spokesmanIf you’re going to speak on behalf of a client or your company, you have to make sure nothing gets in the way of your message.  And that includes your fashion sense (or lack thereof).

Tami Kou, the lead media trainer at LaBreche in Minneapolis recently contributed a piece on what to wear (and what not to wear) to PRNews.  Here are a summary of her tips:

  • Avoid small-checkered patterned prints. The camera has a difficult time focusing on the print, making it hard for viewers to look at.
  • Don’t wear large, flashy or clunky jewelry. Oversized jewelry not only overshadow your message, the noise of it can be picked up on your microphone.
  • If you’re wearing a jacket, pull it tight and sit on the back of it. This gives you a much sleeker look and more polished presence.
  • Not sure what color to wear? Stay away from white, unless you’re wearing a colored jacket on top. White tends to wash you out. Instead opt for French blue. There’s a reason why it is the backdrop for nearly all presidential debates. That’s because it looks great on all. 

Tami also reminds us:

Television is a visual medium and people are listening with their eyes just as much, if not more so, than they are with their ears. [So,] remember that you’re representing your company’s brand and first impressions count. Make sure that your attire reflects that. If you have a hip and trendy message, then a traditional navy blue suit isn’t the outfit that is going to convey that message. What does your outfit say about you before you utter a word? Are you traditional and conservative or innovative and edgy?

Think this is all a bunch of nonsense?  Just remember how the press obsessed over the wardrobe of candidates Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin during the primaries and election. 

And for men – think back on the number of times some rube in a ball cap and wife beater t-shirt was interviewed on the devastating impact of a flood or hurricane.  Was his message as effective as the golf shirt-wearing state officials or uniform-clad emergency responders?  Which guy gets lampooned on Leno or Conan?

Tami is right when she says people “listen with their eyes” when it comes to television. 

And for those of you who want to be company spokesmen but can’t pull off the clean dress shirt look?  Stick to radio.

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