What ought to I put on once I current?” Certainly one of my teaching purchasers requested me this query just lately. Whereas it would sound extra like a query for a method advisor, like my colleague Teresa Morisco on her Wardobe 911 weblog, it’s additionally an acceptable query for a presentation expertise coach like me.
Along with your presentation content material and supply, the way you costume and current your self can have an effect on the success of your presentation. Like your non-verbal communications, the way you costume ought to assist the message you might be speaking and never distract from it. What you put on is especially vital in a high-stakes presentation, but it surely’s additionally vital in any presentation, particularly if it’s your first time talking to this viewers otherwise you’re very nervous.
Listed below are 5 ideas for dressing for fulfillment whereas presenting, it doesn’t matter what the event:
1. Costume appropriately
What is taken into account acceptable Saint Hubert will depend on the viewers and the venue. For instance, if I’m performing improv comedy for leisure on the month-to-month assembly of a ladies’s social membership, I often put on good denims. If I’m doing an improv workshop at a Fortune 500 firm, nevertheless, I put on a enterprise go well with. For those who’re unsure what is suitable, ask the assembly planner or the one that invited you to talk. And should you’re unsure what appears to be like good on you or what’s age-appropriate, seek the advice of a method knowledgeable like Teresa or work with the private procuring service at any main division retailer.
2. Costume comfortably
No, I’m not speaking about sporting sweats or pajamas, however acceptable garments that will let you breathe and really feel snug. For instance, should you’re sporting high-heeled sneakers that harm your toes or pants with a decent waistband, you’ll not be centered on speaking your message. I’ve a consumer who feels very heat when she’s nervous – so I recommended she keep away from heavy sweaters and as an alternative, put on layers so she will take away a layer (like a jacket) if she’s feeling too heat.
3. Do a costume rehearsal
In case your outfit just isn’t one thing you’re used to sporting, observe sporting it whereas delivering your presentation. For instance, should you usually put on khaki pants and a polo shirt, observe sporting the go well with and tie so that you’re not fiddling with the tie or your shirt collar as an alternative of focusing in your message.
4. Contemplate your props
For those who’ll be sporting a lavaliere or clip-on microphone, plan forward how you’ll put on it. Lavaliere microphones might be clipped simply on a tie or jacket lapel, however should you don’t have a kind of, you need to work out the place else you may clip it. Additionally plan the place you’ll put the microphone unit, particularly should you don’t have a pocket or sturdy waistband.
5. Carry or put on one thing significant
A lot of my purchasers discover it useful to have with them an merchandise with particular that means. Particularly should you’re nervous, having some form of bodily reminder of one thing particular may help calm your nerves. For instance, you possibly can put on a necklace that your husband gave you, the watch you obtained once you bought promoted or the ring you obtain in your trip to Hawaii. You may even preserve one thing in your pocket, like a spiritual medal, or deliver a particular pen or enterprise card case. In fact, you shouldn’t play with the merchandise whereas talking and it shouldn’t be distracting (no bracelets that clink loudly once you transfer your arm). The merchandise just isn’t a superstitious good luck appeal, however a reminder of assist and a lift of confidence.
