Shownotes
What does your outfit say about your authority before you even speak?
In this insightful and practical episode of Present Influence, I sit down with Kay Korsh, an international speaker and style advisor who helps professional speakers elevate their credibility, presence, and personal brand through their wardrobe choices.
Whether you're speaking in front of 5,000 or just hopping on a Zoom workshop, your style is part of your message. Kay explains how fit, colour, fabric, and even shoes can either reinforce your message or distract from it entirely.
We cover:
- Why your appearance impacts influence, likability, and bookings
- How to align your outfit with your brand and audience
- Common speaker wardrobe mistakes that sabotage credibility
- Why “looking current” helps you stay relevant (especially with age)
- How to build a small but powerful speaking wardrobe
- Why tailoring and digitising your closet might be game-changers
If you've ever wondered what to wear on stage—or felt unsure if you’re dressing the part—this episode is your backstage pass to speaker style success.
🎯 Connect with Kay Korsh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-korsh/
Download Kay’s free guides:
Clothing Budget Calculator For Keynote Speakers: https://outfit.mindoverfashion.com/clothingbudgetcalculator
Colour Quiz for Professional Speakers: https://kkorsh.outgrow.us/speakers-colourtest
📸 Bonus: Learn how to digitise your wardrobe and avoid decision fatigue (in episode)
Chapters & Timecodes
00:00 – Introduction
01:19 – Meet Kay Korsh
01:51 – Why Style Matters for Speakers
03:48 – Kay’s Journey to Speaker Styling
06:11 – The Power of First Impressions
08:20 – Common Wardrobe Mistakes
13:16 – Building a Speaker Wardrobe
16:39 – Comfort, Audience, and Personal Branding
21:14 – Standing Out vs. Staying Authentic
23:34 – Dressing for Body Types
29:17 – Corporate vs. Personal Style
32:38 – How Many Looks Does a Speaker Need?
36:41 – Digitizing and Organizing Your Wardrobe
39:03 – Budgeting for Speaker Outfits
41:01 – The Importance of Tailoring
44:07 – Trends, Timelessness, and Staying Current
48:44 – Practical Style Tips & Do’s and Don’ts
54:11 – Working with Kay: Process & Programs
59:13 – How to Connect with Kay Korsh
1:01:20 – Closing Thoughts & Next Episode Preview
Go to presentinfluence.com to take the Speaker StrengthsFinder Quiz and discover your greatest strengths as a speaker, as well as where to focus for growth. For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email [email protected] or find me on LinkedIn
You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence
Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.
Mentioned in this episode:
Last Call For Founding KBPB Mebers
There's one last spot in the founding membership of The Known, Booked & Paid Blueprint. This is the only time you can get the program at 50% off. After that, it goes to the full program price, which is still great value, but it's not half-price value. Find out if it's the right fit for you at presentinfluence.com/kbpb
Transcripts
Do you want to look like the expert you really are before you
2
00:00:02,790 --> 00:00:04,770
even say a single word on stage?
3
00:00:05,220 --> 00:00:08,370
Well, in today's episode of Present
Influence, I'm joined by international
4
00:00:08,370 --> 00:00:13,049
speaking style advisor, Kay Korsh,
who helps professional speakers dress
5
00:00:13,049 --> 00:00:14,819
with intention, impact, and influence.
6
00:00:14,819 --> 00:00:19,650
From first impressions to fabric choices,
we explore how your look communicates
7
00:00:19,650 --> 00:00:24,150
authority, credibility, and confidence
long before you open your mouth.
8
00:00:24,750 --> 00:00:28,710
And if you've ever wondered what to wear
on stage, how to balance authenticity
9
00:00:28,710 --> 00:00:32,640
with polish, or whether your outfit
could be undermining your message,
10
00:00:32,880 --> 00:00:38,730
this episode can be your new style
playbook, and if you are watching
11
00:00:38,730 --> 00:00:40,920
us on video, I will say in advance.
12
00:00:41,489 --> 00:00:45,330
I have realized that I probably
shouldn't sweep my hair all the way back.
13
00:00:45,540 --> 00:00:49,559
It was not a good style choice and I
certainly do not look anything like a
14
00:00:49,559 --> 00:00:52,439
stylish as Kay in the video episode.
15
00:00:52,780 --> 00:00:56,470
And if you are watching on YouTube,
please do like and subscribe
16
00:00:56,860 --> 00:00:58,150
and maybe even leave a comment.
17
00:00:58,240 --> 00:00:59,590
It does help people to find the show.
18
00:00:59,830 --> 00:01:01,210
It also means the world to me.
19
00:01:01,210 --> 00:01:02,140
I'd love to hear from you.
20
00:01:02,740 --> 00:01:03,490
Let's start the show.
21
00:01:03,959 --> 00:01:07,679
Welcome to Present Influence, the
professional speaking show for
22
00:01:07,679 --> 00:01:12,007
people who want to impact, influence
and inspire with their talks.
23
00:01:12,497 --> 00:01:16,437
My name's John Ball and I'm your
guide on this journey to mastery
24
00:01:16,437 --> 00:01:18,227
level communication skills.
25
00:01:18,993 --> 00:01:23,083
I am very happy to, welcome to the
show, my guest today, Kay Korsh.
26
00:01:23,103 --> 00:01:25,773
Kay, welcome to Present Influence.
27
00:01:25,773 --> 00:01:26,613
It's great to have you here.
28
00:01:27,663 --> 00:01:29,163
Kay Korsh: Thank you
so much for having me.
29
00:01:29,163 --> 00:01:30,543
I'm very excited to talk to you.
30
00:01:31,173 --> 00:01:34,823
John: Well, suitably for for those of
our, audience who can see the video,
31
00:01:35,033 --> 00:01:38,872
you are very stylishly dressed today,
so that gives some clue as to what
32
00:01:38,872 --> 00:01:44,773
we're going to be talking about, which
is style for the stage you are someone
33
00:01:44,773 --> 00:01:50,863
who is helping professional speakers to
look good on stage, isn't that right?
34
00:01:52,333 --> 00:01:53,263
Kay Korsh: Yes, exactly.
35
00:01:53,263 --> 00:01:55,923
That's, what I got into
about five years ago now.
36
00:01:56,793 --> 00:01:57,393
John: Fantastic.
37
00:01:57,398 --> 00:02:00,638
How did you end up coming
into this as a area of work?
38
00:02:01,278 --> 00:02:01,398
I.
39
00:02:02,013 --> 00:02:05,703
Kay Korsh: I worked with
celebrities and luxury brands for
40
00:02:05,703 --> 00:02:08,342
a long time and loved doing that.
41
00:02:08,853 --> 00:02:14,443
And then when COVID started, I all of a
sudden that all went, dead for a while.
42
00:02:14,443 --> 00:02:17,993
And, I've decided to play around
and thought, what else can I try?
43
00:02:17,993 --> 00:02:22,883
And, I met somebody who said to me, I
think you should work with professional
44
00:02:22,883 --> 00:02:24,593
speakers because we all need you.
45
00:02:25,133 --> 00:02:27,113
At that time I wasn't even sure.
46
00:02:27,143 --> 00:02:28,613
I didn't know that was a thing.
47
00:02:28,853 --> 00:02:33,773
I didn't know that people
create business out of this.
48
00:02:34,103 --> 00:02:36,053
And they started, looking into this.
49
00:02:36,053 --> 00:02:39,743
And, I met, a wonderful
woman, Maria Franzo, who.
50
00:02:40,133 --> 00:02:45,823
I started, doing workshops together
with, for car cohorts and it
51
00:02:45,823 --> 00:02:48,103
kind of rolled on from there.
52
00:02:48,103 --> 00:02:50,653
And I really love doing this.
53
00:02:50,653 --> 00:02:55,013
I think, professional speakers is
probably the closest it can get
54
00:02:55,163 --> 00:03:01,003
to, actors and celebrities because
they're also exposed to big audiences,
55
00:03:01,053 --> 00:03:03,093
and they have interesting stories, so.
56
00:03:03,528 --> 00:03:10,038
I love the aspect of it where you kind
of have to look at the person and try to
57
00:03:10,398 --> 00:03:15,978
work out what the messaging is for them,
how they can use their outfit as a tool
58
00:03:16,638 --> 00:03:22,458
and help how the outfit can
help them maximize on the
59
00:03:22,458 --> 00:03:24,048
impact that they're creating.
60
00:03:25,158 --> 00:03:28,128
And, yeah, I can't believe
it's, it's been so long already.
61
00:03:29,538 --> 00:03:31,773
John: It's, it's a great area
of what I think you're the only
62
00:03:31,773 --> 00:03:35,423
person I've ever come across
who is doing this specifically.
63
00:03:35,753 --> 00:03:38,513
I had mentioned to you before, I
met a lady who was doing smiling
64
00:03:38,513 --> 00:03:41,153
for people, for being on video.
