Podcasters Portal: Dressing for the camera

Dressing for the camera: men

IN THIS ARTICLE

Our appearance tells us a story. It's important to make sure it tells the right story
This article offers tips on how to look best on camera that are specific to men

By Jonathan Halls

Here are some specific tips for men to consider when dressing to appear on camera in a presentation vodcast.

· Shirt sleeves – No matter what you think, people don’t want to be distracted by hairy arms, so wear shirt sleeves. If your shirt sleeves are too long, have them tailored to your arm’s length. Long sleeves bunch up around the shoulder and make you look rumpled and stressed. Not necessarily a good look.

· Shirts – Don’t wear an oversized shirt. If it’s too big, tuck it in at the back so it looks comfortably trim at the front. If that doesn’t work, buy a new shirt. Your shirt should fit comfortably over your shoulders.

· Ties – Make sure they’re tied tightly and you have buttoned your top button. Loose ties – especially on shirts with the top button undone - create a sloppy impression. I tend to prefer a Windsor knot. It looks solid and respectable.

· Facial hair – They say a man with a beard has something to hide. This is a bit unfair. But someone who doesn’t trim their facial hair looks like a Viking. Trim your beard.

· Shave – Unless you’re Don Johnson and sporting the designer stubble – which incidentally takes most men a day or two to cultivate - shave before you go on camera. Five o’clock shadows make you look tired and weary. If you have dark hair, your whiskers look even worse at 5 o’clock so keep your shaver nearby.

· Jacket – Like your shirt, don’t wear an oversized jacket. You don’t want to look like a little boy dressed up in his dad’s suit. Look carefully at the shoulder line. Likewise, avoid tight fitting coats.

Not only will they restrict your movement, but your viewer will think you’re stiff; they will make breathing and projection more difficult.