What you wear is also important; make sure that you know your audience and know what is expected.
Studies have shown that over 90% of a first impression comes from non verbal communication. Appearing either too casual and too formal can be off-putting to your presentation’s audience.
To get a better idea of how what you should wear you should list five adjectives that describe how you want your presentation to be perceived and then try to dress accordingly.
Here are some examples:
- Creative: means being more original and imaginative
- Efficient: means paying attention to grooming
- Innovative: means modern and with the times
- Friendly or approachable: means avoid looking too severe
It is important that before you give your presentation that you pay close attention to every aspect of your appearance.
When choosing what to wear take into consideration how comfortable you will feel in it, a tight and unflattering outfit will only serve to distract an audience and make giving your presentation harder. Something you will also want to take into account is the colour of the stage and whether or not this will complement what you are wearing, if possible try and make sure that this is the case.
Before you give your presentation take everything out of your pockets so as to remove any awkward angles that may emerge (and to stop you from fiddling with things in your pockets). If you’re wearing smart shoes make sure they’re polished – tattered and dirty shoes can often be very visible to an audience. One important thing to remember is to never travel long distances in the outfit that you will give your presentation in as you’ll turn up looking disheveled.
