Comfortable? Then We’ll Begin.

While most of your confidence for any kind of important speaking will be due to your preparation (see ‘Do. Your. Prep.‘), being ‘comfortable in your own skin’ and being physically comfortable are also really important.  

Good Presentation
I once saw a very respectable figure give a talk in clothes that were so casual it didn’t match their credentials; they looked as if they didn’t respect the audience or the event. 

Why not dress up a little for your presentation, interview or networking event? It’s showtime, and a sharp set of clothes gives the impression that you’ve considered everything that you’re going to do, right down to what you’re wearing. It can also give you a little ego boost, which is always nice, right?  

Maximum Comfort
Okay, you’ve chosen a killer clothing combination. However, you can’t bend your knees very easily, and after three minutes your little toe feels like it’s being slowly sliced off by a bored surgeon. Wincing or hobbling won’t be good. Also, does it look good when sitting down? Does your shirt open up between the buttons giving people an unexpected look at your bra or chest? Do those trousers bunch up around your crotch? Perhaps that is skirt a bit too short to be decent unless you’re standing? I’ve talked about how important it is to open up and ‘Reveal Yourself‘, but I was referring to your character. Make sure your clothes aren’t going to hinder your performance. 

Being Comfortable in Your Own Skin 
Are you accurately conveying who you are? Do your homework on your audience and find out what the culture is; will they all be in suits? If so, will not wearing one damage your credibility? Or perhaps help you stand out as being unconventional? You might want to wear something smart but with an eccentric accessory to reinforce in people’s minds that you’re unique and interesting. The final step should be to fully commit to what you’ve chosen to wear and to not worry what people might think. 

Get comfy. Get confident. Get on with it.