Dress for Success

Public speaking can be remarkably nerve-racking. Even A-list celebrities like Harrison Ford have a fear of public speaking, which he refers to as

“a mixed bag of terror and anxiety.”

Harrison Ford

Fear is a normal part of presenting, but being nervous should not squash your confidence. To deliver an excellent presentation, you need to build up courage; if you are hesitant or tentative, your performance will not be credible or convincing. Have you ever noticed you carry your head a little higher when you’re wearing a great outfit? When you feel confident about your appearance, you feel unstoppable. As finals quickly approach, it is time to overcome your fear of presentations and become your most confident self. I sat down with management student Adam Clark, Science Student Lauren Flesher, and Arts Student Liv Cohen to find out how they become their most confident self to nail their presentations.

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Annie Chusid: What is most nerve-racking to you about public speaking?

Adam Clark (Management Student): “Getting information wrong. Most of my professors don’t like it when we use cue cards, so it’s essential that I practice enough to make sure I present all my information accurately. I don’t want to forget anything and get marks taken off. I also don’t want to mess up facts and spread fake news. Our society doesn’t need any more fake news circulating. 

Olivia Cohen (Arts Student): “I used to have horrible anxiety when I had to do a presentation. For some strange reason, I am always nervous about pronouncing a word wrong. My friends are always calling me out for mispronouncing words. I know this sounds silly, but I never want to look dumb or ignorant in front of my class. ” 

Lauren Fleshner (Science Student): “I am an introvert who avoids public speaking. As a science student, I don’t have to present very often, but when I do, I can very anxious. Sometimes I cant even sleep the night before. When it comes to public speaking, I am my worst own enemy. What makes me the most nervous is stuttering or getting so nervous that I forget what I am supposed to say.”

Annie Chusid: How do you calm your nerves before a big presentation?

AC: “I just make sure to rehearse my presentation multiple times. Sometimes I will make my roommates sit down and listen to my presentation. It helps to get constructive feedback. I find that when I have already presented in front of my friends, I feel more confident about presenting in front of my classmates. It’s much harder to perform in front of a small group than a large group. It’s all about feeling your best and not psyching yourself out. If you feel good, you will do good.”

OC: “Breathe. Breath Breathe. I know that’s basic advice, but taking deep breathes really does help you calm down. Deep breaths can physically calm your body when you are feeling anxious. Mindfulness is also essential when your taking deep breathes. Just focus on your breath and let any thought fade away.”

LF: “Exercise. I try to work out four times a week. Even when I am stressed, I try to make time to get in physical activity because it calms my nerves. If I don’t have enough time to go to the gym, I will do an at-home workout. Before a presentation, I try to do a quick at-home exercise to calm myself down. I will typically just follow a video on YouTube. My favourite YouTube workout videos are by the Pamela Reif. She makes great videos that make me want to work out.”

Annie Chusid: What do you wear to a presentation to feel your best? 

AC: Depends on the class and how much the presentation is worth. If it’s a chill class, I will throw on a t-shirt and go for a venture capitalist vibe. If its an important presentation or a competition I put on a suit. T-shirts and jeans are great because they are comfortable, but there is something about wearing a suit that increases my confidence. Something about putting on formal clothes makes everyone feel more powerful, not sure why I am not a psychology major. 

OC: Nothing too formal. I like to look put together, but not over the top. I dress in a way that reflects who I am; I think that’s very important, especially in an arts setting. I try to find a balance that commands respect from my classmates, but also doesn’t make me look like I am trying to hard. I want to feel comfortable and confident. I will typically wear dress pants and a bright top that will grab everyone’s attention. 

LF: Normally, we have to wear a lab coat. If it’s a class not in the science facility, I will wear something that makes me look presentable—no stains, no wrinkles, no bright colours. I have a Downy Wrinkle Releaser, which is a pray that smooths away wrinkles in seconds. Its a miracle product. I try to keep my look clean and crisp. I always feel better when I like my outfit and look put together. I never want to do a presentation when I am feeling insecure.