I’m no fashion guru, to say the least.
A friend once commented that I found a style I liked in the mid-1980s and have stuck with it ever since.
I would’ve argued, but sadly he has a point.
However, I do take my teaching seriously, so always think about what to wear in order to look credible and professional.
I was teaching the Cambridge MedTech foundation about the art of pitching for customers and investment this week.
I duly assembled a reasonable shirt, and pair of jeans, and then realised something important, and indeed surprising.
Those were not, for me, the most important items.
Certainly not for my psychology in performing and presenting well.
So what did I come to the conclusion was the most important element of my outfit?
Any guesses... before I tell you the answer...?
It was...
- My shoes
And why was that?
I was reminded of what the great actor Sir Alec Guinness always did when he was given a new role to play.
It’s a simple but genius insight into the art of performance.
He went out and bought himself a pair of shoes he thought that character would feel comfortable in.
In other words, he was building the character from the most basics upwards.
It’s a different take on the old saying:
- Put yourself in my shoes
That acting analogy is important, because when we present we play a role.
We have to be full of energy and enthusiasm, as well as cool, confident and commanding, in ways which might not be the real us.
So we need the clothes to match…
Starting with our shoes.
You may then be asking: what did I choose for footwear?
Well, here's the thought process:
I like something with a little height in the heel.
I’m not talking stilettos, of course.
(I've never been able to walk in them!)
Instead, just an inch of elevation, to take me nicely above 6 feet.
A heel also helps push me forwards, which seems to be the right sort of body language for presenting.
On my toes, and ready to go.
As for the look, I chose shoes which were rather smarter and shinier than my usual scarecrow-like appearance.
Once more, they suggested the right frame of mind:
Smart and cool, authoritative and confident.
A little distinctive, but not too much so.
So then, finally to the big reveal...
And the picture shows you my footwear of choice.
What do you think? Do they work for you?
The whole of this blog stems from just a few seconds of thought...
You can no doubt tell how the psychology of choosing the right pair of shoes for presenting really struck me.
It's a small detail, but an important one to help give you an edge.
Particularly in high pressure, high stakes situations.
Those where you might be presenting to big customers, major investors, or just your bosses, trying to get a precious idea adopted.
Finally, I’m aware this blog is a little off the wall, even more so than my usual strange standards...
So I’d be fascinated to know what you think is the most important item of clothing to consider when presenting?
Am I being completely mad in raising shoes up to pole position?!
I'll look forward to hearing your thoughts.