A few weeks ago I attended a talk at The Late Breakfast on presentation skills, hosted by Hilary Lewis of Creative Training and Alison May of Colour Me Beautiful.
Wait, wait, I know we've all been forced to go on corporate 'how to give a good presentation' type courses, where you sit yawning at the back knowing full well that you should make eye contact, keep it short, la la...but this was fun! I smiled, I laughed, I made the odd faux pas, but I enjoyed every moment.
So, of course, now it's here on the blog. I'll keep it short!
Hilary stood up in the most amazing skirt with brightly coloured children flying kites dancing around the hem. Check in the box for first impressions by my measures. I loved that skirt.
Alison was wearing all black - didn't someone tell me recently that this was a big no-no? Reminded people of death and all that?!
We learn good presentation skills through intelligent play, so after telling us that people form an opinion within the first 5 seconds of meeting you, Hilary had us on our feet shaking hands with someone we didn't know. I slightly misunderstood this task, ran up to a stranger, shook her hand and ran off again. Nil points for first impression made by Warrilow PR on this occasion. Note to self, listen more carefully.
We then went on to create still scenes in small groups of four or five -a great presentation, an awful presentation, a disaster and an awards ceremony. I was the only lady in our group of four. My suggestion that two of the men 'hug' for the awards sketch was laughed off nervously, and a handshake quickly decided on oops.
It was really interesting to see how the same poses, with different facial expressions could completely alter the impression given off.
After we re-took our seats we had to do a very quick sketch of the person next to us. Now, I'm no artist but this does look just like the person I drew, I swear! It picks out the details that her first impression give - which is a good test of what stands out about you. I had a great scarf on that day which made it in; must wear that more often.
Alison reappeared for her part of the presentation having had a complete outfit change. The black number was a plot, damn I can't go back to black after all. And she did look amazingly different in navy trousers, a salmon pink blazer and a geometric necklace. Her skin looked all rosey, her hair style was noticable and her petit frame shown off to it's full potential - in a professional way!
Alison talked about what different colours say about you and I kept thinking about my bland predominantly black wardrobe. I definitely need to book myself in for a consultation. I've never been a navy type of person but apparently it's the stylish version of black, I need to investigate - it's also considered peaceful, trustworthy and respectable. I can't believe I have nothing navy in my wardrobe, surely this is me!
Wearing red makes you memorable. I have nothing red either! I have some serious shopping ahead of me.
Hilary and Alison are both really inspiring speakers and great at what they do. Make sure to visit their websites if you want guidance on making a good first impression.
I am off to put 90% of my clothes on Ebay and start shopping for navy and red; I hope I don't look to nautical?!
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