65
00:03:41,203 --> 00:03:45,673
Specifically during lockdown and
COVID periods where people were on
66
00:03:45,673 --> 00:03:47,713
video all the time, she's helping
people to look good on video.
67
00:03:48,013 --> 00:03:52,153
I don't, I'm not sure what she's moved
into now, but, but certainly you're then
68
00:03:52,153 --> 00:03:56,903
a person I've come across who is that
focused on helping speakers look better
69
00:03:56,903 --> 00:03:58,853
on stage and my goodness that we need it.
70
00:03:58,853 --> 00:04:03,493
I know I do, but can, can you share
with us, some of the reasons why it's
71
00:04:03,493 --> 00:04:05,456
particularly important for speakers?
72
00:04:05,596 --> 00:04:08,280
to focus on their style
and their looks on stage.
73
00:04:09,140 --> 00:04:13,640
Kay Korsh: Well, let me ask you, why do
you think it's important for speakers?
74
00:04:14,285 --> 00:04:19,565
John: Well, I'm someone who studies a lot
of influence and persuasion and just from
75
00:04:19,565 --> 00:04:25,085
that perspective alone, if you don't look
the part, there's already going to be
76
00:04:25,445 --> 00:04:29,585
a disconnect between what you're saying
and or anything else with the audience.
77
00:04:29,585 --> 00:04:30,935
They're gonna be looking
at you thinking, well.
78
00:04:31,275 --> 00:04:34,875
You say you are an expert in this,
but you don't really look like it,
79
00:04:35,175 --> 00:04:38,745
you know, much like even when we go
to what, an opticians or a nail tech,
80
00:04:38,745 --> 00:04:41,565
whatever, and they've got the white
coats on, and they're probably not, I
81
00:04:41,565 --> 00:04:44,685
mean, opticians have medical training,
I guess, but they, they don't need to
82
00:04:44,685 --> 00:04:46,875
be wearing white coats for what they do.
83
00:04:46,875 --> 00:04:50,835
But because we associate that
with medical, and procedural
84
00:04:50,835 --> 00:04:54,225
things, we see that they fit
the part that they're playing.
85
00:04:54,225 --> 00:04:57,345
And as speakers, we need to
do that as well to a degree.
86
00:04:57,345 --> 00:04:59,685
So I think for me, that's
one of the main reasons.
87
00:04:59,690 --> 00:05:00,885
Would, would you agree with that?
88
00:05:01,540 --> 00:05:06,640
Kay Korsh: Yes, a lot of it, a lot
of the content I talk about is about,
89
00:05:06,880 --> 00:05:13,750
minimizing the distractions and making
sure that, as you said, your messaging
90
00:05:13,780 --> 00:05:17,080
and your outfit are aligned, because.
91
00:05:17,885 --> 00:05:22,775
People are going to make judgements about
us, whether they want it or not, or not.
92
00:05:22,775 --> 00:05:23,772
It's just human nature.
93
00:05:23,795 --> 00:05:28,475
So before you even start speaking,
when you show up on stage or when
94
00:05:28,475 --> 00:05:32,525
people see you online, because we
all have online presence now as well,
95
00:05:33,034 --> 00:05:36,715
they're going to, stereotype, they're
going to have some ideas about what
96
00:05:36,715 --> 00:05:39,775
you do, what kind of person you
are, what kind of speaker you are.
97
00:05:40,065 --> 00:05:44,445
This is just, as I mentioned earlier,
just one of the tools to help them.
98
00:05:45,015 --> 00:05:49,155
Create that connection with bookers,
with, clients, with audience.
99
00:05:49,545 --> 00:05:54,565
And, the way I, talk about this
is think about the train of
100
00:05:54,565 --> 00:05:56,695
thought, which your audience has.
101
00:05:57,025 --> 00:06:00,955
The first instance, they see
you before you start speaking.
102
00:06:01,255 --> 00:06:04,225
And it's the simplest things possible.
103
00:06:04,255 --> 00:06:06,745
It's, for example, if
somebody is an architect.
104
00:06:07,260 --> 00:06:10,830
You can do this exercise with
your niche, with any niche you
105
00:06:10,830 --> 00:06:12,480
are in if you're an architect.
106
00:06:12,530 --> 00:06:15,920
What do people think when they think
of an architect in their brain?
107
00:06:16,310 --> 00:06:18,140
What do architects normally look like?
108
00:06:18,140 --> 00:06:23,090
And then you can look at your style
and think whether it's aligned or not.
109
00:06:23,090 --> 00:06:28,060
Is there any way to, improve that,
to make more connections for people?
110
00:06:28,670 --> 00:06:29,020
John: Right.
111
00:06:29,900 --> 00:06:34,135
I did, an episode about,
maybe a month or so ago.
112
00:06:34,475 --> 00:06:40,025
With a guy called John Demato who is a
professional photographer and he does
113
00:06:40,025 --> 00:06:43,284
photography, headshots, and content shots.
114
00:06:43,284 --> 00:06:48,055
A general sort of portfolio for speakers
to have those images and what you
115
00:06:48,055 --> 00:06:50,755
want to have different outfits, you
wanna look different particular ways.
116
00:06:50,755 --> 00:06:54,325
Probably someone would want to, probably
should consult with somebody like
117
00:06:54,325 --> 00:06:56,425
you before doing all of that stuff.
118
00:06:56,735 --> 00:06:59,825
Because yeah, you want those images, you
want the stuff that's gonna represent
119
00:06:59,825 --> 00:07:03,175
you well on your, on your website,
on your bios or stuff you're gonna be
120
00:07:03,175 --> 00:07:07,135
sending out to bookers on your, even on
your demo videos and things like that.
121
00:07:07,135 --> 00:07:13,105
So we want to be looking, looking probably
as good as we can make ourselves look.
122
00:07:13,525 --> 00:07:19,205
Because ultimately aesthetics is still
a part of, presentation, how you
123
00:07:19,205 --> 00:07:23,555
look is part of your, part of your
presentation and the whole concept
124
00:07:23,555 --> 00:07:24,965
of pulling everything together.
125
00:07:24,965 --> 00:07:28,505
So dealing this is, vital for people.
126
00:07:29,375 --> 00:07:34,050
Where do you see perhaps speakers
going wrong with this the most?
127
00:07:35,050 --> 00:07:38,950
Kay Korsh: Well, I think the most
practical thing where speakers go
128
00:07:38,950 --> 00:07:43,360
wrong is does your outfit fit you well?
129
00:07:43,540 --> 00:07:47,190
So there are, a lot of stuff
I talk about is connected with
130
00:07:47,190 --> 00:07:49,140
credibility and credibility.
131
00:07:49,200 --> 00:07:50,340
I put it into.
132
00:07:50,890 --> 00:07:56,420
Two different buckets, and you want
to make sure that both of those, tick
133
00:07:56,420 --> 00:08:01,070
the boxes on both of those, and one
is the fit a lot of it is to do with
134
00:08:01,130 --> 00:08:04,820
when you buy something, you are making
sure that the length of the trousers
135
00:08:04,880 --> 00:08:09,040
is correct, the length of the sleeve
is correct because if, the fit is
136
00:08:09,040 --> 00:08:14,890
not correct, you might come across a
sloppy and if you come across a sloppy,
137
00:08:14,890 --> 00:08:17,410
you automatically lose credibility.
138
00:08:17,645 --> 00:08:19,685
With your audience and
you don't want that.
139
00:08:20,285 --> 00:08:24,395
So making sure that you've got a
seamstress or a tailor who you can trust
140
00:08:24,395 --> 00:08:29,255
and you can take your items to, check
if the length of the items is correct.
141
00:08:29,255 --> 00:08:32,015
And then just making sure
that everything is done up.
142
00:08:32,385 --> 00:08:37,065
For example, I've got quite an
elaborate blouse on, but if I move
143
00:08:37,065 --> 00:08:38,985
around, nothing is gonna happen to it.
144
00:08:39,575 --> 00:08:41,375
Sometimes we've got some ribbons.
145
00:08:41,475 --> 00:08:45,145
Women especially, there are some
things which can get undone.
146
00:08:45,145 --> 00:08:49,125
Or, for instance, there was a story
where somebody shared with me about the
147
00:08:49,125 --> 00:08:51,705
speaker who had a prop in his pocket.
148
00:08:52,065 --> 00:08:55,755
And when he came on stage and started
speaking, he took the prop out of the
149
00:08:55,755 --> 00:08:57,855
pocket, but the lining came out as well.
150
00:08:58,095 --> 00:09:02,535
So everything, what people were looking
at was the lining outta the pocket.
151
00:09:02,535 --> 00:09:04,245
They couldn't concentrate on his stock.
152
00:09:04,245 --> 00:09:04,725
So again.
153
00:09:04,950 --> 00:09:08,700
That created a lot of distraction and
we want to minimize that distraction.
154
00:09:08,970 --> 00:09:13,410
So practicing in your outfit and
making sure that nothing goes wrong
155
00:09:13,410 --> 00:09:15,300
with them and the fit is all correct.
