It’s What You’re Wearing: 5 Mistakes Sabotaging Your Public Speaking Confidence
what you’re Wearing when you present
Psst…what you’re wearing when you present at work is likely killing your public speaking confidence.
I know, it sounds weird. I’m not in your office or bedroom where you’re likely reading this right now…but I happen to know from having coached thousands of speakers through the years that you’re not unlike many of your peers.
You present formally or informally about once per week. (That’s often enough for it to impact people’s perceptions of you.)
You’re among the 75% of professionals who report having some degree of fear of public speaking. (Only about 1 in 3 people have ever had any formal learning on how to do it well.)
You spend about 7 minutes per day (on average) considering what to wear. (You spend far more time - 42 minutes - deciding what to eat.)
Public speakers are listened to–or ignored–based on a few important criteria, including clarity, relatability, relevance, organization and delivery.
BUT, all of these criteria hinge on one very important factor: how fast your audience judges you.
Yeah, your public speaking confidence can easily be trashed by one snap audience judgement.
The Science Behind How and Why Your Audience is Judging You Based On What You’re Wearing
As humans, our brains are wired to categorize and assess information instantly. This includes judging speakers before they even open their mouths.
Studies show it takes only .25 seconds to create a judgement on someone.
Studies show it takes only .25 seconds to create a judgement on someone, and that snap impression is based primarily on appearance. As a presenter or speaker, that means before you say a word, your audience has already decided whether they find you credible, competent, and worth listening to.
Imagine a high-powered CEO stepping onto a stage, ready to deliver a game-changing keynote. His speech is sharp, insightful, and full of wisdom. But then, you glance down and see his shoes are scuffed, dirty, and falling apart. Suddenly, there’s a mental disconnect. “Wait, if he’s such a pro, why can’t he take care of his shoes?” Like it or not, these small details shape perceptions.
This isn’t just about fashion. Public speaking confidence is about commanding the stage with presence and authority. Studies show that audiences form impressions of speakers based on visual cues before they even process verbal content (Knapp & Hall, 2010). That means your wardrobe, posture, and facial expressions could be reinforcing—or undermining—your message.
If you want to make a lasting impact and build major public speaking confidence, you have to think beyond what you say. Your delivery, appearance, and nonverbal communication all play a critical role in how effectively your message lands - and how empowered you feel to speak.
The 5 Things You’re Wearing That are Killing Your Public Speaking Confidence
Alright, let’s get down to it. What are you wearing that’s killing your public speaking confidence…and what should you wear instead? Here it is my, friend:
1. Colors That Drain.
Your color choices are doing a lot of the talking! Color plays a significant role in business communication by influencing emotions, perceptions, and brand identity. Your choice of color can elicit desired reactions from your audience and even make the difference between being easily seen against a background or not.
Instead: Energize your audience and your public speaking confidence by wearing colors that pop - or at least - compliment your skin tone and background. As an example, if you’re on a stage with a dark background, avoid black, which can make you blend in. Opt for jewel tones (sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red) or flattering pastels that evoke emotion in your audience.
2. Clothes That Need Babysitting.
I’m a mom, and one thing I know for sure is that kids need constant attention. Your clothing–on the other hand–should not. The day of your big speech is NOT the time to break in new shoes, experiment with a new dress, or test out a suit that may or may not fit. You can’t display public speaking confidence if you’re fussing with the buttons on your shirt because they’re pulling a little too tight.
Instead: Stick to something you feel 100% comfortable and confident in. Be sure you can move your arms, hug someone (I’ve literally received hugs after speaking), walk up or down some steps, sit and stand, move across a room - all without having to adjust or tend to your clothing. One of the most sure-fire ways to kill your public speaking confidence is to be more focused on yourself and your clothing) than your audience.
3. Details that Speak Louder Than You.
Public speaking confidence absolutely tanks once you realize that your shirt has a talking stain. The way you dress can directly influence your mood and mindset, which can either boost or destroy your public speaking confidence.
And, when your clothing has holes, ripped hems, stains, or is oversized or undersized, it screams a subconscious message to your audience: “I don’t take enough care of me; I’m definitely not caring about you or your time while I’m speaking.” Studies show that well-dressed individuals are perceived as more competent and trustworthy (Forsythe, 2006).
Instead: Regularly refresh and care for your clothing. From mending buttons to dry cleaning special fabrics or even tossing worn clothing, make it a regular routine (I do it seasonally) to check through your clothing and pare it down to items that make you feel amazing.
4. Forgettable Style
Public speaking confidence isn’t about perfection; it’s about authenticity. If polished shoes and tailored suits aren’t your style, that’s fine—just own it. Be remembered! If you’re known for wearing sneakers everywhere, don’t hide it—embrace it. Call it out. Work it into your remarks. “Good morning everyone. I’m Marlena, the sneaker-wearing CEO. I focus on innovation, not fashion so we can lead louder in the marketplace.” If you tend to speak casually, lean into that strength. Call that out. “I speak plainly because I believe clarity is kindness.”
Instead: Pay attention to details. Add the bright tie or pocket square to that suit. Opt for a bright lip color to ensure your facial expressions are visible, even to the back of the room. Be boldly you.
5. A Scowl or Resting Bored Face
If you’re not having any fun or interest in your speech or presentation, neither is your audience. Great speakers use body language to amplify their words and build their public speaking confidence. And it works! According to research, gestures improve message retention by up to 60% (Hostetter, 2011).
If you’re anxious about speaking or presenting, going big with your body language could be your best bet in boosting your confidence.
Instead:
Stand tall – A strong posture signals confidence and authority. No slouching or shifting side to side.
Use purposeful gestures – Use open gestures to reinforce your key points.
Eye contact matters – Aim for 3-5 seconds per person before shifting your gaze. This builds connection and credibility.
Public speaking confidence is contagious. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, your audience will feel good listening to you. If you use body language that signals self-assurance, they’ll believe in your message. If you show up authentically, they’ll connect with you on a deeper level.
So before you take your next “stage” (wherever it may be), ask yourself:
Do I look and feel my best?
Am I reinforcing my message with my presence?
Am I being true to myself?
If the answer is yes, congratulations—you’re on your way to unshakeable public speaking confidence.
