Donna Gamache

What to Wear When Speaking – 7 Ways to Engage Your Audience and Share Your Message

dgamache — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 18:16:36 +0000

Does this sound familiar? You are introduced as the speaker at an event. You feel good about your presentation and know that all eyes are on you. Then all of a sudden, you think to yourself, “I sure hope I look as confident as I feel.” You see, it is vitally important that you feel as confident about your appearance as you do about your presentation. Why? Your program or presentation is a way of marketing your products and services. The people in the audience need to get to know you, like you and trust you by the end of your presentation so they will buy what you offer. In today’s market it is imperative that your message be heard loud and clear.

There are so many opportunities to get in front of your prospective clients these days. As a corporate professional or an entrepreneur, it is an important part of your marketing strategy and will help you gain that know, like trust bond you need while getting your message out. Making sure your content is valuable and presented professionally is important and so is looking like a dynamic professional. As a public speaker, your goal is to let the audience get to know who you are, show them why they want to get to know you and how you can help them. You don’t want anything to get in the way of your message so the less visual distractions you offer your audience, the more likely they are to pay attention to your rich content. With that in mind, I want to share 7 tips to a more confident you so you look as confident as you feel when presenting.

Know your personal style…

Be the best you possible. Know your personal style and what makes you feel confident from the inside out. Being uncomfortable in what you are wearing is distracting to you and your audience and sends the wrong message. It is also important that you wear clothes that are not outdated. Wearing an outfit that you have had for 10 years may convey the message that you don’t keep up with current issues and your message is outdated as well. Be sure you wear clothes that are modern so you feel confident in how you look. Your audience may not remember what you wear but they will remember you were well put together and professional.

Know who you are speaking to…

You need to know who your audience is if at all possible. If you are speaking to a group of people in a financial related industry, you must wear a suit. This industry dresses in suits. For you to show up dressed casually will have them disconnected before you ever say a word. On the other hand, it you are presenting to a group of people in a creative industry (graphic design, IT, etc.) showing up in a suit is going to put you at a disadvantage because your audience will think you can’t relate to them. You must dress in a professional way for either audience (this means no jeans ever when you are presenting).

Be genuinely YOU…

If you are not a suit kind of guy or gal and find yourself presenting to a group of people who wear suits, there is a way to still be you while wearing that suit for your presentation. Suits come in all different styles so choose one that fits your personality and then find a shirt/blouse/top that is you. Finding the right tie or accessory can help bring our your personality as well. On the other hand if you are a suit kind of guy or gal and find yourself presenting to a group of people who never wear suits, you can be you by wearing a sport coat without a tie or jacket (women) instead of a suit. If you are uncomfortable in what you have on, that will show and be a distraction to your audience.

Know your personal shape…

Wearing clothes that don’t fit sends a message that you don’t pay attention to details which may reflect in how you handle your own business. Be sure you wear clothes that are well-fitted so you feel confident in how you look. The important thing is to create balance both horizontally and vertically so that the audience’s eye is not distracted from your message.

Wear the right colors…

Did you know color can either make you look alive, awake and refreshed or make you look tired, sick and sleepy? You need to choose the right color to wear when you present because it can affect the mood of your audience. Choose rich, vibrant colors for professional speaking engagements. They add energy to your message. Rich hued blues and greens are always a big hit. Choosing dynamic colors as opposed to wearing all black will keep your audience attention as well. Isn’t it easier to watch something colorful rather than an all-black silhouette?

You need to feel comfortable…

It is really important that you feel good about how you look. Be sure to dress for your personal style and shape but consider comfort as well. Your discomfort will show and distract the audience from hearing your message. Avoid wearing something that you are constantly adjusting. Wearing the right shoes is critical, too. I don’t know about you but when my feet hurt everyone knows it. So choose shoes that are stylish and comfortable.

