Data shows that more than 70% of people fear public speaking, surpassing fears of death, spiders, or heights. As someone who used to speak publicly, I understand the nerves that come with being on stage. Speakers are amazing—they share discoveries, champion causes, and inspire us. They deserve a toolkit that empowers them to perform at their best, and being impeccably dressed for the occasion is a key part of that toolkit.

Online guidelines for public speaking advise dressing "a notch better than the audience," avoiding prints, and matching the setting. However, this advice can be unclear. What exactly does it mean to dress "better" than the audience?

As both a stylist and speaker, I recognise the importance of feeling confident about your appearance. Although a speech may last only around 20 minutes on the stage, its images and recordings can persist for years on Google and social media. While I've already assisted clients before their speaking engagements, not everyone is familiar with personal styling, and some may hesitante to ask for help.