• Improves your effectiveness in business
• Communicates intention to be taken serious
• Indicates professionalism
• Sets the stage for work relationships

CLOTHING

Clothes set the stage in terms of first impressions & beyond.

PERSONAL & PRODUCT PACKAGING

• Valued over one billion dollars per annum
• Differentiates offering
• Directs focus
• Sets expectations
• Dictates usage

WOMEN

• Conservative business suit
• Well cut dress
• Short sleeves fine with jacket
• Keep shoes polished
• Avoid loud colours
• Credibility decreases with amount of skin shown
• Dark colours are more professional
• Avoid fashion gimmicks: Miniskirts, Petticoat look, Singlets, Plunging necklines, Stretch clothes, Beachwear, See through clothes
• Pub wear
• Hair-well groomed
• Hair regularly cut
  
  

VOICE

• Avoid - loud voice, whispering, nasal voice or squeakiness
• Project your voice
• Vary tone to create interest
• Keep your head upright
• Speak deep in your throat
• Words become 27% of your communication, tone 73%
• Match tone and speed of voice to client

THE GENERAL DRESS RULE

• Appropriate dress
• Conservative dress
• Unobtrusive accessories
• Good quality clothes & accessories
• Well laundered
• Good cut and fit
• Project image of confidence
• Creates perception of success
• Recognised as business dress

MEN

• Dark suits - navy, charcoal - pinstripes
• Pastel shirts
• Two trousers per suit
• Easy care fabric
• Conservative ties - level to bottom of belt and centred
• Hair well groomed
• Hair regularly cut
• Beards regularly trimmed
• Avoid tinted glasses

WORKING SPACE

• Desk is an extension of personal appearance
• Avoid gaudy wall hangings, calendars
• Hobbies belong to leisure time
• Tidy desks
• Avoid files clutter
  
  

• Posture speaks
• Balance on both feet
• Avoid slouching
• Head upright
• Move steadily, head high
• Correct any annoying gestures:
  Twiddling, fiddling, hair twisting, nervous laughter, giggling, clasping & unclasping of hands, tapping, sucking teeth, licking lips & chewing side of mouth