Whenever you go to deliver a presentation or host an event, you are the main character for the next few hours. It puts you in the limelight, and every person in the room has their eyes on you. Hence, it is crucial to be tidy, clean, and elegant.
The concept of dressing well has been a trend since times immemorial. When we flip through the pages of history, we can see that every great orator has been neatly dressed and well-groomed.
Be it Adolf Hitler, Jawaharlal Nehru, or Sarojini Naidu; the best speakers have always been in the glory of their looks when they have spoken. This profoundly increased people’s respect for them and their words.
Here are a few reasons why dressing well is the backbone of public speaking –
1) Boosts Confidence
When you look good, you feel good. Imagine yourself standing in front of a hundred people in shabby, dull, and dismal clothes. Will that make you feel confident, or will it destroy your self-esteem? The latter would be the case.
Therefore, when your physical appearance is on point, you will feel more confident, energetic, and grounded. This will raise your spirits and help you deliver a flawless presentation.
2) It Makes You Stand Out
There is always a fine line between the presenter and the audience. This line is often defined by values, experience, and knowledge, but it also includes a crucial factor – clothes.
Your attire is critical to making you stand out – it represents who you are, defines the magnanimity of your personality, and aids in distinguishing between the host and the audience.
This doesn’t necessarily require you to carry fancy clothes; it simply means carrying an outfit that defines your character and makes you feel comfortable.
Here is an example of a great orator; Steve Jobs. Whenever Apple launched a new product, Jobs gave a presentation regarding the same. Throughout the years, he was always seen in sneakers, black turtlenecks, and classic-fit jeans. This dressing has become his personal style and set him apart from the audience.
3) First Impression, Last Impression
Let us understand this with an example – imagine yourself as the audience, listening to your new boss’s first presentation. He stands near the podium in a crushed shirt, dirty shoes, and a stained tie. What was the first impression that you formed of him? It would obviously make you ponder his callousness and laziness. And no matter how amazing his words were, your first impression of him will always stay in your mind as the last impression.
Therefore, dressing up tidily helps your audience remember you forever in a positive manner.
4) It Sets the Tone for Your Presentation.
Your dressing reveals the nature of your presentation, whether it will be formal, casual, or semi-casual. It sends a message to the audience about the type of seminar that will follow.
Therefore, whenever you’re formally dressed, your audience will tend to be more serious-inclined towards you, and a lousy outfit will shatter their attention.
5) Capability to Express Oneself Through Power Dressing
In the 1970s and later, the concept of “power dressing” emerged and made people realize the necessity of dressing well. This concept allowed everyone, especially women, to convey their individuality through clothes. However, it didn’t focus on ‘trends’ but emphasized on being comfortable in your own style.
For instance, let us consider the example of Sudha Murthy, an eloquent Indian speaker who is known for her words. She has always been seen in a simple sari, which perhaps is her way of power dressing.
Things to Remember:
- It is necessary to dress according to your audience’s cultural and ethical values. It is always recommended to do research about their backgrounds first and pick an outfit accordingly.
- You must always opt for clothes that are comfortable and allow you to move freely on the stage.
- Select clothes that add to your personal style instead of going with the trend.
- Choose colors that are not too bright or loud – going in for neutral or monochromatic shades is always a good idea.
- Remember to take care of the minor details – ironing your clothes and polishing your shoes will amplify your persona.
- Make sure that if you accessorize, you keep it simple.
Conclusion
Dressing well helps create a personal style for the speaker and makes the audience remember them in that particular avatar. It creates an identity for the orator, raises their spirits, and allows a free flow of ideas and creativity. Therefore, it is important to prioritize your outfit as much as your presentation. We hope that this article helps you in your public speaking endeavors. Do share it on your social handles!
