business card case. Of course, you should not |
| expert like Teresa or work with the personal | | | | play with the item while speaking and it shouldn't be |
| shopping service at any major department store. | | | | distracting (no bracelets that clink loudly when you |
| 2. Dress comfortably | | | | move your arm). The item is not a superstitious good |
| No, I'm not talking about wearing sweats or pajamas, | | | | luck charm, but a reminder of support and a boost of |
| but appropriate clothes that allow you to breathe and | | | | confidence. |
| feel comfortable. For example, if you're wearing | | | | When you do a final check in the mirror before you |
| high-heeled shoes that hurt your feet or pants with a | | | | present, you should be able to smile at yourself and |
| tight waistband, you will not be focused on | | | | feel confident. If you follow these 5 tips, you and |
| communicating your message. I have a client who | | | | your audience will be able to focus on your |
| feels very warm when she's nervous - so I | | | | presentation rather than being distracted by your |
| suggested she avoid heavy sweaters and instead, | | | | clothes. |