Maybe I have a shoe fetish. No. I only own about 15 or so pairs of shoes. But, am I the only one who notices a presenter’s shoes? I don’t just notice them; I am distracted by them.
Lately, I’ve been distracted by some poor shoe choices on the platform–mostly by aspiring professional speakers.
Why? I take in the whole speaker–what they say, how they say it, and what they wear. If a speaker is on an elevated platform, shoes are even more noticeable! Your shoes speak volumes as to your self-esteem, your social status, your professionalism, and your attunement to the audience, your topic, and the event.
I think there is a fairly wide latitude about what is appropriate footwear for a professional speaker. If you speak on outdoor adventure, and dress in outdoor wear when you speak, then hiking boots might be appropriate. If you are a bit of a maverick and red Converse high-tops are part of your signature look, then more power to you!
But most speakers will want to wear professional shoes, shined, in-good repair and at least somewhat in-fashion. Take a look at what other professional speakers are wearing in the industry you speak in. For women–some shoes are OK with slacks, but look really dowdy if you wear them with a dress. And, NEVER wear brand-new shoes when you speak. Wear shoes that you are comfortable in and have worn successfully before. I know for some people who have wide feet, finding comfortable shoes have always been an issue but if you look carefully you can find a range of wide fit shoes online which can be good for presenting in.
I admit this advice can be tricky for women if you want to wear fashionable high-heeled shoes (I have a couple of 4-inch heels that I will wear if I don’t have to be standing for hours, or walking long distances).
I’m pretty boring when it comes to shoe colors–all my professional shoes are black. One advantage of black shoes is my secret fix-it tool that I keep in my purse–a black Sharpie marker, perfect for covering up a minor scuff.
Here are a few “What-Not-To-Do” Shoes:
Over-the-Top Fashion Statement with Killer High-Heel:
Too-Much-Toe (they might be great with a cocktail dress, but not for most speaking engagements):
Too casual (yes, I’ve even recently seen a guy wear athletic shoes. Ugh!):
Too cutesy (these are neither sexy, nor high-fashion. They scream “don’t take me seriously!”):
And, some guy shoes (same concepts for women’s shoes) . . .
Too-worn (fix them, or get rid of them):
Dirty (step into a restroom to shine. Or, wear shoe covers in bad weather–or switch shoes at the engagement):
Make a good first impression–from head to toe!