Dress Rehearsal – Presenting You!

Image tips to maximise your presentation skills

The scene is set: Your about to make your debut, the PowerPoint slides are ready, the lights are on and the audience waits with baited breath. You stride out on stage with confidence but what’s this? The audience starts to smirk, then giggle uncontrollably and then roar out with laughter…at you! And before you’ve even made it to the lectern you look down and realise you are standing there buck naked except for the notes in your now shaky hand. Err…exit, stage right.

You wake up suddenly. Relieved that it's only the classic night before nightmare.

However, if you are about to present, whether to an audience of 5 or 500, it would be prudent to pay just as much attention to your physical appearance as you do to the contents of your presentation. If you want to call it a true success. Below are some of areas to consider to help maximise the impact of your presentation by ensuring you are presenting you well.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. A statement, never more true than when you are faced with presenting to a group of people, also a scary one when you consider that research shows that 93% of those impressions are formed based on your appearance, body language and tone. So how you dress and present yourself is an important factor of non-verbal communication and should be part of any effective presentation skills program for creating positive rapport with an audience and sending out the right signals.

What does your image say about what you are presenting? Consider carefully the topic of what you are presenting and how your image reflects this? It’s a useful exercise to spend some time thinking about your audience and the topic, in order to visualise the type of attire most appropriate. For example:

• Creative/artistic/imaginary could mean more dramatic, striking, expressive wear
• Social/amicable/open/friendly means you will want to come across accessible and approachable
• Serious/efficient means a polished look to ensure you are taken seriously
• Innovative/pioneering/original would require a modern, current, ‘fashionable’ look

If you are not sure what type of dress is appropriate, ask someone who does: your boss, your colleagues and peers or research it. Rather do that and get it right.

Look good, feel confident with your style. It is important that what you are wearing is comfortable. It doesn’t matter whether you are presenting to a small group or in a large auditorium, for that time you are centre stage. Anything uncomfortable, too tight or emphasising your less positive areas will immediately be noticed – taking away attention from what you are presenting.

• Clothes should flatter and be in line with body proportions and scale, fit well and allow a sense of personal style appropriate for the topic, audience, event and venue.
• For professional business settings always play safe and wear a jacket.
• Consider or get expert advice on any figure challenges: male or female, most of these can be managed by directing the eye upwards and not drawing unnecessary attention. For example by buttoning up a good fitting jacket; proper length of trousers, skirts and jackets and avoiding eye-catching accessories or clothing detail.
• Bear in mind the use of a clipped on microphone. Clothing will need to account for this and so wear something with a lapel.
• Ensure you are not wearing anything that will cause distraction.
• Avoid flashy accessories as this will also be distracting.

Importance of colour. Colour is a powerful communicator, evoking a more or less universal set of emotions and reaction so consideration should be given to what colours you should wear. Consider even the surroundings of where you will be presenting so that you are not lost on stage if it turns out the background is the same shade as your outfit!

The colours you choose (as with the style) will be dependent on the environment, audience and that earlier description of the topic, business or company. This will determine whether a more traditional business style is appropriate or something more relaxed or more dramatic.

Ensure the colours that you wear compliment your natural hair and eye colour and skin tone. You will look more refreshed, radiant and natural. Ideally ladies should wear make-up (yes, even a bit of foundation and eyeliner for men can be appropriate) but care should be taken on its application and quality and ensure that it is not over powering.

Have a top-down checklist! Grooming and finishing touches are essential as these will be obvious when in front of an audience. Make sure you try your whole outfit on before hand and check your appearance from head to toe.

Does you hair look well kept? Does it need a cut? Are there any issues that should be addressed? Is it in an appropriate style for a presentation. For example will you fiddle with it if it's worn down? (Personally I was notorious for this!)

Eye contact is important but can be lost if you wear glasses with reflective lenses as lights bounce off these. Go for non-reflective lenses if possible.

What does your profile look like – remember you may be seen from different angles. Keep your pockets clear and make sure you do not have any distracting, hanging or creating unnecessary attention on your clothing.

Check your tights have no ladders and always keep a few spare pairs. Polish your shoes and ensure heels are clean.

Be prepared for the day. Know your environment – Research your venue and ensure you are familiar with its layout. Arrive early – it will help to calm nerves and allow you to adjust to your surroundings. If you are required to travel a long distance then you may want to consider not travelling in your ‘presentation outfit’ or at least ensure you can hang up your jacket or have your clothes pressed.

If you have a long day ahead of you, consider carrying a spare outfit or a spare shirt or blouse.

And finally…are you smiling? One of the greatest communicators. A smile can make all the difference to your mood and the mood and atmosphere of your presentation. It’s true when they say a smile is contagious. No matter what the reason or background as to why you found yourself standing in front of an audience, you might as well make the most of this experience. In the words of William Shakespeare all the worlds a stage so enjoy it!

At the end of the day, your presentation may be brilliant, technically sound and visually pleasing, but looking and sounding the part is key to gaining that immediate and lasting credibility. Your personal presence and impact can have a very positive or negative affect on the way others perceive you. It differentiates you and allows you to stand you out from the crowd.

Do you have an important presentation coming up? How are you shaping up when it comes to presenting you? For more information on help with your personal presentation and impact, visit www.imaginestyle.com.