How To Dress To Impress

London, UK

What you say as a speaker or presenter is key but so is the way you look. You may have seen other posts on this subject last year by media coach Alan Stevens. He once again, outlines the importance of "looking right" in his latest weekly e-zine. His main assertion is that your message must be congruent with how you look. In other words, dress to impress. If you're uncertain what to do try a top image consultant to start with. Once you know what's the right colour, shape and style of clothes visit a leading bespoke tailor.

LOOK THE PART

As I travel the world, I watch TV interviews, sometimes in a language I don't fully understand. However, I can often tell whether the interviewee is coming across well simply by checking their appearance. While your words are of great importance (don't believe that popular misconception that words are only 7% of meaning), appearance is importance too.

In addition to how you are perceived by others, your appearance can affect how you feel. In order to deliver a confident performance, you need to feel good about yourself, and only you can be the judge of that. Even if others tell you that you look fine, you will know whether you are happy with your appearance.

Somewhat surprisingly, your appearance is important on radio too. For the reason just mentioned, if you are feeling good about yourself, you will perform better. Not only that, but the way that you look will affect how radio interviewers treat you. If you are speaking on behalf of a professional body, such as a group of lawyers, you will not be taken so seriously if you arrive at the studios wearing jeans and a t-shirt. On the other hand, if you are an eco-warrior, a three piece pinstripe suit may be inappropriate.

Take as much care over your appearance as your message, and make sure that they work in harmony.