Although it may sound like a cliché, first impressions
do matter – especially in a business setting. Every effective presenter knows how important it is to make a positive first impression. Of course, your audience will judge your presentation based on what you are saying, as well as how you actually present it. But you will also have to consider how they are going to perceive you right from the start.
It's human nature to form hasty opinions and unfortunately, we tend to make quick generalizations too. Although that's not how it should be, most of us tend to form impressions based on a range of arbitrary factors, including what a given person chooses to wear.
When you are giving a presentation, it's very important to get the audience to see you in a positive light. In simple words, if you want them to sit up and take notice, it's important that you first
build rapport with them. If you get your look right, you'll have created an impact even before you actually start your presentation.
But what exactly should you wear and what if your choice of outfit is actually distracting? Here are my top 5 tips on how to dress for a presentation.
1. Know your audience
One of the first, and biggest, rules of dressing for a business presentation is that you must know your audience, as well as the situation and the environment in which you will be presenting. These can all call for different clothing styles, of course, but as a general rule, you should always dress as well – or slightly better – than your audience.
In business, it's best to stick to black, grey, or navy blue business suits, for both men and women. And although it's not necessary for your clothes to be designer wear, always make sure that they are of high quality, well-tailored, and (more importantly) clean.
If you're presenting to a younger audience, you should still aim to be smart - at least smarter than they are. Nothing will reduce your authority more quickly than a perception that you're trying too hard to be "one of them".
2. Tailor your outfit to your environment
A growing number of offices accept (or even prefer) business-casual attire, and this makes it even more difficult for a presenter to decide what to wear. When in doubt, though, follow these guidelines.
If your audience is made up of management level people who follow a conservative dress code, choose a conservative suit. If, however, they prefer business casual attires, women can wear a business suit or dressy slacks and a blazer. Men could wear a pressed and clean shirt with a tie and a sports coat.
Regardless of the dress code, however, always stay away from denim and excessively loud prints and colors.
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3. Dress comfortably
We all know that body language plays a crucial role in the delivery of your presentation and how successful you'll be. If you have an hour-long speech prepared, don't just stand in one spot. Your audience wants to see an engaging (and maybe dynamic) presenter and in order to accomplish that, you need to be aware of all your non-verbal cues.
If your clothes are too tight and restrictive, they will hamper your movement and have a negative impact on your ability to deliver an excellent presentation. To avoid this problem, make sure your clothes are neither too tight nor too loose, as you may end up fidgeting or moving awkwardly. As an example of a good option to choose would be something like
Maceoo stretch pants.
Since you'll usually be on your feet most of the time, women should also avoid wearing high heels. Low-heeled dress shoes or wedges are a far better option. They'll make you feel better too!
4. Pay attention to the detail!
In addition to choosing the right style, you should also use your clothing to direct the attention of the audience to your face and your eyes. When you're wearing a dark suit, make sure to match it with a lighter shirt or blouse. Women can also use a scarf that has a bit of red in it – this will draw people's attention to your eyes.
Another thing you should pay attention to is not to let your shirt sleeves or jacket cover your hands. And always check that your shirt isn't missing a button and your clothes have no stains or loose threads. Make sure to wear solid color (avoid loud patterns!), and well-polished shoes. Women should avoid shoes with embellishments like bows and buckles, and keep jewelry and make-up to a bare minimum.
5. Hair
Although it might seem like an insignificant part of your overall look, the way your hair looks really
does matter.
The most important thing men need to remember is to trim their hair and beard, or make sure they are clean shaven. It doesn't matter how good you think it makes you look, no one will be impressed with a presenter with a two-day stubble. Women should also tie their hair up in a ponytail or a bun to keep it out of their face. These things really do make a difference, and to get in the right frame of mind, go back to the first point: know your audience ... and remember that you're meeting them in a serious, not a social, situation.
Conclusion
It's a fact that you may not like, but your audience is painting a clear picture of you (and your company, for that matter) long before you actually start your presentation. Research shows that first impressions are often formed in as little as
one tenth of a second, which is just a blink of an eye. So focus on dressing well, and make every second count!
If you'd like to learn more about delivering presentations, why not take a look at how we can help?
Boost your presentation skills with our online courses.
RRP from $65 – limited time offer just $23.99
