Dressing the Part


Yes, you must be dressed when youpresent. Even if you tried the old trick of picturing the audience naked, I doubt you really want them looking at you the same way. Come on, with that body? I don't think so!

So, the first external element to deal with involves what to wear when presenting.

When you're not presenting, anything goes based on corporate or social standards. You're all grown up so you know what you can or can't wear. But in front of a group , I suggest you stick to something BASIC : A Believable Appearance is Simple and the Image is Conservative.

So, try for that classically conservative look with a dash of personal style. When you dress more conservatively, the audience accepts you more quickly. You will reduce those "first impression " biases. If the costumes are very noticeable by the audience, then the actors are upstaged! Period pieces will naturally catch your eye because the context of the play is out-of-date. But a business presentation is contemporary and the clothing must not overtake the message. A few points to keep in mind to make the outfit go unnoticed are

  • Focusing on the face

  • Working with accessories

  • Wearing business outfits

  • Choosing a formality

Focusing on the Face

Your face is looked at the most because it carries the message through your voice and your expressions. Nothing should distract the audience from seeing your face. Usually, your clothes can cause a distraction, but in some cases the items around and even on your face can lessen the impact of your expressions. Let's take a look at what it takes to keep the focus on the face.

The Skin

My first bit of advice is to the guys ”Shave! Let me try this one more time ”Shave! A clean look is an advantage because it lets all your facial expressions show, especially your smile. Now, my advice to the women ”Shave! (Just seeing if you were still with me.) Actually, women have the advantage of using make-up to accent their features and make expression more visible from a distance. With make-up, be aware of lighting and how the brightness may wash out your features; if possible, apply make-up in the same type of lighting you'll be in while presenting. Cosmetics, like clothing, change style with the seasons, so avoid the make-up time warp. If you have or know of a beauty consultant, it never hurts to get advice. For both men and women, if presenting under bright lights, use pressed powder to reduce the shine , mostly caused from the heat. This is important as the lighting gets closer.

The Hair

Your hair must be well- trimmed , so that it enhances, not hides, your facial expressions. If you wear your hair long, try to keep it pulled back. Or else, when you turn your head, your hair might block much of your face. The audience needs to see at least one eye. With your head turned toward the visual, most people only get to see one of your eyes. If it's covered by your hair, it's like having your back to the audience.

Long hair on men is still not generally accepted in all the ranks of presenting, and depending on the audience, may generate an undesirable reaction. That's why I wear my hair in a style I call missing . Actually, if you are balding ”I mean follically-challenged ”you have a presentation advantage. You have the added expression of the brow, and of making all your facial features appear more dominant. In any case, the hair should not make a statement or the focus will not be on the face.

The Eyewear

If eyewear is required, you should first opt for contact lenses because they don't hide eye expressions. If you must wear glasses , try to find ones with a non-glare finish. This will reflect less light and the audience will be able to see your eyes better. Usually, in conference rooms and most rooms with average-height ceilings, the glass-glare is most noticeable.

When you stand and people sit in this type of room, the angle of reflection from the overhead light breaks right at your eyes, regardless of your height. No one knows why this is so, but it is. You could try to raise the earpieces to tilt your glasses forward, but make sure they don't fall off. Otherwise you'll be crawling around on the floor, and I can guarantee the focus will not be on your face!

Working with Accessories

Collars and necklines should be kept conservative. You can add a little more expression with ties and scarves. These accessories are great because they naturally draw attention to your face. Bow ties typically get associated with a character trait, and unless the audience already knows you and your bow-tie look, they may not take you seriously. For ties, learn to make a square knot (Windsor knot) so the tie looks symmetrical at the neck. Don't wear those big cartoon ties or the ones with pictures of dead presidents . And avoid the scarves with artistic images of who-knows-what-it-is-or-cares. All these styles distract the audience.

Pins, tie clips, pocket squares, beads, cuff links, and earrings can add polish and style, but wear them sparingly and make sure they don't distract by being reflective or noisy . A watch is your most important presentation accessory because you probably need to keep track of the time. Choose a watch face that has enough size and contrast for you to easily sneak a look at the time as you gesture.

TIP

Wear your watch on your left arm when you present, even if you normally wear it on your right. The left hand is the one that gestures to the screen and can be lifted higher than your shoulder. The glance to the face of the watch is easiest from that angle and because your face is turned away, the audience can't see you look slightly downward to see the time. If you had your watch on your right arm and then tried to look at it, your glance to your wrist would be more obvious to an audience member who is looking directly at your face.


Wearing Business Outfits

If the suit fits, wear it! The look, comfort , and style all depend on how well a suit fits and drapes your body. Suits that fit well make you feel better. A suit that is too baggy will look sloppy as you move, and one that's too tight will restrict your movement. Choose a suit that is well constructed and use that suit often. In fact, if you present a lot, I suggest investing in a suit that you reserve only for presentation events.

