A recent survey by fashion researchers has revealed that the majority of people surveyed thought that the tie would not be seen around offices within the next 20 years, and a quarter believed it would last less than 10 years.
There are several reasons given for this. Apparently the open-collared shirt is becoming more popular on television and cinema screens, while workplaces are adopting a more relaxed approach when it comes to neck attire.
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You’ve seen my earlier posts about how television interviews can make even the experts sweat. They can be tough; especially with the media sharks circling their prey – wishing and waiting for the CEOs to mess-up as they give their sound-bites. It’s like blood, and the first scent of it can result in media frenzy.
Sometimes it’s not just the clients who mess up; sometimes it’s the sharks themselves that end up being, ‘What’s for lunch?’
Peter Sisson learned that the hard way after being chastised in the media for wearing red as he announced the Queen Mother’s death.
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I like the way you move. Do you like the way I do? People don’t realise all the motion and action that goes on when we try to explain ideas. That’s why – in our service industry – we have to educate our clients about how to control their body language. This is especially important when they communicate with the media, because they don’t want to end up sending the right message with their words, but the wrong one with their bodies.
So, in order to make sure you’re not written off as a circus freak, here are 6 steps to better body language.
In my previous post, drawing on my experience as a former journalist, I offered my views on drafting attention-grabbing media releases that may encourage (professional) journalists to actually consider publishing them.
I highlighted the non-negotiable requirement, namely that the content should be newsworthy. It should also be balanced and written well.
A news release is not a company’s marketing brochure. Remember, reporters aren’t in it to help grow your business or drive fans to your Facebook page. They are the least concerned about how your product offers the clichéd “best value for money,” or how your staff are “dedicated to client service” – or how your long-term vision to be the “leading whatever company” in the region will make your enterprise the “business of choice”. What they are looking for is news, plain and simple. Continue reading »
In this post, our English writer Reem Heather Dabbas discusses the dos and don’ts of dressing for public appearances.
When it comes to making a television appearance, what you have to say could be a ‘bestseller’ but people will be judging the ‘book’ by its cover before they decide to read one.
It only takes a couple of seconds to make a first
impression, because beauty really is ‘skin deep’ when you initially say hello. That’s why when getting ready for a TV appearance your first question should be “What will I talk about?” but the second, and crucial, question will be “What am I going to wear?” No, this isn’t vanity, this is science. Psychological studies have shown the power of persuasion when it comes to the way we dress and how it influences people’s perceptions of us. In order to be the authority on the message you are trying to deliver, people must be receptive to your message in the first place. If you look like an expert on the matter, people will listen. On the contrary, how are people going to take you seriously if they’re too focused on the busy designs or outrageous colors of your outfit?
We’ve all heard the advice to dress for the position you want, so why would it be any different for the image you want to project for your company? It’s always important to look your best, as you are actually selling your company every time you make an appearance. As a professional organization that others can rely on you need to perpetuate this image in every encounter.
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