156
00:09:15,420 --> 00:09:18,960
That's one of the very
important things to do.
157
00:09:19,500 --> 00:09:20,145
John: I think it is.
158
00:09:20,145 --> 00:09:21,705
I, I get exactly what you're saying.
159
00:09:21,705 --> 00:09:22,755
About the distraction be.
160
00:09:22,755 --> 00:09:26,715
I can remember one time seeing a
guy, a great speaker on stage, really
161
00:09:26,715 --> 00:09:29,115
animated, and his flies were undone.
162
00:09:29,145 --> 00:09:30,735
His zipper was undone on his trousers.
163
00:09:31,065 --> 00:09:33,765
And of course everyone,
everyone was noticing it.
164
00:09:33,765 --> 00:09:36,645
He hadn't realized it,
nothing was exposed.
165
00:09:36,705 --> 00:09:40,965
But everyone could see that the zipper was
open and it's all you could think about
166
00:09:41,385 --> 00:09:42,495
because you're just watching on the page.
167
00:09:42,735 --> 00:09:43,575
Like, does he not know?
168
00:09:43,575 --> 00:09:44,565
Is he gonna zip it up?
169
00:09:44,565 --> 00:09:45,435
Is he gonna realize it?
170
00:09:45,705 --> 00:09:49,005
And of course, afterwards, somebody
told him, but my goodness, there
171
00:09:49,005 --> 00:09:51,045
mean something that small can.
172
00:09:51,455 --> 00:09:55,655
Completely distract your audience and
take everyone off of what you're saying.
173
00:09:55,655 --> 00:10:01,175
So yeah, these things really do
matter, so I get that completely.
174
00:10:01,865 --> 00:10:06,645
Do, do you tend to work with a particular
kind of speaker, or do you work with
175
00:10:06,645 --> 00:10:10,070
speakers from, from multiple areas,
like people in corporate, people
176
00:10:10,210 --> 00:10:14,025
who are doing maybe more educational
stuff or personal development?
177
00:10:14,030 --> 00:10:14,805
Inspirational.
178
00:10:14,805 --> 00:10:15,015
What
179
00:10:16,230 --> 00:10:20,360
Kay Korsh: I love working with
speakers for the, specifically
180
00:10:20,360 --> 00:10:21,950
because they're all so different.
181
00:10:21,950 --> 00:10:26,510
So I appreciate working with people
in different areas of expertise.
182
00:10:26,940 --> 00:10:28,500
So it's not boring for me.
183
00:10:28,500 --> 00:10:33,510
I get, I guess I get bored quite easily,
so having people in different niches
184
00:10:33,900 --> 00:10:38,845
where they need to create different
styles is what I really like doing.
185
00:10:39,400 --> 00:10:40,360
John: I can appreciate that.
186
00:10:40,625 --> 00:10:44,140
And, and so you, you generally
do work with speakers from
187
00:10:44,140 --> 00:10:45,640
all sorts of different areas.
188
00:10:46,060 --> 00:10:51,040
Um, and is that gonna impact, like
depending on who their audience is, is
189
00:10:51,040 --> 00:10:53,740
that gonna impact how, how they dress?
190
00:10:53,740 --> 00:10:59,200
Or would you encourage people to dress
more in alignment with their own style?
191
00:11:00,200 --> 00:11:01,610
Kay Korsh: That's a really good question.
192
00:11:01,640 --> 00:11:05,210
When I start working with somebody,
I always start with their personal
193
00:11:05,210 --> 00:11:09,020
comfort, what they're comfortable
with, and that applies both to
194
00:11:09,020 --> 00:11:11,300
physical comfort and emotional comfort.
195
00:11:11,300 --> 00:11:15,220
So physical is, what kind of fabrics
they prefer, what kind of fit do
196
00:11:15,220 --> 00:11:16,780
they like more fitted stuff or.
197
00:11:17,500 --> 00:11:18,580
Looser stuff.
198
00:11:18,970 --> 00:11:20,560
Do they move around a lot?
199
00:11:20,890 --> 00:11:23,200
What kind of stuff works for them?
200
00:11:23,590 --> 00:11:28,570
And only after that we'll look at their
audience because it's really important
201
00:11:28,570 --> 00:11:29,950
for them to be comfortable, right?
202
00:11:29,950 --> 00:11:33,880
If they're not comfortable with what
they were, they're not going to be able
203
00:11:33,880 --> 00:11:35,440
to deliver their a hundred percent.
204
00:11:35,965 --> 00:11:36,775
To the audience.
205
00:11:37,465 --> 00:11:40,675
And then when we start looking
at their audience, we're trying
206
00:11:40,675 --> 00:11:43,015
to align those two things.
207
00:11:43,015 --> 00:11:46,045
So we're trying to align the train of
thought, which the audience is going
208
00:11:46,045 --> 00:11:52,645
to have, what kind of messaging they
want, to, to have with their audience,
209
00:11:53,095 --> 00:11:54,835
and what they're comfortable with.
210
00:11:54,835 --> 00:11:59,695
And we're trying to find the middle
ground where everybody is happy, and
211
00:11:59,695 --> 00:12:01,885
that's how we come up with their style.
212
00:12:02,310 --> 00:12:06,250
John: So when you are working with a
speaker to initially get their style
213
00:12:06,250 --> 00:12:10,120
and their comfort, does that mean
kind of going through their wardrobe
214
00:12:10,120 --> 00:12:13,940
with them or do you have a particular
process that you take people through?
215
00:12:13,940 --> 00:12:14,000
I.
216
00:12:14,845 --> 00:12:18,475
Kay Korsh: We always look at the existing
wardrobe first, and this is when we
217
00:12:18,475 --> 00:12:23,555
have conversations about what kind of
styles work for them, shapes, what their
218
00:12:23,555 --> 00:12:26,345
Buddha type is, what their colors are.
219
00:12:26,590 --> 00:12:31,420
We do the car analysis and we're having
that conversation about what do you
220
00:12:31,420 --> 00:12:33,340
want your audience to think about you?
221
00:12:33,670 --> 00:12:35,140
How do you want to be perceived?
222
00:12:35,470 --> 00:12:38,690
What are the values in
your, within your brand?
223
00:12:38,700 --> 00:12:43,240
Are you playful or are you
authoritative, knowledgeable,
224
00:12:43,240 --> 00:12:45,130
credible, you know, all of those words.
225
00:12:45,220 --> 00:12:47,290
What are the key words of your business?
226
00:12:47,630 --> 00:12:53,180
And from then we start
building up the new wardrobe.
227
00:12:54,180 --> 00:12:55,055
John: Do you ever get speakers?
228
00:12:55,055 --> 00:12:59,015
Who want to do something a little bit
crazy for maybe just so they stand out.
229
00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:00,850
Kay Korsh: Yes.
230
00:13:01,010 --> 00:13:05,230
I worked with, a lot of speakers
who, obviously that's a big thing.
231
00:13:05,230 --> 00:13:06,820
You want to stand out as a speaker.
232
00:13:07,120 --> 00:13:12,240
However, I always, say that it's
not a necessity if style is not
233
00:13:12,240 --> 00:13:15,330
your thing and you are creative in
different ways, you don't have to.
234
00:13:15,570 --> 00:13:20,280
And that tends to put people at
ease because they kind of feel
235
00:13:20,280 --> 00:13:23,400
relieved that they don't have to
stand out if they don't want to.
236
00:13:23,810 --> 00:13:30,420
I worked with, somebody who, whose
business was related to, a pirate.
237
00:13:30,660 --> 00:13:33,990
So there was like some
pirate references, but I do.
238
00:13:34,545 --> 00:13:37,570
I like to keep it not costy.
239
00:13:37,780 --> 00:13:45,370
I don't appreciate one that goes
into kind of the costume, area, you
240
00:13:45,370 --> 00:13:50,620
know, so it's always important that
it's up to date and we can inject
241
00:13:50,620 --> 00:13:52,570
some references, but still keep it
242
00:13:53,080 --> 00:13:53,680
modern
243
00:13:54,025 --> 00:13:54,985
John: I'm with you there.
244
00:13:54,985 --> 00:14:00,085
I think a professional keynote should
not be veering into the area of pantomime
245
00:14:01,075 --> 00:14:01,615
Kay Korsh: Yes.
246
00:14:02,155 --> 00:14:02,845
John: costumes.
247
00:14:02,845 --> 00:14:04,165
Yeah, absolutely.
248
00:14:04,425 --> 00:14:09,745
When it comes to working with different,
different people, I mean obviously
249
00:14:09,745 --> 00:14:12,035
there are different, body types as well.
250
00:14:12,035 --> 00:14:17,035
I'm just wondering, like what, for
people with la particularly larger
251
00:14:17,035 --> 00:14:21,595
or smaller figures, what are the
guidelines for how we may want to
252
00:14:21,775 --> 00:14:23,665
dress according to our body types?
