Working in broadcast television for 25 years, what I wore on air was a big deal.
As a senior news reporter the first thing the audience would notice when I popped up on their TV screens was rarely the hard hitting news I was delivering.
Their natural inclination was to make a snap judgement of my look – a mini assessment of what I was wearing, how my hair was styled and if my make-up was flattering. If I was dressed too casually the impression I potentially conveyed was that I don’t care all that much about the issue I was reporting on.
An eccentric cut, a lot of skin and a bold colour on a dress might look great at brunch on the weekend. But on the TV news, crazy colours and daring designs are distracting.
The audience would always let me know if they didn’t like what I was wearing. I distinctly recall one viewer commenting on a floral shirt I wore once for a health story saying that it “looked like my grandmother’s curtains!”
You look like you’re wearing my grandmother’s curtains!
Now this might seem shallow. But television and social media are visual mediums.
The prevailing “look” for television reporters is conservative and professional. Because the aim is for viewers to focus on the news that is being delivered, rather than the shape or colour of the dress we’ve chosen. I would usually opt for a well-fitted suit in plain colours, or a blouse teamed with nice pants. I also carefully styled and often straightened my naturally wild curly hair.
Now I am not a stylish person. So thankfully in the news organisations I worked for I had the support of fantastic wardrobe stylists. They would help me select clothes and would let me know if something I wore was not quite right.
Now, I know putting so much focus on appearance as a television reporter may seem sexist and out-dated. But let me assure you the same rules about “looking professional” also applied to the men in the newsroom. Why? Well as shallow as it seems, first impressions count. So if you are about to deliver a corporate presentation or are preparing for any sort of public speaking engagement please consider your attire.
People see you before they hear you
When you are speaking publicly the audience will make an assessment of you well before you open your mouth. As you step on stage they will be judging you based on your appearance and certainly your clothes are part of that. Confronting but true.
Now I am not saying you need to go out and buy an ultra expensive new suit or dress, paired with designer shoes for every public speaking engagement. However, you should put some thought into what you will wear.
Understand the dress code for the event. Understand who the audience is and their usual dress code.
When presenting or public speaking, no one will hear your message if they are concentrating on your crappy clothes.
If you dress shabbily no one will listen to what you are saying
Keep in mind also that a radical or outlandish outfit might be great to initially attract the audience’s attention. Or make a bold statement. But ask yourself, is this loud shirt distracting from my key message? Does wearing jeans demean my professional image?
Also, if you are sitting on a panel – and decide on wearing a very short skirt – the ONLY thing the audience will be watching is your hemline. Having the audience stressed out about glimpsing your undies is not usually the desired outcome of a presentation.
Suitable and authentic
Okay so I can hear the complaints. “What about my personal style?” “We shouldn’t be judged on our looks”. “Hey, it’s not the 1950s we can wear what we want!”
Look I get it. I’m not saying we all need to adopt a boring corporate uniform. You can lean into your personal style. Wear colour. Have fun with your outfit. As long as it’s in keeping with what you are saying and what the audience wants to see. Remember, when you do any sort of public speaking it is not about you. It is about the audience.
My public speaking wardrobe rules:
- Firstly, ask the event organisers exactly what the dress code is. If they are unclear, then ask them what the audience will be wearing. If what you wear is in keeping with audience expectations then you’re on the right track.
- Professional but comfortable. Make sure you can easily move in your outfit. That it is not too tight or constricting. Also choose fabrics that breathe because as you start speaking your temperature will rise and you will sweat.
- Dress quietly. Literally. No noisy bangles or earrings that interfere with hearing your voice clearly.
- Polish your shoes. Scuffed and dirty shoes are gross. Polish them, clean them or just buy a new pair.
Now dressing right is only one part of delivering a great presentation. You also need to create great content, convey your messages confidently, and connect with your audience. If you want to improve your public speaking skills get in touch with me at Emily Rice Communications for one-on-one or group training options. https://emilyrice.com.au/#contact