What you look like speaks so loud that what you say, I can't hear! That is a powerful statement. And it has so many different implications.

When you enter a room, regardless of your purpose, you are judged INSTANTLY by your appearance. It is not possible for another person to remain neutral in their opinion of you after they see you. This can work to your advantage or to your disadvantage. Its all up to you.

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Tags: appearance, public speaking

By John DiPietro

Regardless of how great the content of your message is, audience members can be swayed on what you are wearing in an instant and by what you say in the opening thirty seconds of your presentation. So, you can see, that it is vital to get off on the right foot(wear) with your audience.

Let’s look at how you look to the audience before you say your first word. Keep in mind that your topic can contain award-winning material, but if you have alienated your audience by your appearance, then your content is meaningless. Here are some tips for dressing for success on stage.

1. Remove your name badge. This is a gigantic distraction to the audience. First of all, it takes all of the attention of the audience member away from your face, from where your emotions should be flowing, to the glare filled and sometimes crooked name badge. This is not what you want to have happen before you say your first words. Taking your name badge off also “separates” you from the audience and gives you the authority that you will need on the stage.
2. Make sure your footwear (as referenced above) doesn't have any holes in the soles. (Have seen this on numerous occasions.) This screams “pauper.” Also, for ladies, no open toe shoes and ultra high heels should be worn. A bad combo is a great suit and shabby footwear. It devalues your look and your message. Be sure you shoes are tied and all buckles are securely fastened.
3. Keep your sport coat buttoned, especially if you are equipped with wireless microphone gear. Why let the gear become a distraction?
4. Dress one level above the attire of the audience. If you are underdressed, you do not exude authority. If you find you are overdressed, you can loosen your tie.

The big mistake that so many speakers make is to make reference to those that are late or not coming to the event in their opening sentences.
Never refer to those that are not there since it diminishes the value of those that are in the audience and did show up on time. Do not begin by saying something similar to, “Well, lets get started now and for those that come in late, I will go over the material they miss.” Never start that way. The only people that are important to you are those that are there right then. The person who is not there is not able to provide any useful activity to you after the event. In fact, don’t even give evidence to the fact that the room is not full. Just begin your talk as if you were speaking to a full house of attentive listeners.

Remember that your start determines your finish!

John DiPietro speaks to audiences all across the USA. He can be reached at john@Johndipietro.com. He is the author of “You Don’t Have to be Perfect to be Great” and is featured in a newest edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inside Basketball.

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Tags: appearance, marketing bridge, public speaking