253
00:14:24,665 --> 00:14:27,725
Kay Korsh: Wait, so do you mean
according to the body types
254
00:14:27,725 --> 00:14:30,455
or according to the audience?
255
00:14:30,455 --> 00:14:31,175
I didn't quite,
256
00:14:32,050 --> 00:14:36,340
John: I guess I want to get a sense of
what, but anything that could help us
257
00:14:36,340 --> 00:14:41,130
with our decision making and what we're
gonna wear that relates to, if you have
258
00:14:41,130 --> 00:14:42,780
this kind of body type, you maybe want to.
259
00:14:43,860 --> 00:14:48,640
Think about this sort of look or,
shaping more than anything else.
260
00:14:48,640 --> 00:14:51,520
Or you may want to know if you're
larger, this might help you to look slim
261
00:14:51,520 --> 00:14:55,930
or if you're small, this may help you
to, to appear a bit larger on stage.
262
00:14:55,930 --> 00:14:56,920
So yeah, that kind of thing.
263
00:14:57,460 --> 00:15:01,990
Kay Korsh: Yeah, so we, this is
always the first thing we'll look
264
00:15:01,990 --> 00:15:06,220
at, at what kind of shapes and
colors work for a specific person.
265
00:15:06,220 --> 00:15:09,440
And the, the system I work
with is quite, complex.
266
00:15:09,440 --> 00:15:14,110
I don't like the, you know, apple,
inverted triangle sort of thing because
267
00:15:14,320 --> 00:15:16,240
it's, people are very different.
268
00:15:16,780 --> 00:15:18,310
It's very important.
269
00:15:18,310 --> 00:15:22,380
It's actually, think of it
as looking, balanced right?
270
00:15:22,530 --> 00:15:26,730
You want your speech to be balanced and
you want your look to be balanced as well.
271
00:15:26,730 --> 00:15:34,120
So, helping to shape, kind of
put your shape into golden ratio.
272
00:15:34,960 --> 00:15:39,260
Is, one of the ways to,
minimize distractions.
273
00:15:39,800 --> 00:15:41,660
I guess I can't really go into.
274
00:15:42,560 --> 00:15:47,060
Specifics now of explaining
because it's, it is quite complex.
275
00:15:47,060 --> 00:15:53,020
But, it's what I would recommend for
listeners, if you want to work out what
276
00:15:53,020 --> 00:15:58,260
your body type is, things like height
is really important because you could
277
00:15:58,260 --> 00:16:03,870
be, say, curve your angular, but if
you, if you're petite or tall, that
278
00:16:03,870 --> 00:16:10,585
will, have different result and, try
to find celebrities of who style you
279
00:16:10,585 --> 00:16:13,135
like and who have similar body types.
280
00:16:14,335 --> 00:16:18,805
So look at, as I mentioned now,
look at things like angularity or
281
00:16:18,895 --> 00:16:24,855
curves and, have you got, I dunno,
broad shoulders or waistline?
282
00:16:25,425 --> 00:16:30,015
The, the length, like, is
your body to long or short?
283
00:16:30,015 --> 00:16:34,935
And then try to find similar people
and then start creating inspirational.
284
00:16:35,565 --> 00:16:41,445
Like a folder with inspirational pictures
and then it will help you, concentrate
285
00:16:41,445 --> 00:16:42,915
on what works specifically for you.
286
00:16:42,915 --> 00:16:48,975
Because what tends to happen is we look at
images of somebody and we are like, ah, I
287
00:16:49,035 --> 00:16:55,365
love this person's style, but they might
work well for those specific items and
288
00:16:55,365 --> 00:16:59,395
silhouettes, because they have different
body type and it might not work for you.
289
00:17:00,415 --> 00:17:01,225
Does that make sense?
290
00:17:01,525 --> 00:17:02,935
John: No, it absolutely,
it absolutely does.
291
00:17:02,935 --> 00:17:05,155
And I get that there's gonna
be specifics that you would do
292
00:17:05,185 --> 00:17:08,305
and that you individualize the
process when you work with people.
293
00:17:08,545 --> 00:17:11,925
That might make it a bit harder
to, to give more generalized,
294
00:17:11,974 --> 00:17:14,185
principles, around this as well.
295
00:17:14,515 --> 00:17:16,825
But I think that's some good
guidance there to take a look.
296
00:17:16,825 --> 00:17:20,214
And let's see if you can find people
in the public eye who have a similar.
297
00:17:20,575 --> 00:17:24,325
Shape and size to you that might be
able to give you some style guides.
298
00:17:24,375 --> 00:17:27,085
I'll go and check out,
George Clooney and Brad Pitt.
299
00:17:27,085 --> 00:17:30,055
'cause I look just like, no, I
don't look anything like that.
300
00:17:30,055 --> 00:17:32,665
But I'm, I'm sure there are some
celebrities out there that that
301
00:17:32,665 --> 00:17:34,255
have some similarity to me as well.
302
00:17:34,675 --> 00:17:38,390
Let ask you this, when you work with,
I'm sure work particularly with people
303
00:17:38,390 --> 00:17:40,160
who are in corporate speaking as well.
304
00:17:40,805 --> 00:17:44,195
Is it the case that for men and
for women that it has to be a
305
00:17:44,195 --> 00:17:45,725
suit and it has to be a shirt?
306
00:17:45,875 --> 00:17:49,955
Or is there more scope for
what people can wear in those
307
00:17:49,955 --> 00:17:51,170
sorts of speaking environments?
308
00:17:52,410 --> 00:17:58,445
Kay Korsh: Well, in fact, I always say
that it doesn't have to be a suit because,
309
00:17:59,095 --> 00:18:05,245
as I said, you, you always look at your
own branding and your own style, what you
310
00:18:05,245 --> 00:18:11,515
are comfortable with, and then you try
to kind of match it with the audience.
311
00:18:11,515 --> 00:18:16,655
But a lot of speakers I work with
obviously go to speak front of a
312
00:18:16,660 --> 00:18:23,225
corporate audience and they quite often
are not dressed in suits because I
313
00:18:23,225 --> 00:18:29,205
always, Say that you come into that
audience, front of that audience, you
314
00:18:29,205 --> 00:18:30,945
are bringing your own story, right?
315
00:18:30,945 --> 00:18:32,415
And that's why they hired you.
316
00:18:32,415 --> 00:18:36,705
They hired you for your story and
for your expertise, and you can show
317
00:18:36,705 --> 00:18:38,775
that within your outfit as well.
318
00:18:39,375 --> 00:18:43,125
For some people, a suit is something
which they're comfortable with.
319
00:18:43,125 --> 00:18:46,425
They like putting a suit on
and the back straightened up.
320
00:18:46,425 --> 00:18:48,745
They feel like, a speaker,
like an authority.
321
00:18:48,745 --> 00:18:51,335
It's almost like they, get into that role.
322
00:18:51,335 --> 00:18:53,885
It helps them to get into that
role, but for other people, they
323
00:18:53,885 --> 00:18:57,545
like, they like more relaxed style
and it's totally fine as well.
324
00:18:58,415 --> 00:19:00,675
John: So potentially
you could get away with.
325
00:19:02,165 --> 00:19:06,575
wearing jeans on stage as a corporate
speaker, if you are, if that's your style.
326
00:19:06,605 --> 00:19:07,595
Is that right?
327
00:19:07,895 --> 00:19:10,720
Kay Korsh: Jeans, not necessarily,
but there are loads of other ways
328
00:19:10,720 --> 00:19:13,300
to hit that smart casual look.
329
00:19:14,410 --> 00:19:20,930
And, especially now with wider fit, with
maybe more relaxed fabrics, I always
330
00:19:20,930 --> 00:19:23,720
still think it needs to be premium.
331
00:19:23,720 --> 00:19:24,530
The stuff which you.
332
00:19:25,329 --> 00:19:30,605
Where, especially for male speakers,
it's crucial because they are, the
333
00:19:30,605 --> 00:19:32,585
silhouettes are not as diverse, right?
334
00:19:32,765 --> 00:19:35,285
So they really need to
concentrate on the quality.
335
00:19:35,855 --> 00:19:40,655
But, you can definitely go
with minimal sneakers, even
336
00:19:40,655 --> 00:19:42,005
if you look as more relaxed.
337
00:19:42,762 --> 00:19:46,185
So even if you are wearing,
maybe not jeans, but something,
338
00:19:46,185 --> 00:19:50,190
you know, like smart, chinos or
there are other things out there.
339
00:19:50,240 --> 00:19:53,570
Which are not jeans, but
they're not part of a suit.
340
00:19:54,470 --> 00:19:59,360
So you kind of hit that, tone of smart
casual, which is quite difficult.
341
00:19:59,360 --> 00:20:03,260
I would say that's probably
the hardest thing for people
342
00:20:03,260 --> 00:20:05,450
to hit the right note with.
343
00:20:05,450 --> 00:20:07,430
They're a bit unsure.