Be sure to have fun…

Have fun with what you wear when you present. While it is crucial to be authentic in your dress; to be dressed industry appropriate; to be comfortable in what you have on, it is also important to get outside your box and do something a little more interesting when you speak. It will show the audience you are excited about your message.

One final note…

No matter what role you play…key-note speaker, host or panelist; it is vitally important that your business message to the audience be effectively presented through your own personal presence. When you are dressed in clothes that fit your personal style and body shape, your confidence shows through to your audience. Looking your best is the way to set the right tone for your event. It will get your audience to engage and be more receptive before you speak your first words.

Need help with what to wear for your personal style and shape? You want to get the 24/7 Personalized Style System. For details click here.

Interview on STL TV Live – part 2 of 2

dgamache — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:42:11 +0000

Interview on STL TV Live – part 1 of 2

dgamache — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:41:32 +0000

What does your “look” say?

dgamache — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:37:19 +0000

First, let me say the “look” I am referring to is not about fashion or runway designs or physical features. It is about how you present yourself through dress, grooming and non-verbal communication. Why is it important? In today’s economy, it may still be tough to get your ideal job, move up the corporate ladder or get more clients so you need every advantage possible. There is nothing that will give you that competitive edge more than owning your personal brand. Personal brand is knowing who you are from the inside out and then dressing in a manner that reflects your personal style. This creates confidence and authenticity like nothing else. If you were more confident, what more could you accomplish? If you live day after day in your true authenticity, how would it change your life? Radically!

In their recent survey, CareerBuilder.com, stated that 41% of employers polled said that employees who dress more professional or better tend to get the promotions more often that employees who don’t pay attention to the way they dress at work. This also applies to those who are self-employed. If it is that important to a promotion don’t you think it will be important to getting new clients? Yes!

How you dress plays a key role in how you are perceived. How do you want others to perceive you? Do you want to be taken seriously when it comes to your work? So, what can you do to ensure your “look” is conveying the right message? First, think about what message you want to convey and then follow these simple tips for dressing more professionally.

Know your personal style! Knowing how to dress authentically is key to conveying a message of confidence. Don’t know your personal style? Visit www.Donna@DonnaGamache.com and get your free personal style analysis.

Dress professionally in your personal style! Start with the basics in your closet. Choose a neutral color for your core wardrobe and then add splashes of your personality through color, pattern, style. Make sure you clothes are up-to-date, clean and professional. Add the right accessories and shoes to complete the look.

Look the part! Dress for the job you want not the job you have. You have probably heard that one before but it is so true. Dress the way your boss dresses or better. And, if you are a business owner, dress the way your prospect or client dresses or better. This is sure to help you stand out and get that promotion or new client.

Get a great fit! Make sure you have a good tailor that can custom fit your clothes. This is key to helping you look your very best. An ill-fitting pant, jacket or suit will just look cheap and sloppy. A perfect fitting pant, jacket or suit will make you look pulled together and professional.

Who is Creating Your Personal Brand?

dgamache — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:33:57 +0000

You are your brand! You are the reason people choose to work with your company. So many others offer what you offer, so what makes you stand out is your personal brand. You are the one that either puts forth a good brand or bad brand. First, ask yourself this question. What do you want others to think when they see and interact with you? It is up to you to project the image you want others to have of you. Think of it this way. If you asked your clients and colleagues to describe you in three words, what would they say? Are you creating those three words or are they? The answer should be you are creating those three words.

To be the most successful, you need to create your best personal brand. The only way to create a genuine brand is to be yourself! When you use your unique, God given talents and strengths and work within your own personality, you can’t help but be genuine and magnetic. Quit trying to be like someone else…it never works. Judy Garland says “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”

Here are my suggestions for creating your best personal brand.

