336 / TAKING CENTER STAGE
Creating a first
impression
Connecting with
the audience
Appearance alone won’t win over your
audience, but it plays an important
role in setting out your intent and
credibility. When choosing what to
wear, consider which outfit will have
the greatest influence on the people
you would like to impress the most.
For example, if the audience
consists mostly of your casually
dressed peers, but also includes two
suited directors, dress up not down.
And if you are the manager of a
factory addressing the factory floor,
think how differently your message
will be perceived if you are wearing
a suit or clean corporate coveralls.
The first thing your audience will notice is how you look, and this first
impression is hard to change. Give plenty of thought to the message you
want to send through your attire, grooming, and posture. Study yourself
in a mirror, and ask colleagues for their opinion on your appearance.
LOOK SHARP
Change into a fresh, pressed
outfit just before you begin
your presentation; check
beforehand that changing
facilities are available.
Tip
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CREATING A FIRST IMPRESSION / 337
Dressing to impress
There are no fixed rules about dress and
appearance, but if unsure, veer toward
neat, professional, and conservative
rather than trying to reassure your
audience by “blending in” with their
style. You are dressing to create an air of
authority and confidence rather than to
please yourself, so steer clear of casual
clothes like jeans and sneakers, leather,
shiny fabrics, and anything with
prominent emblems or designer labels.
Avoid distracting blocks of bright color,
though color can be used to provide an
accent. Make sure your shoes are clean,
polished, but comfortable—if it is painful
to stand in them for the length of the
presentation, change them.
Minimize jewelry—you don’t want your
accessories to be the most memorable
part of your presentation—and always
pay attention to details, even if you won’t
get that close to the audience. You can
bet that they’ll notice if your clothes
are wrinkled or your cuffs are frayed.
Remove bulging keys, change, and other
loose items from all your pockets, and
check that your lapels are free from
any name tags.
Whatever your dress, always take the
time to groom yourself—your audience
will not forgive an unkempt appearance
or poor personal hygiene.
KEEP IT REAL
It is important to feel at ease
while presenting. While you
shouldn’t forsake style for
comfort, avoid wearing
clothes so formal that they
make you feel self-conscious
and false.
Tip
ASK YOURSELF…
YES NO
1 Is my hair clean, neatly styled, and away from my face? .............
2 Are my fingernails clean and trimmed? ......................................
3 Have I trimmed my beard and moustache? .................................
4 Are any potentially offensive tattoos visible? ..............................
5 Is my perfume/cologne overpowering? Many people
find scent unappealing, so it should be avoided. ..........................
6 Have I applied antiperspirant? ....................................................
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