5 best tips for great public speaking presentations and my picks to Dress for Success. As someone who has a history of public speaking, I am often asked the question, "What should I wear when presenting?" The reality is, there is no one way to answer that question. A public speaking presentation takes into consideration many things including your audience and where the event is taking place?
It is necessary to understand with whom you are speaking to for many reasons. Your attire for an event with children will of course be different from your attire when speaking to adults. Your attire when speaking at an outdoor informal event will be different from a formal event that takes place in a ballroom. Your Zoom or virtual meeting attire will be different as well.
Many of my previous speaking presentations involved me talking to youths. With that in mind, my attire was more relaxed compared to when I speak before a group of professional women. While I still want to remain polished when speaking to youths, I would not necessarily wear a more traditional outfit such as a business suit. However, because of my brand reputation and the topic of the presentation (as taken from my children's book, Mommy What is a CEO?), I am aware of my goal to present myself in a more business
like-way. I recognize the youths in the audience are looking up to me as an expert on the topic of youth entrepreneurship. I also understand the psychological impression I make on my audience who consist primarily of girls ages 8 to 18. I want them to associate my dress and my overall demeanor with professionalism from an age appropriate perspective.
Before I show you a few dress options I would wear to a speaking event for an adult audience, I will share 5 tips to help you prepare for your next public speaking presentation.
Know your audience (who are you speaking to?)
Keep it simple (make sure your message is delivered in a way that is easy to understand).
Be authentic (of course do your research but do not imitate the style, the message and the delivery of someone else. Find you own personal style).
Leave time for questions (connecting with your audience is key, make time to answer questions).
Have fun (public speaking can be stressful but once you devise a presentation that is right for your audience, one that is simple and to the point, one that allows you to be your authentic self...find a way to have fun!).
...and now for the fashions. Here are a few dress options that I would wear to an event.
Dress consistently with your brand. The first look is a Black and White Stripe Dress, perfect for a presentation where you want to represent your company in a professional and pulled together way!
If you feel confident, that will spill over into your presentation and your persona and you will present better. You will feel confident and stand out in this Diamond Print Dress for your next speaking presentation.
Always dress as well or slightly better than the audience. This next look, a Floral Off the Shoulder Dress with all of the vibrant colors is a perfect choice. You will surely stand out. Shop This Look
If you want to play it safe, wear this double breasted blazer with a coordinating skirt or trousers. Shop this Look
My advice is that every speaker should create at least two on-stage wardrobes, consistent with your brand and the other rules I’ve outlined. One look should be a more formal look and the other a business/casual look.
I hope these tips will inspire you whether you are presenting on Zoom or any event where all eyes are on you! To see, read, and of course, shop future blogs--sign up for blog post alerts. Feel free to send me an email at alhsuccesslinesah@gmail.com with your questions, comments, or simply to share what you'd like to see more of from me when it comes to fashion and beauty for fabulous mature women.
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Thanks for reading!
To see the entire video including all of my looks for a public speaking event, click here or watch below! Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel!