You may think that what you say to your listeners is what counts when you’re speaking. But that’s only part of the story. Nonverbal communication accounts for a whopping 93% of the message you convey. And your appearance plays a big part in that.
So you need to look good for your listeners. Your clothing, hair, makeup (or not), and accessories influence your audience in ways that might surprise you. This isn’t just old school “Dress for Success” stuff. This is real and it affects your financial bottom line in your business.
I know – in these times, people want the truth. There’s a big emphasis on authenticity, on being real, and being “one of the people.” In an attempt to be down-to-earth, some business people make no attempt to dress up when they speak. If this is you, you’re missing the boat. And quite possibly losing business!
Research shows that people assign higher credibility and higher trustworthiness to people they consider to be appropriately dressed. When you’re dressed better, you are nonverbally elevating your leadership status and authority level for your listener. In plain English, they think you know what you’re doing and that you must have something worth buying!
Where This Counts
Your appearance is marketing for you wherever you speak about your business. It’s not just restricted to formal presentations. You want to look good in these settings, too:
- networking events
- client interactions
- meetings with colleagues
- videos (even your 1-minute Flip Cam shots!)
- classes and events you attend
More Benefits For You
Taking real care with your appearance has some other benefits, too. Here are four more reasons to look your best when you’re speaking in your business:
- It raises your confidence level. When you look your best you feel more sure of yourself.
- It helps you relax and eliminates a potential source of anxiety – feeling self-conscious about your appearance.
- It improves your body language (another part of nonverbal communication). When you’re more relaxed and confident you move differently. And your listener notices. Your posture is more open and engaging. You appear more certain about your topic or product.
- It builds rapport with your audience. On a subconscious level they feel more respected because you’ve taken the time and care to want to make a good impression.
Bonus Tip
Believe it or not, dressing up for work on the phone makes a big difference in how you come across –because it affects your confidence and your posture in positive ways. So get out of your sweats and get cute for your next teleseminar!
Come back and tell us how this made a difference for you. And if I can help you with building your speaking confidence, contact me and we’ll discuss options for moving you forward.
