There I was getting ready for a job interview with one of the leading technology firms in the country and I had decided to wear jeans. Premeditated. This was a conscious decision on my part. I have NEVER done anything like this before. So why was I doing it now?
I know my audience. I If there is one thing I have learned in working in the tech community over the last 4 years it’s this: they are comfortable. Even the investors rarely wear ties. There is even a phrase to describe it: “chic geek.”
The first rule of public speaking is: know thy audience. With whom are you speaking? What do they value? What are their interests? My instincts didn’t let me down today. My interviewers had on jeans as well.
- Know your audience – This is the first rule of public speaking. Every audience is different. Many of my clients are scientists, engineers and technology professionals. They speak a “different language” than most people. I advise them to design different presentations for different audiences. When they are speaking to their peers, they can “talk high science.” When they are speaking to members of senior management or investors, change the language (but keep the content the same).
- Know yourself – The ancient Greek aphorism stated, “know thyself.” Scientists are going to speak in a technical manner. Many times they dress in a way that is comfortable for them and their work environment. If you are not President Reagan or Tony Robbins, don’t try to speak, act or dress like them. When I was in high school, there was a guy named Tom Brown who was cool no matter what he wore. Even if I wore his EXACT OUTFIT, I couldn’t were it like he did. When speaking and dressing, make sure and know yourself and be the best you that you can be.
- Know your objectives – What are you trying to accomplish? If you are going for funding, dress for the role. If you are conveying information to scientists during a life science lecture, work toward that goal. There are dozens of types of presentations: informative, persuasive, problem – solution, inspirational, etc. Whether you are preparing for a presentation, date or a job interview, know what you want the outcome to be and use your tools to get there.
- Know their objectives – When I went into the job interview, I thought about what the interviewers wanted. When I knew their objectives are, I could plan the conversation and content for them. If a person goes on a date and only thinks about what they want, it will be disastrous. I answered questions in a way that appealed to them. You want the audience to always know that you have considered their needs and objectives.
- Never wear… – No matter the audience, there are some things you should never wear, say or do. I have seen men wear ripped jeans to a job interview. I have seen women wear 6 inch spiked heels…with 2 inch platforms to work. I don’t care what Cosmopolitan or GQ says, some outfits should only be combined with a pole and a fistful of singles.
I never tell people to hide who they are, but I do advise them to work toward their objectives (e.g. – get a job, deliver a speech or inspire a group). To keep my own style, I matched my jeans with a shirt, tie and sport coat. I was able to match their expectations and objectives with my personal style. I gave them something to remember in what they saw and heard.
Scientifically Speaking, of course
