Presentation Attire - Part 1
This cast recommends how to dress when giving presentations.
We've said it before: effective presentations are an opportunity to enhance one's career. We've seen friends of ours careers go up and down based on how one or a series of talks or speeches or just staff meeting slide decks go.
Since they seem to be an unheralded part of career success, Career Tools will return to this topic many times. And, those of you in small companies, or entrepreneurs, or public sector workers, or not for profits: all of this still applies. If you're having to make a client pitch, or asking for funds, or even just briefing your 2 person staff, doing well in presentations impresses others, and impressions make a difference in one's career.
The Career Tools Rule of Presentations is simple: Presentations are the internal career equivalent of INTERVIEWS. They're THAT important. Those of us who spend time developing our skills for them will out perform those that don't.
- WHY Presentations Matter
- Dress Up
- Keep it Simple
- Get a Haircut/Get Styled
- Empty Your Pockets
- Minimize Jewelry
- Highlight Your Arms
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Great advice so far
BLUF: When you finish, they should be talking about your presentation and not your clothes.
Great advice so far, guys. I'm a professor and I discuss appearance when we have in-class presentations. Some of my colleagues think this is surprising or unnecessary, but especially in their first job, our graduates represent our school and ME. Why not give them every tool to succeed?
There is an old story that someone told Beau Brummell that a friend was so well-dressed that everyone stopped to look at him when he passed. Brummell replied, "Then he is not well-dressed." Understated and professional is what you want to project.
The only disagreement I have is in saying a black suit is ok. I'm not worried about fashion rules, but very few people look healthy in a black suit in daytime lighting. Your first suit should be charcoal gray or navy. The reason they are classic is that they flatter most complexions.
I'm sure you will mention this: for presentation day keep the tie simple: solid, repp stripe, or churchill dots. Again, there is a reason that nearly every executive and politician has a Brooks Bros. #1 tie (it looks good). And take the time to shine your shoes! Better yet, get them shined on the way to work. It can be a great morale boost for your big day.
Jim in CT
Dress to Impress?
Hi Guys
Loved this cast. In your cast you mention that you should "dress up a level" (or words to that effect) - so if your audience is in jeans, you wear wool pants for example.
My question is - does this apply in a normal work environment as well? Is dressing "up a level" a good strategy for the day to day workplace or does standing out that way make you seem at odds with everyone?
I work in a place where everyone wears jeans and casual gear. When I was promoted to a new area and up a level I switched to wool pants with a crease and dress shirts. I figured it sent a signal that I was serious about changing and learning a new area -- and it looks good. (Just ask any woman what she thinks of tailored clothes!).
However, I did take some heat from people who know me. And the managers in my company tend to only dress that way when they're meeting external people.
Do you think I've gone too far? Should I conform to the masses?
I think I know the answer to this but would be interested in the forum's view.
Regards
Mark
PS: I also thoroughly recommend Toastmasters for people who want to practice those presentation skills. It's the only place I know where I can dry-run my presentations and get honest, constructive feedback before the big day!