In a perfect world, it wouldn’t matter what you wear to your presentation because it’s your content and delivery that are important. But, of course, we don’t live in a perfect world, and what you wear on the big day can have a big impact on how you feel as well as how the audiences perceives you.
In fact, there’s hard science behind the importance of attire. According to research from Northwestern University, participants who put on a doctor’s lab coat were able to think more clearly and sustain attention longer than those who didn’t. So, in addition to appearing more credible in front your audience, wearing something that makes you feel confident and successful can also make you perform that way.
That said, what’s appropriate for your presentation depends on your topic, event, and audience, as well as your personal style. But if you adhere to the following guidelines, you can bet you’ll be dressed for success no matter what.
Dress With the Audience in Mind
The goal of any presentation is to bring the audience onboard with an idea, so you should keep them in mind when figuring out an outfit. For example, if you’re speaking to a team of investors, then business attire is a good idea as it shows them you’re a serious businessperson they can trust with their money. On the other hand, if you’re speaking to a group of college students, then more casual attire is appropriate as it’ll make you appear more approachable and relatable.
Give Love to the Details
If you want your audience to take you seriously, then you need to show that you take yourself seriously too. That means paying attention to the details. Wrinkled shirts, scuffed shoes, and messy hair signify that you’re not a very detail-oriented person and you might lack respect for yourself and your appearance. But if you step on stage with a polished appearance from head to toe, then it’s a lot easier to take you seriously as a person and a presenter.
Minimize Distractions
As a presenter, you’re already competing with endless distractions from smartphones to laptops, so don’t let your attire become a distraction too. Save busy prints and ultra-bright colors for another day and opt for more subdued hues and patterns. You should also avoid overly flashy jewelry, funky glasses frames, and other eye-catching accessories. In general, err on the side of soft and subdued so that you’re the focal point of your talk; not your clothes.
Wear Something Comfortable
This is a big one. Just because we want you to dress in a polished, professional manner doesn’t mean you need to be stiff and uncomfortable. In fact, dressing in something that makes you uncomfortable will cause you to look uncomfortable, which can seriously hurt your presentation. So, if you haven’t worn a dress since your brother’s wedding, don’t wear one during your presentation. Just stick to clean, sophisticated clothes that makes you feel comfortable inside and out.
Looking for more ways to enhance your presentations? Then check out Ethos3’s presentation design services.
