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By personal appearance, we refer to the impression you make on your audience through your clothing, jewelry, hairstyle, and grooming, and other elements influencing how you look.¹¹

Personal appearance in a public speech matters for two reasons. First, many people in your audience will form their initial impression of you before you even say anything—just by looking at you. Be sure your appearance communicates the right message. Second, studies show that this initial impression can be long lasting and very significant.¹² If you make a negative first impression because of a sloppy or an otherwise unappealing appearance, you’ll need to expend a lot of time and effort to win back your audience’s trust and rebuild your credibility.

The rule for personal appearance is to do what is appropriate for the audience you are addressing, given the occasion and the forum. If you’re addressing a somber and formally dressed audience while eulogizing the life of a fallen friend, don’t show up in brightly colored casual garb and loud jewelry. Likewise, if you’re delivering a presentation to a potential client in an industry known for its relaxed and playful corporate culture, consider dressing down for the occasion rather than donning a blue pin-striped suit and power tie.

But in any speaking situation, you should always strive to look presentable through good grooming (tidy hair, nails, makeup) and an overall tidy appearance (avoiding holes in clothing, clothes that are inappropriately revealing). That way, you show respect for the audience, the situation, and yourself.