Do first impressions count?  Do audiences really care about your appearances and whether you’re dressed up or positively dressed down?

This is a surprisingly common question at our seminars and I always give the same answer.

“To a fashion”

Now before you groan, let me explain.

Your clothes say something about you

Audiences make judgements about speakers very quickly and often before you say a word.

They make decisions regarding what they think you might have to say as they listen to introductions and to how they should regard you within moments of seeing you.

This is a make or break time for all speakers, when people decide if you’re someone that’s worth paying attention to. Commonly these assessments are based on nothing more than gut reactions.

Appearances count.

It’s probably not fair but, similar to interview situations, research shows that most people make snap judgements about others within the first few seconds of seeing them and these views are then either reinforced or revised based on what happens next…but, the die is usually cast before any verbal communication occurs.

Here are some ideas to make sure you look the part at the podium

Ruth Murphy, one of Ireland’s best known advisors on fashion for men and women, offers a number of suggestions on appearances you may find helpful.

Let’s start with general tips for men and women:

• Pay attention to grooming – if your hair or nails look scruffy or unkempt, your audience may conclude that you don’t pay attention to detail.
• Although it’s rumoured to be an ancient art now, practiced in just a few remote parts of the globe, polish your shoes. You can ruin the effect s of a superb outfit by having shoes that fail to complement your look.
• Make sure your clothes fit you – it’s astonishing how many speakers fail to notice that parts of their outfits are too tight. This tends to make the speaker look uncomfortable and, while your audience may feel for you on this front, it can be distracting and should be avoided.
• If in doubt, it’s better to be over dressed for a speaking engagement than the opposite. People will see you’ve made the effort and you can often lose a tie or accessory if your audience is more casually attired than you.

Ruth’s suggestions specifically for the gentlemen:

• If wearing a suit, most men look better in darker suits (providing you don’t look like a judge or undertaker). Many people believe that navy suits, in particular, engender more trust. However, other dark grey or black suits – with or without faint stripes – can also be just the ticket.
• If you have the typical Irish complexion (pasty white with freckles and red or mousy hair) – try to steer away from pure white shirts. They can make you look like death warmed up!
• But if you have a ruddy, sallow or dark complexion – a crisp white shirt can look spectacular
• Use ties to add personality. Try to choose a tie with a bit of colour, as this suggests someone who is likely to be more engaging. FYI, red is often considered a power colour but not everyone feels comfortable wearing it.
• Tie your tie properly – a badly done tie or one that doesn’t cover your top button looks just as scruffy as unkempt hair. So take a few moments to make sure you finish the look you were after

And Ruth’s advice for the ladies:

• Remember that fit and colours are more important that almost everything else. They give you more authority and will help you feel more confident.
• Avoid clothes that look overly masculine. For instance, wearing a suit that looks boxy can make a woman appear much bigger than she is.
• As Lilly Walters, a US communications specialist, once put it “the higher the neckline the less frivolous you appear”
• Don’t button jackets
• Don’t go overboard with clunky jewellery – it’s better to go simple/ unfussy
• Do use scarves (a bit like ties for men) to add personality to an outfit
• And for Irish women with the same Irish complexion I described for the men – in addition to avoiding white shirts that make you look drained of energy, steer clear of rose and cool tones for the same reason.

Less you think I’m a fashion expert, I’m not…but I know people who are and Ruth assures me she’d be delighted to hear from anyone who wants more specific advice.

Over to you

Do you believe appearances count? What fashion errors have you seen public speakers make?

What fashion tips would like to share with others? What lessons have you learned from in the past?