Body Language: appearance, clothing and accessories

When we talk about body language, we can note the fact, that actions can speak as loudly as  words. How we carry ourselves can send a message just as clearly as what we say. But also no less important elements of body language are appearance, clothing and accessories. And let’s talk a little bit about each one.

The first thing people notice about other people is the way they look. And whether we like it or not, how you look makes an impression on people. But you can use this knowledge to your advantage. You should know, that your general appearance is a strong signaling mechanism, both about the specific types of interactions you want to have, as well as your general level of social awareness and intentionality.

Appearance alone doesn’t make the speaker, but it may influence the effectiveness of your presentation. Dress the way you would like the audience to perceive you. Follow some basic rules: Be neat. Iron your clothes. Shine your shoes. Clean and trim your fingernails. Check your makeup. Brush your teeth. You get the idea. Remember: a nice appearance shows that you value yourself and what other people think of you.

Expensive clothing is noticeably different from cheap clothing, so take the time to shop properly, pay money for a few good outfits that work, and take care of them (dry cleaning or cold washing). Consult the relevant experts in each area! Above all else take risks and discover your own unique style over time.

In addition to taking care over your appearance, it's also important to consider if your appearance is appropriate for the situation. You may look lovely in your party clothes or feel confident in your business suit, but these would look out of place in a more casual setting such as at a picnic or at the movies. The same goes for accessories and make up: glitter eye shadow and elaborate hair might be fun after work, but look odd for a business meeting.

Remember to dress for the audience and not for yourself. This means taking into account the demographics of the audience – age, level, education, industry – as well as their cultural expectations. A key guideline is to never dress less formally than your audience.

When presenting to international audiences, take cultural differences into account. Nevertheless, stay true to who you are. Also, don’t shop alone for ethnic clothing. Take along a trusted friend, colleague, or colleague’s wife, who can advise you about appropriate styles and colors in that country.

For men, appropriate dress means that it is better to wear a suit and tie. A dark blue suit works with almost all shades of skin color. A white, or lightly striped shirt is a good, formal choice. Shirts with checkered designs come across as more casual.

Similarly, women should select classic business-style clothing and avoid dressing in ways that draw attention away from the message of their presentation. In particular they should stay away from excessive jewelry, short skirts, low necklines or anything which compromises their professionalism.

Both men and women should avoid looking too faddish. In a corporate context, you want to appear reliable and steady, not like someone who changes with the wind. On the other hand, with a younger audience or in a college or university setting, you may be able to get away with more fashionable styles that make you look “cool”.

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