When Looks Can Kill

Public speakers are all about appearance and presentation. Self confidence plus.

Their message? Often lost in the showmanship, the entertainment ... or the cringing shyness.

For those of us who go to public speeches to learn or to understand - trade and industry functions, for example, or even college - the message is what's important.

Some public speaking coaches are beginning to recognize that fact. To the extent that one text I recently saw had this line prominently displayed:

Do not wear anything that takes away from your presentation such as big jewelry, loud colors, or excessive makeup unless it is part of your presentation.

Ideas, anyone? Jewelry is a vital part of many people's persona. They just don't function effectively without it.

So who will be the first to come out with a line of confidence-building or comforter range of jewelry designed to complement and enhance the authority of the public speaker?

The promotion value alone - from stages around the country - could be substantial.