18-point clothing checklist for every speaker

Too many speakers don’t think about their clothing; they choose colors they like versus colors that work well for their coloring or the setting, be it a speech before 1,000 people or an interview in a television studio.

The setting, your movements during the talk, your technology, and other factors can all affect the choices you make from your closet.

I started this list with the wardrobe questions from my popular checklist for the whole speaker, then added more items to make it a comprehensive checklist on how your clothing appears when you speak or present. Once you get used to working your way through this checklist, you’ll find yourself automatically making smarter wardrobe choices for your speaking engagements and presentations. This checklist works for men and women.

1. Are my clothes clean, pressed and mended? Will they likely look wrinkled after a short time?

2. Do my clothes suit the occasion at which I’m speaking? Think in terms of formality, what the audience will be wearing, and the event itself.

3. Do my clothes fit me?

4. Is my outfit comfortable from head to toe?