Secrets of Successful Pitches: How to Prepare for What to Wear
I have been a runner for decades, running several half marathons. In 2015, I trained for and ran my first (and to date, only) full marathon. One of the best pieces of advice I received during my training was about how to prepare for what to wear. My coaches advised that when race day arrives, show up in something you feel comfortable in and have worn before. Race day is not the time for a new shirt, new accessories, new shorts, and most importantly not the day for new shoes.
The same goes for big pitch meetings and presentations.
In all my years of speaking (and running), I’ve seen a lot, including the times:
I ripped my pantyhose the morning I was touring the New York Stock Exchange.
I had to sew a ripped seam down the back of a colleague’s dress fifteen minutes before she presented (grateful for hotel sewing kits).
I’ve scrubbed off deodorant stains I didn’t notice until right before the meeting.
A waiter accidentally doused me with an entire wine flight at an investor dinner.
One of my contact lenses ripped the morning of an investor conference. I didn’t have a back up and scrambled through Manhattan finding a close enough match for my prescription (grateful for my eye doctor in Cincinnati who helped from afar).
I thought heels would be a good idea to deliver a standing presentation while pregnant.
From all of those experiences, here are a few helpful things I’ve learned to consider when preparing for what to wear:
Wear something you’ve worn before and that you feel comfortable wearing. Right before the event is not the time for a brand new suit or new shoes.
Make sure your clothes fit well and won’t leave you fidgeting, which can distract your focus whether you are in person or on screen.
Know the venue where you are presenting. If you are going to be sitting on a stool on stage in a panel, a skirt might not be the best idea.
Consider heel height and shoe comfort if you will be standing for a considerable amount of time.
If you do need to get some new wardrobe pieces, make sure you have time to wear them and have any alterations addressed in advance.
Make sure everything is clean and give yourself a good once-over before leaving the house (or turning on Zoom).
Have a back-up just in case (insert spilled beverage of choice).
Always have extra contact lenses if you wear them.
Have toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss, and deodorant on hand.
Above all, be true to yourself and your style.
I’d love to talk running and how I can help you with your pitch. Visit the contact page to get in touch!
