Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Tips for Presenters Question: I coach presenters and do some presenting myself. I'm familiar with the basics of choosing professional business attire, but do you have some specific image tips for those of us who communicate by standing up in front of groups and delivering presentations? Jan Answer: The primary image principle for speakers is this: Attract, don’t distract. It’s absolutely essential for a speaker to look attractive and to be dressed attractively to hold the attention of the audience. Conversely, if the speaker has a distracting appearance or ill-fitting, inappropriate clothing, the impact of his/her words drops even below seven per cent of the total communication. The speaker is not really heard because the audience is too busy looking at the distracting influence. With this primary principle in mind, the following image tips for women speakers will help them receive laudatory “applause.” A-P-P-L-A-U-S-E: A -- Attire: Dress one notch above the audience. The speaker should look like an expert on her subject; authority is always a bit more formal in appearance. That does not mean you should exhibit an aloof personality. It does mean that your suit jacket should be buttoned. Strive for a put-together well-coordinated appearance, from head to toe. Never dress in anything less than dressy business casual, which still includes a tailored jacket. P -- Pantsuits: Dressy, tailored pantsuits (true pantsuits, jacket and pants in a matching fabric) are an excellent choice for female speakers, primarily because they take the attention away from a woman’s legs. They are also slenderizing and equalizers in a man’s arena. Stick with businesslike colors such as such as black and navy or rich shades of gray, brown, olive, red, burgundy, eggplant, royal blue, or purple. Rich colors convey personal power and authority. They also command respect. But don’t go too dark all over, creating a drab appearance. To create interest, accessorize well or wear a brightly colored silk blouse with a black, navy, or dark suit. If the occasion specifies business formal, a woman should wear a dark skirted suit with heels (2 to 3”) and appropriate legwear. P -- Posture: Standing tall with correct posture is critical to a speaker commanding respect. With this, a well tailored, perfect fit is essential. Expect to get alterations to achieve this look. Correct posture or the wrong design for your body type often makes jackets roll at the neck or just below. Specific alteration tips are listed in my book, Casual Power. For speaking, avoid any garment that is too tight (or too baggy), and any garment or accessory that makes you tug and pull, or fidget in general. Have a reputable tailor check out your sleeve length, hem length, and every detail of the fit of all garments that you wear for speaking. Check out your shoulders as strong shoulders convey power. If you have sagging shoulders, insert small shoulder pads. To look taller and exude personal power in your visual aspect, follow the “Vertical Dressing” tips in chapter 5 of Casual Power. L -- Legwear: Appropriate legwear coordinated to your outfit is a must. Bare legs are distracting; they are for social or leisure occasions. What’s more, bare legs do not show respect for an audience, unless you are speaking at a resort or a pool-side event. Never wear light colored hosiery with a dark suit and dark shoes. It’s not an attractive or stylish look. If you do, the audience will focus on your nurse-like legs. And your legs will appear larger. Proper legwear colors for speakers are black, off-black, gray, brown, and skin tone colors. Avoid colored or patterned hosiery. Wear navy hose only if your suit is a lighter navy and you have shoes to match. Midnight navy suits works best with black or off-black hosiery and black shoes. A -- Accessories: Draw attention to your face with important-looking accessories. Earrings are a must. A necklace is optional, depending upon your neckline. Choose a necklace that sits right at your throat or just below to properly frame your face. Wear a watch with a metal band, not a leather band. Absolutely do not wear sport watches unless you are speaking on the benefit of such a watch when scuba diving or running marathons. Scarves can be tricky for speakers and are usually best avoided. The long ones are the only ones that can work to add interest without distraction. Avoid large square scarves as they can be distracting and often, they are fidget material. U -- Ultra Chic Hair: …and Grooming: A flattering, fashionable hairstyle is non-negotiable to successful speakers. If you look out-dated, so does your expertise and subject matter. Hair color is also important. While gray hair can convey experience, if it’s drab, it’s looks tired, which makes “you” appear tired and possibly dull or boring. Your grooming must be impeccable, including your nails. Have a manicure or get silk wraps or acrylic nails. Silk wraps are my personal favorite, as they look more natural than acrylic. Nail colors that are acceptable for female speakers are these: natural. French manicure, and shades of red, pink, and coral. Blue, yellow, green, and metallic colors are too trendy for an adult speaker to be taken seriously. S -- Shoes: Your shoes tell your secrets. They must be impeccable. Closed toe/closed heel styles are best. Heel height is important, too. As a female speaker, do not wear flat shoes. To maximize your height and posture, wear a 1 ½” to 3” heel, no higher. Ideally, your shoes are as dark or darker than your hem length. For example, if you are wearing a white or ivory suit, wear black with white or ivory trim or even pewter or daytime gold metallic shoes (daytime, not ultra-shiny evening shoes) instead of white or bone shoes. White shoes stand out too much, particularly when on stage. Speakers should avoid brightly colored shoes as they create distractions. The attention should be on you (your face) not your shoes. Never wear sandals or open-toe shoes for presentations. E -- Eye-catching makeup. Tastefully applied makeup is critical to the image of a female speaker. Let’s underscore the “tastefully applied” aspect. Overdone makeup would have a negative affect as that can be an indicator of low self-esteem, just as wearing no makeup is. Blush, lipstick, and eye-shadow colors should be compatible with and flattering to a woman’s natural coloring. However, all color types should avoid wearing heavy blue eye shadow or any brightly colored shadow when making a presentation. Heavy pink tones around the eyes can also make one appear that they are crying or having allergy problems. Neither of which is pleasant for an audience to contemplate. Women who wear tastefully applied makeup are perceived as confident and polished. Looking great will increase a speaker’s confidence, allowing them to make eye contact, and exhibit greater enthusiasm. There are important tips for men speakers too, but that is another article. Enjoy your applause or better yet, a standing ovation. Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: Wearing hose Makeup in the workplace Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'