Public Speaking Dress Code - Dress To Impress?

Public Speaking Dress Code - Dress to Impress?

Should I be the most flamboyantly dressed person in the room? Bow tie or no tie at all? Khaki or black? Or should I resort to good old smart casual? What about my favorite pair of yellow shoes, let alone the fact that I am having a bad hair day. Well, these are the type of questions you definitely want to know the answer for before delivering a speech. Here are some tips for you to nail your next presentation.

When you’re in front of a room full of important people all dressed up following your every move it is an absolute must to care about your looks. This is not about fashion per se, it is more about style. You’re not making a fashion statement there, but sure as hell your’re making a statement about yourself and your entire attitude towards your topic. So, tread carefully!

First of all, you don’t have to buy a whole new bunch of clothes every time you give a presentation. Although, if you need an excuse, this is going to be a good one. Anyways, just work with what you've got and keep in mind that everything should cater to the fact that the most important thing for you is to be confident. You can follow each and every rule you can think of, they won’t be of any help unless you’re confident with yourself and your message that you’re about to deliver. Though you can always boost your confidence by using innocent tricks on your looks. Here is a short checklist for you that’d come in handy before picking your outfit.

Women's know how on presentation dress code:

One of the golden rules here is that your audience cannot be more into how you look than into your presentation. Keeping this in mind, you probably don’t want to
 - wear jewelry that is huge and jangly,
 - prance around in 6-inch heels or
 - flip and fling your hair every second
because these are the things that will definitely steal the attention away from your topic.

Makeup is always an enhancement if it is not all blown out of proportion. A bit of powder or foundation makeup wouldn't hurt anyone and you can also take special care about your eyes being properly highlighted because it will make them more expressive.

Men's know how on presentation dress code:

Nice jeans and a polo or a shirt can be completely acceptable attire if your audience is dressed like that or close to that look, and the topic you are presenting on allows you to do that. Always measure up the people you would like to convey your message to in orer to be familiar with their overall looks and taste so you wouldn't blow out of proportion with either a strict suit-tie combo or with sweatpants and a grungy polo.

Tips for all:

Your shoes are also can be an issue: always polish them – they’ll probably be at your audience’s eye-level in case you’re on a stage - and make sure you've had the heels repaired so they won’t look all worn down and they, not to mention, shouldn't squeak either.

Always be aware of your schedule beforehand and prepare to bring the clothes you’re going to be presenting in with you because you don’t want to appear wrinkled and haggard from traveling.

Be conscious about your dress at all times while presenting, don’t tug at them, don’t play with your pocket content because it will just won’t do you any good.

And here’s a last tip for you: after going through the checklist just forget about it! At the end of the day the only thing that really matter is your presentation. Incorporate these trick about your dress but always stay focused on the message you seek to convey. These are only the small tricks to make it happen.