What to wear for public speaking

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression”

Will Rogers

Like it or not, as a presenter, when you walk onto stage, your audience makes a snap judgement about you.

Before you've even uttered a word…

Your appearance definitely matters.

In particular, how you are dressed.

If your audience is focussed on your appearance and dress, they’re not listening to you.

What impression are you creating by your attire?

Here are 7 tips to consider on the outfit-front, when you give your next presentation.

1. Start early

Calendar on the June page, with 21st June circled.

Don't leave your preparation till the last minute.

Time is of the essence.

Once you know the date of your presentation, start thinking about what you might wear.

2. Wear what you love

Man smiling, with glasses, dressed in a suit, shirt and tie, delivering a presentation, and using a physical pointer, to point to the current slide.

Go for clothes that suit you, fit you and make you feel great.

The colour.

The style.

The fabric.

The fit.

Everything.

Talk about a confidence boost!

3. Look it over well

Look over your outfit with a fine-toothed comb for any marks, stains or flaws, such as holes or loose threads.

This gives you the option of cleaning your outfit, repairing your outfit or choosing a different outfit altogether.

And don’t forget your shoes while you’re at it. Are they clean and shiny? Do they need to be given a little TLC, like getting reheeled?

4. Does it still fit??!!

Try your outfit on for size.

Is it too tight, too loose or just right?

You may have gained or lost a kilo or two or more...

You could either alter it, or take the path of least resistance and choose to wear something different altogether.

5. Is it comfortable?

Comfort doesn't mean sacrificing professionalism.

You want to be able to move freely, gesture without restriction, and stand comfortably for the duration of your presentation.

Opt for clothing that fits well—not too tight, not too loose.

This balance will help you focus on your delivery rather than adjusting your outfit.

Make sure you’ve road-tested your outfit once or twice, prior to your presentation.

For example, we’ve all had shoes that killed us the first few times we wore them.

This is NOT the time to wear those new shoes for the first time and find that they are unbearably uncomfortable, and giving you blisters.

Choose shoes that offer support and make you feel grounded and confident.

6. Do you blend in?

You don’t want to stand out, rather you want to blend in beautifully with your audience.

A corporate boardroom might require a different approach compared with a casual workshop setting.

While formal business attire might be the go-to for the former, smart casual could be perfectly appropriate for the latter.

Remember, the goal is to connect with your audience, and part of that connection is dressing in a way that resonates with them.

Think of yourself like a chameleon - Aim to blend right in and dress like them.

7. Don't be distracting

Don’t let your appearance compete with your presentation.

Colours can convey different emotions and messages.

Blue, for instance, often symbolizes trust and calmness, making it a great choice for presentations.

Contrast is also crucial for visibility, especially if you're being filmed.

Wearing a color that stands out against the background can help keep the audience's attention on you.

However, avoid overly bright or distracting patterns that can divert focus from your message.

Accessorise carefully - avoid jangly jewellery that may distract your audience.

If in doubt, opt for a more conservative, low-key look and sound(!).

And live by Coco Chanel’s wise words:

“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”

In Conclusion:

There you have it - 7 tips to dress for success on the presentation front.

Remember - It's not just about looking good; it's about feeling empowered and conveying your message with an extra layer of credibility.

Susan Weser is the Founder of Speaking2Win, a boutique public speaking and presentation skills consultancy, based in Melbourne, Australia. Susan’s mission is to demystify public speaking and presenting. She loves to fast-track her clients’ public speaking success, empowering them with the skills and confidence to excel in all their public speaking endeavours.

How to dress for public speaking