Last week, I had the singular pleasure of watching a keynote speaker I had coached absolutely nail the speech she was giving. She was wearing a fabulous fuchsia suit, which she loved and wore brilliantly. Her speaking style was clear, appealing, funny, and enthusiastic.
Her clothes and her speaking style were uniquely her.
Different occasions call for different outfits. Similarly, we use a different communication style when we’re talking to our best friend, our boss, and the people gathered at a memorial service.
No matter what, though, you should feel like the clothes—and the communication style–belong to you. My client’s pink suit isn’t one I would feel reflected my style, though it was perfect for her. When we borrow other people’s gestures, language, or persona, it’s like we’re showing up in someone else’s too-big shoes, or their pink suit. It just doesn’t fit.
The audience wants to see you, so choose a communication outfit that’s right for the occasion, and that comes from your own closet.