344
00:20:08,230 --> 00:20:12,285
Some people are sure about the smart
look or their casual look, but how
345
00:20:12,285 --> 00:20:14,350
do I hit the smart casual look?
346
00:20:14,930 --> 00:20:18,435
John: Yeah, how many looks
are, different looks.
347
00:20:19,125 --> 00:20:22,455
As a minimum, would a speaker do
you think generally need, if they're
348
00:20:22,455 --> 00:20:26,905
speaking, if they're speaking on
a regular basis, is it just one or
349
00:20:26,905 --> 00:20:31,705
two looks or should there be several
outfits that they kind of work between?
350
00:20:31,705 --> 00:20:35,365
Or maybe it depends on where
they're going to speak going.
351
00:20:35,365 --> 00:20:37,735
What are some of the things
that you've experienced there?
352
00:20:38,615 --> 00:20:39,995
Kay Korsh: That's a really good question.
353
00:20:39,995 --> 00:20:43,235
Obviously there are
different types of audiences.
354
00:20:43,325 --> 00:20:48,965
Sometimes people speak in front of
5,000 people, sometimes 230 people,
355
00:20:49,265 --> 00:20:53,375
and it will determine the tone
of what they're wearing as well.
356
00:20:53,375 --> 00:20:54,845
So you do need to have a variety.
357
00:20:54,895 --> 00:20:57,955
I don't like to dictate
the number of outfits.
358
00:20:57,955 --> 00:21:03,415
I would say maybe minimum would be
five, six, so that you at least cover
359
00:21:03,415 --> 00:21:06,895
the different audiences and have a
couple of different looks for each.
360
00:21:07,945 --> 00:21:11,845
Also, you have things like different
color backgrounds, different
361
00:21:11,875 --> 00:21:13,675
temperatures and things like that.
362
00:21:14,215 --> 00:21:18,325
What I would say is we are all different.
363
00:21:18,385 --> 00:21:21,115
Some of us like clothes, some of us don't.
364
00:21:21,415 --> 00:21:25,645
For people who don't like clothes,
it is better to stick to a simple
365
00:21:25,645 --> 00:21:27,535
formula in which you can repeat.
366
00:21:28,105 --> 00:21:34,335
Famous example is, Steve Jobs the same
outfit, and you can do that, or that is
367
00:21:34,335 --> 00:21:39,075
obviously quite extreme, but you can come
close to that but other people who like
368
00:21:39,075 --> 00:21:41,165
expressing themselves through clothes.
369
00:21:41,165 --> 00:21:45,305
They might have a huge wardrobe,
and that's okay as well.
370
00:21:45,545 --> 00:21:49,085
But what would be really helpful, what
I recommend people do is that they
371
00:21:49,085 --> 00:21:54,635
digitize their wardrobe so that they can
keep tops of on what they actually own.
372
00:21:55,310 --> 00:22:00,770
They don't buy the same thing twice if
they already have it in that wardrobe.
373
00:22:00,770 --> 00:22:04,130
And the easiest way to do
it, folders on your phone.
374
00:22:04,130 --> 00:22:07,900
You can create different folders of,
these are my shirts, these are my
375
00:22:07,900 --> 00:22:11,140
trousers, dresses, jackets, and so on.
376
00:22:12,415 --> 00:22:17,125
I also recommend to do a Conva
document where you put all of
377
00:22:17,125 --> 00:22:21,475
those looks next to each other and
you can kind of get an overview.
378
00:22:21,685 --> 00:22:22,825
You can print it out.
379
00:22:23,155 --> 00:22:28,655
Ultimately, whatever you personally
find the easiest to digest so that
380
00:22:28,655 --> 00:22:32,135
you have the visual reference of
what you've got is really useful.
381
00:22:32,435 --> 00:22:38,425
I heard this, story from one of my clients
recently that he had the tailor with whom
382
00:22:38,425 --> 00:22:40,985
he did all of his, made to measure suits.
383
00:22:41,285 --> 00:22:43,045
So he, ordered a new suit.
384
00:22:43,705 --> 00:22:48,505
He came home with a new suit, opened the
wardrobe, and realized he already had
385
00:22:48,505 --> 00:22:50,485
exactly the same suit and the same fabric.
386
00:22:50,485 --> 00:22:54,585
And he was furious because,
he spent a lot of money on it.
387
00:22:54,585 --> 00:22:58,215
And he said, why don't they
have a record of which fabrics
388
00:22:58,215 --> 00:22:59,805
I've already used as a customer?
389
00:23:00,435 --> 00:23:04,035
So having your wardrobe
digitized definitely helps with
390
00:23:04,935 --> 00:23:06,540
to avoid that kind of problem.
391
00:23:06,840 --> 00:23:07,170
John: Yeah.
392
00:23:07,170 --> 00:23:07,530
Great.
393
00:23:07,530 --> 00:23:10,020
And yeah, Canva whiteboards are
great for doing things like that
394
00:23:10,020 --> 00:23:11,460
as well, for helping you see that.
395
00:23:11,460 --> 00:23:11,790
I love that.
396
00:23:12,300 --> 00:23:15,270
I know we went into my wardrobe
would probably mostly just see
397
00:23:15,270 --> 00:23:16,950
a hundred different polo shirts.
398
00:23:16,950 --> 00:23:20,685
So that gives you a pretty good
idea of what I'm generally gonna be
399
00:23:20,685 --> 00:23:22,975
wearing, wearing for speaking gigs.
400
00:23:23,065 --> 00:23:25,825
Kay Korsh: Are they in different
colors or the same color?
401
00:23:26,275 --> 00:23:29,725
John: they, they are in different colors,
so probably the majority are in black.
402
00:23:29,945 --> 00:23:34,025
But I have, I have a bunch that
are in, I have like red green.
403
00:23:34,770 --> 00:23:35,220
Blue.
404
00:23:35,250 --> 00:23:37,560
This one's sort of olive, color today.
405
00:23:37,870 --> 00:23:41,620
Yeah, I do, I do like a range of
colors with that as well, but I tend
406
00:23:41,620 --> 00:23:46,300
to, I tend to wear black ones when
I'm, when I'm doing, speaking work.
407
00:23:47,710 --> 00:23:47,740
Kay Korsh: okay.
408
00:23:48,640 --> 00:23:53,010
You kind of, you tend to, you are
more on a, Steve Jobs side of things
409
00:23:53,015 --> 00:23:54,375
where you, you like it simple.
410
00:23:54,995 --> 00:23:58,200
John: I, I like it simple and I like
something that I feel comfortable
411
00:23:58,200 --> 00:24:01,770
in and can move around with and, and
ideally something that has a collar on
412
00:24:01,770 --> 00:24:03,720
it as well, but isn't actually a shirt.
413
00:24:03,750 --> 00:24:07,400
So yeah, I think that's where polo
shirts meet the right balance for
414
00:24:07,400 --> 00:24:10,130
me and, and tend to fit better.
415
00:24:10,130 --> 00:24:13,820
You know, I'm a little on the larger
side, so they tend to fit better than
416
00:24:13,820 --> 00:24:17,055
my dress shirts and stuff as well,
although I do sometimes like that too.
417
00:24:17,455 --> 00:24:18,885
It's always good to get these.
418
00:24:19,225 --> 00:24:25,655
Style tips and advice from somebody
like yourself when it comes to, if we
419
00:24:25,655 --> 00:24:30,995
think about putting a wardrobe together,
what would you recommend as a sort
420
00:24:30,995 --> 00:24:33,295
of budget to get yourself started?
421
00:24:33,295 --> 00:24:34,915
What would be a good budget to take?
422
00:24:35,305 --> 00:24:37,075
You said you want to have quality stuff.
423
00:24:37,075 --> 00:24:41,945
You wanna make sure good, if you can,
for those who are looking to do this.
424
00:24:42,290 --> 00:24:44,765
What would be an ideal kind
of budget to be able to go and
425
00:24:44,825 --> 00:24:46,895
shop for the speaker outfits?
426
00:24:47,860 --> 00:24:49,365
Kay Korsh: That's a great question.
427
00:24:49,365 --> 00:24:53,545
I actually have a resource which
is called A budget calculator.
428
00:24:53,845 --> 00:24:57,725
A clothing budget calculator, which
I can share with you, if you like.
429
00:24:58,325 --> 00:25:01,175
What it, it does depend.
430
00:25:01,415 --> 00:25:06,935
What I would suggest is always look at
your existing wardrobe and see first what
431
00:25:06,935 --> 00:25:10,895
you actually need to get, because chances
are you don't need to start from scratch.
432
00:25:11,375 --> 00:25:17,115
And it also depends on which
bucket of, what kind of, budget
433
00:25:17,115 --> 00:25:19,625
you want to spend for, clothes.
434
00:25:19,835 --> 00:25:21,245
I would say probably.
435
00:25:22,095 --> 00:25:27,675
Looking at how much you earn, and
then thinking about 10% of that
436
00:25:27,705 --> 00:25:30,675
if you want to get a lot of stuff.