Once again, think conservative! Solid colors or subtle patterns are best. Plaids and large houndstooth patterns tend to "vibrate" and can be quite distracting. As for color, it's best to be traditional and subtle. Dark blue and dark-to-medium gray are the most conservative and traditional choices. Women have more opportunities with color choices than men, but that doesn't mean trendy selections will always work. Choosing the right clothing colors for your complexion can make you seem vibrant and energetic whereas the wrong colors can make you look tired and gloomy. Color can also complement your figure. In fact, dark colors minimize the figure; light emphasizes the figure. Based on your body type, choose accordingly .

On the Top

Shirts and blouses should be fitted for movement and comfort. You don't want very tight outfits, and you should avoid short sleeves while presenting. The reason is that a short sleeve makes the arms look choppy right around the elbow because of the change from cloth to skin. Your gestures are harder to follow because they don't look smooth.

For men, the shirt should be lighter than the suit, and the tie should be darker than the shirt. When in doubt, white is never wrong. For women, the color contrast can vary a bit more, but if you plan on wearing a lavaliere microphone, make sure you wear a blouse that buttons up the front or a v-neck top so that the microphone can be clipped in the center and not to one side. Centering equalizes the sound pick-up.

Jackets and blazers , like suits, should be fitted for movement and comfort. Watch out for pairing separates of contrasting colors. Think of making a solid line of color from the floor to the neck to draw attention up to your face. A lot of people wonder whether the jacket should be buttoned or unbuttoned. Men must wear jackets unbuttoned, if they plan on moving and gesturing. This eliminates double-breasted styles because they are meant to be buttoned all the time. If a man buttons a single-breasted jacket and gestures to the screen, for example, the jacket will gape and pucker because men's jackets are cut in a boxy manner. But women have the choice to leave their jackets buttoned or unbuttoned because women's jackets are cut to fit the curves of the female frame and tend to move naturally with the figure. However, usually the jackets look better when buttoned.

Toward the Bottom

Men will wear trousers, but women have the choice of a skirt or trousers when presenting. Trousers allow for easy movement and are generally accepted in the corporate setting when part of a suit. Avoid separates, because they tend to be less formal and more contrasting. With both skirts and trousers, pay attention to hems, making sure the length is tailored and conservative. For both women and men, socks must coordinate with trousers and be long enough to cover the calf. There may be times when you are part of a panel on a platform stage. When you sit, your pants ride up and you don't want the skin on your leg showing. Longer socks prevent this. Women should choose stockings that minimize attention to legs and create a solid look, drawing the eye from the floor to the face.

It's Gotta Be the Shoes

Footwear is a sound investment because good shoes tend to look and feel good. Of course, the funny thing is that people judge one another by their shoes. It's true. People look at your feet and decide on your grooming habits and even how much money you make! So, all things being equal, if you can't present, at least polish your shoes!

Specifically for women, heels are a symbol of authority and highly recommended for boosting your credibility (no pun intended). However, heels that are too high affect balance and breathing , so stick to one-inch or two-inch heel heights. Just remember, if you hear the word "platforms," it's probably in reference to the stage and not footwear from the '70s. Then again, add a leisure suit and a rotating mirrored ball and that might not be a bad way to present! Move over, Travolta!

Actually, platforms are a big trend in footwear right now, mostly among teens and the 20-something crowd . So when you're out shopping for shoes and hear the word "platforms," think youth, before you think presentation. Obviously, lower heels will allow for easier movement when you navigate backward in your triangle. Although the heels today that are usually worn with business suits are thicker than in the past and fairly comfortable, I have talked with some women who've worn heels for most of their careers and they say that totally flat shoes are actually uncomfortable because their calf muscles are stretching more than with heels. Well, you be the judge on this one. But like my dad always says, "When your shoes wear out, you'll be on your feet again!"

Choosing a Formality

Just think ”dress-down Fridays have caused a 20% drop in business for the pantyhose makers ! Lots of companies have a business casual day at least once a week, and many offices have adapted a relaxed dress code throughout the week. In fact, with the growing number of telecommuters and people working in other non-office-like settings, casual attire is becoming more and more accepted. This definitely puts a strain on presenters who aren't sure what to wear and when. I mean, do you always wear the power suit when presenting, or do you match the corporate culture?

Here's the way to look at this issue: When in doubt, wear your suit. Otherwise, try to dress one "level" above your audience. For example, if they are wearing jeans and chambray shirts, wear khaki trousers and a sweater vest. If they're wearing khakis, wear dark wool trousers and a blazer. If they're wearing blazers, you wear the suit. Your goal is to maintain a sense of authority over your audience. A " one-level -above" in formality will help you look the part.

This whole "what-to-wear" thing is more about sincerity than anything else. Take a long look in the mirror or even ask a friend to be blatantly honest. But, it's too easy to find the flaws. Focus on what looks right and make it better. If you ever get unsolicited compliments, build on them. The problem with this world is there's too much vanity. But enough about what I think of me ”what do you think of me?

Seriously, don't be afraid to consult with professionals. Lots of books cover this topic in depth, and I encourage you to read some of them. From the view of a visual presenter, the focus must be on the face, and from that point outward the gestures and movement will create the action in the presentation. The clothing should not take the attention of the audience because the outfit cannot deliver the message.



Special Edition Using Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003
Special Edition Using Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003
ISBN: 0789729571
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 261

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