Be authentic. There is only one in the world and you are here for a reason. Be true to who you are from the inside out.
Know your strengths and talents. If you are not sure, visit http://www.strengthstest.com/now_discover_your_strengths.php and take Marcus Buckingham’s strengths test. It’s worth the investment.
Work your strengths. Once you know your strengths, focus on them. Don’t try to do what you think you “should” be doing. Find others to do what you are not good at. Yes, that means hiring someone to work their strengths.
Get a signature style. Choose something that distinguishes you and your business. It might be a color. Think pink and you naturally think of Mary Kay. Or, it might be something you wear—glasses, shoes, accessories, jackets, etc.
Be consistent in your dress, writing style, speaking style, social media, website, business cards and signature line. Keeping a similar look and feel across all these platforms will help you create your best personal brand.

You can get style for free

dgamache — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 01:44:45 +0000

I just have to share my experience at The Limited today. My journey to the mall today was only to return a few things and look for a pair of black shoes. Well, as you can imagine, there are all kinds of sales going on right now and those signs they have at the entrance of the stores with huge letters screaming 40% off all dresses, cardigans and skirts really grabbed my attention.

I was greeted at the entrance to The Limited (great customer service by the way) and asked if I needed any help. Well, I already spotted a great colorblock cardigan and a dress as soon as I walked into the store. Here is a link if you want to take a look at the cardigan. http://www.thelimited.com/detail/colorblock-cardigan/5509554

It was love at first sight, especially because it had sparkly buttons. Since I am a Trendy Alluring style any kind of sparkle or bling just draws me to it. I found a top to go with it and headed for the checkout line where I was distracted by all the things they have on sale in the back of the store. Long story made short…I didn’t find anything else so I went and stood in line again.

In front of me was this young woman holding a really cute belt. The cashier rang up her sale and then said “today, you get a free belt when you buy one”. Without even thinking, I said “well, that’s a great deal but if you don’t want another one for free, I’ll take one”. We all laughed as she went to look for another belt. Within less than a minute, she said to me “I don’t see another belt I want, so you pick out one”. After picking my jaw up off the floor, I said ”I was just kidding, you should really pick out a belt for yourself”. She insisted I pick out one, so I did. Now there is something I’ve never had happen to me before. Just goes to show you that people can be super nice, that you should ask for what you want and “there is such a thing as a free belt”.

How Spring Ready is Your Closet?

dgamache — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 01:39:25 +0000

With the change of the season, comes a change in what is in your closet. Out with the winter pieces and in with the spring pieces. For some, this may be an easy job because you have a closet large enough to hold more than one season but for most of us, it is a matter of changing out the fall and winter pieces in our closet with the spring and summer pieces that have been stored in the basement or storage area. To make the most of your time and closet, you need to know your personal style and shape. Get your free personal style analysis at www.DonnaGamache.com.
Here are some steps that will make this process easier for you.

Get the necessary tools together before you begin:

Trash bags
Storage containers
Markers

Clean out your fall/winter pieces:

Sort your pieces into these categories:

Clothes that don’t fit
Clothes and accessories you never wear
Clothes that fit your body, your personal style and ones that you feel really good in and actually wear

- Decide what to do with the clothes that don’t fit and the clothes that you never wear

Give to charity (fold and put into trash bags and then immediately put them in your car)
Re-sell online (fold them and place in tubs marked “re-sell online” and then make yourself a note to go through these closes to take photos and post them online)
Take to a consignment shop (you will need to make sure the pieces are clean, pressed and on hangers to take to most higher end shops…the pickier they are about what they receive, the more you get for your used clothes)

- Pack the clothes that fit your body and style in a but marked “great fall/winter clothes”

Bring in your spring and summer pieces

Sort your pieces into these categories:

Clothes that don’t fit
Clothes and accessories you did not wear last season (come on be honest with yourself…if you didn’t wear them last year, what makes you think you will wear them this year)
Clothes that fit your body, your personal style and ones that you feel really good in and actually wore last year

- Decide what to do with the clothes that don’t fit and the clothes that you did not wear last season (follow the steps under #3 above)