437
00:25:32,055 --> 00:25:36,135
I don't, I don't recommend
to go to like High Street.
438
00:25:36,975 --> 00:25:38,775
So High Street can differ.
439
00:25:38,775 --> 00:25:42,345
So normally what I recommend is kind
of higher end of High Street, so
440
00:25:42,345 --> 00:25:44,985
you don't have to go astronomical.
441
00:25:45,385 --> 00:25:46,285
On brands,
442
00:25:46,335 --> 00:25:50,735
making sure that you have good
quality clothes is, important.
443
00:25:51,530 --> 00:25:56,690
John: So would it be like, would you
maybe advise somebody to, to find a
444
00:25:56,690 --> 00:25:59,840
professional tailor or, or seamstress?
445
00:26:00,965 --> 00:26:01,865
Kay Korsh: A hundred percent.
446
00:26:01,865 --> 00:26:03,815
It's, I would say it's crucial.
447
00:26:03,815 --> 00:26:09,255
A lot of people, take it as a, as a
luxury, but I think it, it is an absolute
448
00:26:09,720 --> 00:26:15,210
necessity, because it can completely
transform the look of what you've got.
449
00:26:15,540 --> 00:26:19,890
I've encountered it with clients, quite
often where we go through the existing
450
00:26:19,890 --> 00:26:24,360
wardrobe and we take everything out and
they put it on and they say, all you need
451
00:26:24,360 --> 00:26:29,250
to do is just make it a bit small on the
way so that it fits in the right place and
452
00:26:29,250 --> 00:26:31,680
it completely transforms the whole look.
453
00:26:31,680 --> 00:26:34,110
And all of a sudden they've
got an item, which they already
454
00:26:34,110 --> 00:26:36,510
had and didn't know why they.
455
00:26:36,825 --> 00:26:40,815
Didn't wear it, something was
wrong, even though it seemed okay.
456
00:26:41,235 --> 00:26:46,260
And with that little change, they
can wear that item all the time.
457
00:26:47,280 --> 00:26:47,580
John: Yeah.
458
00:26:47,785 --> 00:26:51,120
I, I do think for, for guys particularly,
and, and, and for some women as
459
00:26:51,120 --> 00:26:54,750
well, it's probably, it is a good
idea to have at least one properly
460
00:26:54,780 --> 00:26:56,550
fitted suit, uh, in your life.
461
00:26:56,550 --> 00:26:59,940
But if you're a speaker,
probably more, yeah, it's
462
00:27:00,240 --> 00:27:00,525
Kay Korsh: Yes.
463
00:27:00,525 --> 00:27:05,455
But also, I, I definitely think it's
for both, male and female speakers.
464
00:27:05,455 --> 00:27:05,515
I.
465
00:27:05,935 --> 00:27:10,035
And, especially, you know, for
petite women for example, it's
466
00:27:10,035 --> 00:27:11,805
almost every single thing.
467
00:27:11,835 --> 00:27:16,345
Even if they do buy, stuff in
petite sizes, they still need a
468
00:27:16,495 --> 00:27:18,625
seamstress to adjust the length.
469
00:27:19,105 --> 00:27:23,755
So literally checking with every single
item, which you buy, like every single
470
00:27:23,755 --> 00:27:26,235
pair of trousers and, a shirt, a jacket.
471
00:27:27,235 --> 00:27:27,745
John: That's great.
472
00:27:28,105 --> 00:27:32,085
Are there, when it comes to trends
and fashions, is it better to maybe,
473
00:27:32,455 --> 00:27:38,755
go for more classic looks or is it
okay to kind of go with some trends?
474
00:27:38,755 --> 00:27:40,195
Or does it just depend on the person I.
475
00:27:41,195 --> 00:27:45,005
Kay Korsh: Trends are really important,
and that's, you remember in the beginning
476
00:27:45,005 --> 00:27:48,845
of our conversation, I was talking
about the two buckets for credibility.
477
00:27:49,085 --> 00:27:54,305
So one was fit, the second one is
being current and looking up to date.
478
00:27:55,145 --> 00:28:00,205
And, a lot of people disregard trends
because they think it's too fashiony.
479
00:28:00,205 --> 00:28:04,199
But in fact, looking at long-term
trends, which have been around for
480
00:28:04,675 --> 00:28:07,475
10 years even, crucial because.
481
00:28:08,105 --> 00:28:10,895
This is another way to
connect with your audience.
482
00:28:11,465 --> 00:28:16,855
If, you look out of date, people might
think, whether it's consciously or
483
00:28:16,855 --> 00:28:20,965
subconsciously, that your ideas are
also out of date and you don't want
484
00:28:20,965 --> 00:28:25,915
that as a speaker, and, they will
feel that you are part of that tribe.
485
00:28:26,665 --> 00:28:29,755
It's the same way as when you hear a song.
486
00:28:29,755 --> 00:28:33,865
Lots of times you start humming that
song, you become familiar with it.
487
00:28:34,690 --> 00:28:40,660
In the same way when we see people
wearing certain things online and in
488
00:28:40,660 --> 00:28:45,460
real life we get used to, our eye gets
used to it, our brain gets used to it.
489
00:28:46,510 --> 00:28:50,806
So people in the audience, when
they see things you are wearing,
490
00:28:51,190 --> 00:28:55,780
which they can relate to, they
automatically relate to you faster.
491
00:28:55,960 --> 00:28:57,160
They can trust you faster.
492
00:28:58,160 --> 00:29:01,750
And yeah, so looking at trends.
493
00:29:02,245 --> 00:29:07,675
And training your brain on what
is in style now is, is very
494
00:29:07,675 --> 00:29:10,165
important as part of being credible.
495
00:29:11,410 --> 00:29:12,190
John: No, I.
496
00:29:12,835 --> 00:29:14,605
Worth thinking about.
497
00:29:15,065 --> 00:29:18,035
And it makes sense to me as well,
I get that, is that if you have at
498
00:29:18,035 --> 00:29:21,405
least something that shows that you
are, keeping with the times, I hadn't
499
00:29:21,405 --> 00:29:23,235
considered what you said there.
500
00:29:23,265 --> 00:29:26,895
We hadn't ever thought about that
before, how people might judge you on,
501
00:29:26,905 --> 00:29:30,625
if you don't show those signs of, that
you're aware of what current trends
502
00:29:30,625 --> 00:29:33,745
are that you might see a little out of
touch is like, yeah, that makes sense.
503
00:29:33,745 --> 00:29:38,725
And it's like, as someone who is, you
know, over 50 now, I certainly think when
504
00:29:38,725 --> 00:29:43,405
I was in my twenties and thirties, I cared
way more about that stuff than I do now.
505
00:29:43,765 --> 00:29:46,705
But I, again, now, I was like, okay,
I'm older, maybe don't care about it,
506
00:29:46,705 --> 00:29:51,350
but I should still pay some attention
to it for, for exactly those reasons.
507
00:29:51,385 --> 00:29:51,535
So
508
00:29:51,650 --> 00:29:55,690
Kay Korsh: A lot of speakers I work with,
they are older, and some of them would
509
00:29:55,690 --> 00:29:59,590
be in the sixties and the seventies even.
510
00:30:00,070 --> 00:30:05,070
And, it's, I would say even more
crucial for all the speakers to look
511
00:30:05,160 --> 00:30:09,460
into it, to make sure that they look
up to date, because I hear this,
512
00:30:09,500 --> 00:30:11,960
especially from female speakers who are.
513
00:30:13,150 --> 00:30:18,100
They feel like they're getting booked
less now that they become older.
514
00:30:18,100 --> 00:30:24,130
And looking current is definitely
one of the easy things they can
515
00:30:24,130 --> 00:30:26,180
do to, eliminate that problem.
516
00:30:26,915 --> 00:30:29,670
John: And, and is that just
small adjustments or, I
517
00:30:29,670 --> 00:30:30,810
mean, what kind of things?
518
00:30:30,810 --> 00:30:37,110
We like, could we just currently make male
and female think about doing to help us
519
00:30:37,110 --> 00:30:43,015
be a bit more current and you know, get
in touch with some of the latest trends.
520
00:30:44,205 --> 00:30:46,935
Kay Korsh: The main thing to
look at is actually the details.
521
00:30:47,005 --> 00:30:52,255
Your footwear, your accessories, your
jewelry, your hairstyle, your makeup.
522
00:30:53,080 --> 00:30:55,600
This is what makes or breaks the outfit.
523
00:30:56,920 --> 00:31:03,040
So I would recommend to, in the same
way, as I said, try to find your,
524
00:31:03,140 --> 00:31:05,540
celebrities who have similar body type.
525
00:31:05,540 --> 00:31:09,780
You might want to look into,
celebrities who have similar
526
00:31:10,290 --> 00:31:13,770
hairstyle or similar hair type to you.
527
00:31:14,850 --> 00:31:18,000
Or for, and it would apply to men as well.
