When professional women step onto the stage to present, we want to look confident, competent, and polished.

Of course, we want to look good; however, never at the expense of our message. Every choice we make either reinforces our message or distracts from it.

Your audience should be captivated by your words, more than your wardrobe.

That means:

Avoid jangly earrings that dance with every head movement; they will hypnotize and mesmerize your audience in all the wrong ways.

Bracelets that jingle when you gesture? Leave them off. They pull focus from your words.

Open-toed shoes or backless footwear might be perfect for a party, not a presentation. You don’t want your flashy toenails or the sound of flip-flop shoes to distract the audience by looking at your feet, not your face.

Cleavage and excessive skin? Not on my stage. My personal preference is to cover your arms and choose elegance over exposure. I don’t care how hot it is, not wearing hose is like forgetting to put on lipstick.

Remember the technical considerations. Where will you clip the battery pack if you use a lavalier mic? A pantsuit or skirt suit gives you options. Dresses with belts or pockets work, too. In my opinion, clipping a mic to the neckline of your clothing can look awkward and distracting.

Another often-overlooked detail is the backdrop color. You’ll look like a floating head and hands if you’re speaking in front of a black curtain and wearing a black outfit. In advance, always ask about the setup and background. Once you get to the conference, you are at the mercy of what you packed.

Consider wrinkles. At conventions, once I’m dressed, I avoid sitting down. If I’m scheduled to speak later in the day, I plan. Perhaps travel in pants, then change into a wrinkle-free skirt before I’m introduced.

Your hair. You can pin, gel, or spray your hair. Please don’t touch it. Touching your hair distracts from your authority.

Your stage presence is part of your message. Don’t let your wardrobe speak louder than your words.

 I am conducting a masterclass on good-to-great presentations on Saturday, May 17, from 8:00 to Noon Pacific Time. We will not discuss dressing unless I am asked!

“Patricia Fripp is the BEST keynote speaker and investment! She keynoted our major client conference, Meeting Of The Minds, and was a HIT! After her opening keynote, she conducted HALF of the ten best break-out sessions. Based on this incredible feedback, we invited her back the next year for an equally successful repeat performance. We were so impressed by Patricia’s performance that we have engaged her for executive speech coaching and sales presentation skills training.” Dave Larson, VP, Client Marketing & MOTM Conference Chair, ADP National Account Services.