- Hang the pieces that you love and that fit your shape and style in your closet grouped in this order (start with black and work your way to the lightest color from left to right):

Jackets
Pants
Skirts
Blouses
Tops

- Arrange jewelry based on metal and stone color so you can quickly choose what to wear with your outfits

- Arrange shoes based on color with black being on the left and then moving to the lightest color so you can choose the right shoe for your outfit

- Match pieces in either color scheme or style

- Rotate through your pieces (once you have worn a piece, hang it on the opposite end of where you started)…this will keep you from wearing the same things over and over again

Image Strategist Presents to International Association of Administrative Professionals

dgamache — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:16:24 +0000

I look forward to speaking at the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) meeting on February 7 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm about “How to Create Your powerful business presence and Be Your Own Billboard.” I will help the attendees understand the importance of personal image and branding and share information on each of the 5 personal styles. Knowing who you are on the inside, based on your unique personality, is the first step to creating a powerful presence. The next step is knowing how to dress based on your personal style. This creates an inner confidence and authenticity that others are naturally attracted to.

IAAP was founded in 1942 and the St. Louis chapter chartered in July of that year. The organization provides education and support to those in an administrative position. Their lending library contains professional resources for their members.

Read the PR Release

Business Casual Dress

dgamache — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:48:09 +0000

Since “business casual” can mean many things to many employers and employees, it is important to establish your “business casual” handbook so that everyone is on the same page with what acceptable dress is in the workplace. Here are some basic guidelines for what to wear to the office:

Khaki pants (think Dockers) or dress slacks that are comfortable
For women, skirts and dresses in appropriate lengths
For women, casual blouses, tops
For men, collared shirts and golf-type shirts
Jackets and sweaters
Loafers, boots, flats, dress heels

Here are some basic guidelines for what NOT to wear to the office:

Sweatpants, short shorts, athletic pants or spandex that you would wear while working out or biking
For women, short, tight skirts
For women, tops and dresses that reveal too much cleavage and show too much skin
T-shirts or shirts with offensive words, terms, logos, slogans, etc.
Sweatshirts
Flip-flops, slippers, athletic shoes
Hats unless the head covering is required for religious purposes and is approved by your company

2012 Spring/Summer Trends

dgamache — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:57:39 +0000

The Fashion Group Foundation says in it’s Ready To Wear report “If fashion really is a barometer of the times, we’re in for a colorful, spirited, happy-go-lucky spring/summer 2012″. Here is a list of what’s hot for the season but remember, whatever you choose to add to your wardrobe it must be in your personal style and shape. Personal style trumps runway fashion every time in my opinion so use this list as a guideline for what is current and what you might add to your wardrobe for the season.

- Color is key with tangerine leading the way for the season and green, yellow and red close behind. Yet, white is going to be big for the season as usual.

- It’s all about the prints this upcoming season and is showing up in some unlikely places like florals and tropicals. Gingham and paisley are coming back in a new way as well as scarf and photo prints.

- Pleats, pleats and more pleats remain in trend (knife, accordian, box, inverted and more).

- Peplums resurface in coats, jackets, corsets, vests and shorts.

- Lace is still in style along with crochet and macrame.

- Color blocking is key for the season in everything from tops, skirts, jackets and dresses.

- Leather stays in style for early spring in the form of motorcycle style jackets.

- Any length skirt goes (just make sure it fits your horizontal and vertical shape).

- The shoe of the season is the wedge closely followed by the pointy-toe pump, ankle bands and loafers.

- Looking for a new hot bag, choose white or one that is color blocked.

- Pearls are a must have and appear in necklaces, earrings, bracelets, hairpieces and more.

- Also hot for the season is vintage-inspired jewelry and crosses.

No matter what you choose from the list, it must be your personal style. By adding just one new piece each season you will update your look and your style. For more information about your personal style and what to wear visit www.DonnaGamache.com and click Blog. Don’t know your personal style? Enter your name and email address for a free personal style analysis.