528
00:31:18,000 --> 00:31:22,500
And, you know, with, for example,
facial hair, what kind of facial
529
00:31:22,500 --> 00:31:27,150
hair, like what kind of beard
shapes are in style now, right?
530
00:31:27,700 --> 00:31:28,930
The same with footwear.
531
00:31:28,930 --> 00:31:31,240
So you, you can ask charge for help.
532
00:31:31,240 --> 00:31:36,430
You can Google what are
current trends on, on footwear.
533
00:31:36,430 --> 00:31:40,440
And I guess a lot of it now is
with being more relaxed, right?
534
00:31:40,500 --> 00:31:46,810
So it's, looking into minimal sneakers,
instead of some, more dress issues.
535
00:31:46,810 --> 00:31:51,040
But that's not to say that you
shouldn't have dress issues because in
536
00:31:51,040 --> 00:31:53,950
some, circumstances you do need them.
537
00:31:54,460 --> 00:31:59,840
So looking at the styles
which are current, within
538
00:31:59,840 --> 00:32:01,320
the footwear is, important.
539
00:32:02,235 --> 00:32:02,525
John: Yeah.
540
00:32:02,765 --> 00:32:03,006
I think I.
541
00:32:04,006 --> 00:32:06,946
Recently I was having a conversation,
I can't even remember if it was on
542
00:32:06,946 --> 00:32:10,566
the podcast now, but it was, but it
was to do with, paying attention.
543
00:32:10,596 --> 00:32:11,376
It was on the podcast.
544
00:32:11,616 --> 00:32:15,786
It was to do with paying attention
to things like people's shoes as part
545
00:32:15,786 --> 00:32:20,045
of, as part of viewing the context
of the person as like the, how much
546
00:32:20,096 --> 00:32:21,746
you can tell a lot about somebody.
547
00:32:22,196 --> 00:32:22,946
Just by the shoes.
548
00:32:23,066 --> 00:32:26,476
There's actually, Keith Kong, a guy
who's a professional mentalist, and
549
00:32:26,476 --> 00:32:29,426
this is one of the things he was saying
is like when he is, he has to do quick
550
00:32:29,426 --> 00:32:33,146
evaluations on people on stage when
he's working with them for the mind
551
00:32:33,146 --> 00:32:34,436
reading and techniques and stuff.
552
00:32:34,886 --> 00:32:38,306
And, and the shoes is one of the
first things he looks at because it
553
00:32:38,306 --> 00:32:40,436
tells you so much about a person.
554
00:32:40,436 --> 00:32:40,736
So,
555
00:32:41,456 --> 00:32:42,061
Kay Korsh: Oh, wow.
556
00:32:42,061 --> 00:32:45,691
I absolutely love this, actually,
that I didn't think about that.
557
00:32:45,791 --> 00:32:48,341
Yeah, I should look into
it and maybe even chat.
558
00:32:48,761 --> 00:32:50,201
What is this person's name?
559
00:32:50,646 --> 00:32:51,261
John: Keith Kong.
560
00:32:51,261 --> 00:32:52,521
Super, super nice guy.
561
00:32:52,521 --> 00:32:54,171
I'll connect you with
him if you'd like to.
562
00:32:54,511 --> 00:32:56,911
But yeah, he, based in Vegas and
he's a professional mentalist.
563
00:32:57,241 --> 00:32:58,701
So so I was asking him
like, oh, is it that?
564
00:32:58,701 --> 00:33:01,905
Things like, someone has verypristine
shoes, they're like shiny.
565
00:33:01,905 --> 00:33:03,045
They're really smart.
566
00:33:03,045 --> 00:33:04,785
You can tell someone own, say, yeah.
567
00:33:04,785 --> 00:33:07,515
And it's the same as someone's got really
scruffy shoes on or they're falling
568
00:33:07,515 --> 00:33:11,650
apart or whatever else you can, it tells
you something about their character.
569
00:33:11,650 --> 00:33:13,180
They've come out for an evening out.
570
00:33:13,480 --> 00:33:15,580
This is what they've
chosen to wear for that.
571
00:33:15,830 --> 00:33:18,075
And it is probably how they
don't generally show up.
572
00:33:18,135 --> 00:33:20,480
So it gives you an insight
into their character.
573
00:33:20,480 --> 00:33:24,190
It's part of the how you, kind of what you
mentioned, that how you dress is part of
574
00:33:24,190 --> 00:33:30,040
the context of who you are, that is giving
your audience clues, whether consciously
575
00:33:30,040 --> 00:33:32,560
or unconsciously about who you are.
576
00:33:33,465 --> 00:33:33,685
Kay Korsh: Yes.
577
00:33:34,005 --> 00:33:34,245
Brilliant.
578
00:33:34,405 --> 00:33:34,890
I love that.
579
00:33:36,100 --> 00:33:36,550
John: Excellent.
580
00:33:36,970 --> 00:33:40,090
Are there a few, sort of
style do's and don'ts?
581
00:33:40,090 --> 00:33:42,820
I know you covered some good stuff
already, but some particular style do's
582
00:33:42,820 --> 00:33:47,510
or don'ts that we could probably benefit
from, from your wisdom and insights.
583
00:33:48,535 --> 00:33:52,735
Kay Korsh: I would give you one, which
is less is more if you are unsure.
584
00:33:52,735 --> 00:33:57,865
For example, as I mentioned now, like
accessories can make it or break it.
585
00:33:57,895 --> 00:33:58,375
Jewelry.
586
00:33:59,375 --> 00:34:06,625
Hair style, if you are unsure, it's
always better to go less because
587
00:34:06,685 --> 00:34:08,585
it's less chance of making a mistake.
588
00:34:09,835 --> 00:34:14,804
So, that, and also as I mentioned,
the fit, just making sure that the fit
589
00:34:15,074 --> 00:34:17,205
is right of whatever you are wearing.
590
00:34:17,264 --> 00:34:20,860
And, I guess, making sure
your clothes is not creased.
591
00:34:21,860 --> 00:34:22,610
Things like that.
592
00:34:22,670 --> 00:34:31,730
Practicing in front of a mirror in your
outfit while delivering your talk advance.
593
00:34:32,235 --> 00:34:35,090
John: Yeah, I was kind of thinking
just what occurred to me that, your
594
00:34:35,090 --> 00:34:38,670
look as a speaker, your outfit is
a bit like, a perfume or a cologne.
595
00:34:39,270 --> 00:34:42,929
Like, if you put too much perfume
or cologne on it, it's gonna stink
596
00:34:43,875 --> 00:34:44,165
Kay Korsh: Yeah,
597
00:34:44,545 --> 00:34:44,764
John: and.
598
00:34:45,659 --> 00:34:49,020
If you, if you wear one that doesn't
suit you, it's gonna smell bad.
599
00:34:49,020 --> 00:34:50,460
It's gonna, it's gonna stand out.
600
00:34:50,880 --> 00:34:54,389
But if you wear a, a perfume or
cologne that does really suit
601
00:34:54,389 --> 00:34:59,010
you, and you just have a light, a
light spray of it, it's gonna be.
602
00:34:59,580 --> 00:35:00,960
Almost unnoticeable.
603
00:35:00,960 --> 00:35:03,420
If you do notice, if you do happen
to think about it, you're gonna
604
00:35:03,420 --> 00:35:05,190
think, ah, it just seems right.
605
00:35:05,550 --> 00:35:06,270
It looks good.
606
00:35:06,540 --> 00:35:07,560
No, it smells good on you.
607
00:35:07,890 --> 00:35:08,700
Same with your outfits.
608
00:35:08,700 --> 00:35:11,640
It looks good on your, you mentioned
about things being a distraction.
609
00:35:12,000 --> 00:35:15,050
It's like, you know, the too
much or too little or the
610
00:35:15,050 --> 00:35:17,060
wrong thing is a distraction.
611
00:35:17,360 --> 00:35:21,080
Whereas when I think maybe where you know,
you've got the right kind of look for
612
00:35:21,080 --> 00:35:25,310
you is where it's just not a distraction
and it feels right for you and people.
613
00:35:26,195 --> 00:35:29,165
May notice it, but generally
don't even think about it 'cause
614
00:35:29,165 --> 00:35:31,145
it just seems right for you.
615
00:35:32,255 --> 00:35:34,415
Kay Korsh: I'm going to use
this thing with the perfume.
616
00:35:34,415 --> 00:35:34,985
I love that.
617
00:35:35,765 --> 00:35:35,885
I
618
00:35:35,885 --> 00:35:36,905
love that metaphor.
619
00:35:37,205 --> 00:35:37,685
Thank you.
620
00:35:37,730 --> 00:35:38,450
John: Yeah, please do.
621
00:35:38,450 --> 00:35:39,980
You're you're very,
you're very welcome to it.
622
00:35:39,980 --> 00:35:42,740
My, my gift to you from,
from, from this episode.
