Class presentations tend to be a little intimidating for some, especially in college. The bar is set high and it is a moment in time when all eyes are on you. There are those who approach the podium with the utmost confidence and certainty in their work—you know the kind! And then there are those who are a bit more squeamish when it comes to public speaking. No matter how you feel about it, the one element to a presentation that you can always rely on to help you succeed is the way you dress!
Dressing well for a presentation is very important to consider when you are preparing for the big day. The way you dress helps you significantly in the success of the work you are showcasing. If you are dressed up, your audience and professors will notice that you are not only professional, but also that you care enough about your grade to appear put together. It is an opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the presentation you have created.
There are a few tips and tricks to consider when dressing for a presentation. Jeans should probably be left in the drawer that day, especially ones with holes in them. Sometimes, it is acceptable to wear jeans for a presentation depending on how serious of a presentation it may be. But, it is good to make sure that they fit you well and are neither baggy nor full of rips and tears. However, it is always smart to stick with a nice pair of dress pants, khakis, or a skirt that is an appropriate length. Make sure not to confuse a Saturday night get-together with a Monday morning presentation!
Boys should come wearing a button up shirt that is tucked in and pressed. Although, an iron is certainly hard to come by in a dorm building but don’t worry, professors will understand! Just make sure that you are not grabbing a shirt from the bottom of your laundry basket. Maybe even throw on a tie if you’re really looking to go all out. Girls should wear shirts that are not too tight and that conceal cleavage. You want to ensure that the audience’s focus is on your presentation…not your chest.
The main goal you should aim to achieve when dressing for a presentation is keeping the audience’s attention on the presentation itself while still appearing like you put thought and effort into the way you showcase yourself and your product. It is also really good practice and preparation for how to dress in the professional world when you start going to job interviews and gaining experience in the workplace. Dressing well for a presentation will not only improve your grade, it will also give you a level of self-confidence that is necessary for success!