Selecting Proper Attire For Your Board Presentation

 

            The final decision of what to wear when you appear in front of your panel to present your Senior Project ultimately rests with you. This decision, like numerous other decisions you’ve made since you started your project, should be made with your success in mind: consequently, it is suggested you dress for success. Since Dress/Appearance is one of the items the judges mark on the Senior Project Presentation Evaluation form, it would benefit you to gain some extra points as well as a favorable first impression by dressing for success.

 

            To assist you in deciding what to wear for you presentation, consider the following:

 

            First, keep in mind that you’ll be facing adults who have formed an image of you from reviewing your Senior Project portfolio. Already established is the amount of work and energy you’ve expended along the way. Next, you’re considered the expert insofar as the nature of your project is concerned. Finally, your panel, no doubt, expects to listen to a polished, organized and effective overview of your Senior Project journey in which you employ acceptable use of the English language, coupled with effective use of your audio-visual aids.

 

            With the foregoing in mind, your appearance in front of the panel is just one more dimension or aspect of the project process. If you neglect to carefully consider what to wear, you run the risk of diminishing your overall effectiveness in front of your panel. Here are some suggestions for helping you decide what to wear for your panel presentation:

 

1.      Impeccable grooming, including combed hair and clean clothes, is decidedly important. Consider your presentation like a first date or a job interview- first impressions are important. Disheveled or slovenly appearance does not make a positive first impression.

 

2.      Skimpy or provocative attire won’t record many points for you, either.

 

3.      Gaudy, unusual or inappropriate attire, unless worn for a specific purpose, should be avoided. You don’t want your board to be distracted by something you wear. Is it really wise to wear flowered shorts, a fishnet tank top and hiking boots?

 

4.      If your project lends itself to a specific uniform or costume and you think that wearing it would aid in your presentation, feel free to be creative in dress. Wearing a firefighter’s uniform and assorted paraphernalia while your explaining the duties of a firefighter would add visual interest to the speech. Or if your project was to learn to be a professional clown, it would help the judges understand and visualize your work if you were to wear a clown’s costume while demonstrating how to apply clown’s make up. Be sure to practice wearing specialized dress and/or equipment.