623
00:35:43,120 --> 00:35:47,470
When's, just to just sort of, Kyle, I'm
curious when someone does come to work
624
00:35:47,470 --> 00:35:51,410
with you, and I can see why, why people
would, I definitely would encourage it.
625
00:35:51,890 --> 00:35:54,410
How long would they
generally work with you for?
626
00:35:55,410 --> 00:36:00,600
Kay Korsh: I tend to prefer to work
with people over a longer period of time
627
00:36:00,600 --> 00:36:04,650
because I don't believe that you can go
to the shops with somebody for two hours
628
00:36:04,650 --> 00:36:06,900
and they come out joyful and transformed.
629
00:36:07,520 --> 00:36:11,060
It takes time for that transformation
for you to get to know yourself
630
00:36:11,060 --> 00:36:12,260
and for me to get to know you.
631
00:36:12,710 --> 00:36:17,360
So I tend to work with people over
three months period to kind of get
632
00:36:17,570 --> 00:36:21,770
naturally, organically to the place of
where they're happy with the results.
633
00:36:21,770 --> 00:36:25,540
And I'm always driven by the
results to make sure that
634
00:36:25,580 --> 00:36:27,560
they're happy with what they get.
635
00:36:27,890 --> 00:36:32,540
And, I achieve that either
through one-to-one work.
636
00:36:33,075 --> 00:36:39,045
Or I also have a group style program
where I take people exactly through the
637
00:36:39,045 --> 00:36:45,535
same process, which I take my one-to-one
clients through, and that allows the
638
00:36:45,535 --> 00:36:49,645
group, the group program is also three
months long, so it allows for the same
639
00:36:50,005 --> 00:36:52,735
time for them to get that transformation.
640
00:36:53,270 --> 00:36:53,870
John: Fantastic.
641
00:36:53,890 --> 00:36:57,515
Do, do you ever go shopping with, with
your clients or take them to the tailor?
642
00:36:57,670 --> 00:36:59,380
To help them pick out their outfits.
643
00:36:59,995 --> 00:37:02,485
Kay Korsh: Of course, yes,
with, one-to-one clients.
644
00:37:02,485 --> 00:37:07,635
And, I love, a combination of online
shopping and in-person shopping.
645
00:37:07,995 --> 00:37:13,365
As I developed this business, after COVID
started, I developed all the processes
646
00:37:13,365 --> 00:37:19,075
online and, you get so much more choice
online versus in shops these days.
647
00:37:20,350 --> 00:37:25,120
Some brands are simply, they don't
have physical stores or even those
648
00:37:25,390 --> 00:37:27,190
which do have physical stores.
649
00:37:27,190 --> 00:37:31,000
The choice of their online stock
is much bigger, so it's always
650
00:37:31,000 --> 00:37:33,400
nice to have a combination of both.
651
00:37:33,780 --> 00:37:34,320
John: That's great.
652
00:37:34,615 --> 00:37:35,610
Yeah, I, I love this.
653
00:37:35,610 --> 00:37:39,360
I don't think I've, I've seen, like,
I listen to other sort of professional
654
00:37:39,570 --> 00:37:42,660
communication and speaking podcast,
and I don't think I've ever seen one.
655
00:37:42,660 --> 00:37:46,650
On episode where anyone's really
talked about how you look on stage and
656
00:37:46,650 --> 00:37:48,205
how to style yourself as a speaker.
657
00:37:48,270 --> 00:37:51,960
So I love that you're doing this and,
and I'm, I'm pretty sure, you know,
658
00:37:52,320 --> 00:37:55,980
people who may be watching on YouTube
or listening on the podcast may be
659
00:37:55,980 --> 00:38:00,690
thinking about, oh, I might be interested
in working with Kay as, maybe one
660
00:38:00,690 --> 00:38:02,430
to one, maybe in your group program.
661
00:38:02,550 --> 00:38:04,950
What's the best way for them
to find out more about you?
662
00:38:06,010 --> 00:38:09,250
Kay Korsh: I love meeting
people on LinkedIn.
663
00:38:09,580 --> 00:38:14,070
So if you are listening to this podcast,
connect with me on LinkedIn and, say
664
00:38:14,070 --> 00:38:18,860
that you listened to the episode and,
I would love to start a conversation.
665
00:38:19,635 --> 00:38:20,175
John: Fantastic.
666
00:38:20,175 --> 00:38:22,845
Well, I'll make sure that the, the
links to connect with you are in
667
00:38:22,845 --> 00:38:26,555
the, in the description and the show
notes for people who want to do that.
668
00:38:26,555 --> 00:38:28,145
I do do encourage it as well.
669
00:38:28,145 --> 00:38:31,505
Do you, do you share content on
there with style tips as well?
670
00:38:31,505 --> 00:38:32,795
If we follow you on social media, I.
671
00:38:33,295 --> 00:38:34,525
Kay Korsh: Oh yes, definitely.
672
00:38:34,645 --> 00:38:34,945
Yes.
673
00:38:34,945 --> 00:38:38,375
There's a lot of, free content,
which, you can check out.
674
00:38:39,470 --> 00:38:40,100
John: Fantastic.
675
00:38:40,100 --> 00:38:42,020
Well, another good reason to
come and connect with you.
676
00:38:42,020 --> 00:38:42,290
Kay.
677
00:38:42,470 --> 00:38:44,570
It's been a real delight
to chat with you today.
678
00:38:44,570 --> 00:38:48,225
This is such an interesting topic and
an important one that I think so many
679
00:38:48,225 --> 00:38:49,965
speakers don't really think about or they.
680
00:38:50,595 --> 00:38:54,015
Trying to figure it out for themselves
and maybe we shouldn't have been.
681
00:38:54,045 --> 00:38:57,465
'cause most of us don't have a
clue about fashion and style.
682
00:38:57,735 --> 00:39:02,245
Better to go to someone who has a bit
more of an idea, and can guide us to
683
00:39:02,245 --> 00:39:05,845
look really good because I do think that
whole context thing is super important.
684
00:39:06,265 --> 00:39:07,225
And absolute pleasure chatting.
685
00:39:07,405 --> 00:39:08,815
I hope people will come
and connect with you.
686
00:39:08,815 --> 00:39:10,585
And thank you for coming
and being my guest today.
687
00:39:11,395 --> 00:39:12,445
Kay Korsh: Thank you for having me.
688
00:39:12,961 --> 00:39:13,681
John: So there you have it.
689
00:39:13,681 --> 00:39:17,501
Style isn't about fashion as
much as it's about communication.
690
00:39:17,951 --> 00:39:21,631
Now, Kay reminded us today that what
you wear on stage isn't superficial.
691
00:39:21,661 --> 00:39:22,861
It's strategic.
692
00:39:23,221 --> 00:39:25,681
Your look helps shape how
your audience perceives your
693
00:39:25,681 --> 00:39:27,691
authority, energy, and relevance.
694
00:39:27,691 --> 00:39:30,781
Whether you're speaking to thousands
or leading a workshop, your
695
00:39:30,781 --> 00:39:32,851
outfit is a part of your message.
696
00:39:33,121 --> 00:39:36,301
And if you're ready to show up with
more presence, polish and personal
697
00:39:36,331 --> 00:39:38,821
power, reach out to Kate on LinkedIn.
698
00:39:38,821 --> 00:39:39,631
Send her a message.
699
00:39:40,036 --> 00:39:45,616
Mention this show and start leveling
up your visual influence now.
700
00:39:45,676 --> 00:39:51,026
Next episode on Friday, we'll be
continuing the series of robert Cialdini's
701
00:39:51,026 --> 00:39:52,826
Tools of Influence for Speakers.
702
00:39:53,036 --> 00:39:55,736
If you haven't already been
following that series, I think we
703
00:39:55,736 --> 00:39:58,076
are at number five outta seven now.
704
00:39:58,346 --> 00:40:00,776
So do go and check out
those previous episodes.
705
00:40:00,776 --> 00:40:03,296
Can find them on your podcast
channel or you can find 'em on
706
00:40:03,296 --> 00:40:04,766
YouTube, whichever you prefer.
707
00:40:05,036 --> 00:40:08,006
I recommend YouTube 'cause there's a
lot more visual stuff going on there.
708
00:40:08,246 --> 00:40:11,126
There is content I'm putting on
YouTube that is not coming onto the
709
00:40:11,126 --> 00:40:15,296
podcast, so do make sure you are
subscribed to the show there as well.
710
00:40:15,506 --> 00:40:19,586
Otherwise, you might be missing out on
some content that you might just enjoy.
711
00:40:20,086 --> 00:40:23,476
You can also find clips and highlights
from particular shows and other
712
00:40:23,476 --> 00:40:24,736
content that I'm putting out there.
713
00:40:25,016 --> 00:40:28,286
And if you are interested in following
some of my standup comedy, that's
714
00:40:28,286 --> 00:40:29,786
gonna be the place for you to find it.
715
00:40:29,786 --> 00:40:30,566
Hope to see you there.
