When wearing capris at a casual pool party, the shoe we like is a sandal. Not everyone can wear them, though, because of a physical deformity of some sort. If you do wear a sandal, a pedicure is important. Neutral is best unless you have beautiful toes, then choose a color that will enhance the look of the sandal.

You can also wear white gym shoes. Not the heavy athletic ones though. Choose the brand, KEDS.

Often, clients fight that perception is reality. They don’t understand what their brand is and most importantly how their brand is perceived and the fact that what is really important is what is perceived.

Perception has a life of its own. Recently, in speaking with a client about a potential hire for her team, all she could remember was that this person was wearing ridiculously high heels! She felt this individual was only interested in fashion and not truly a business person. Changing the perception of the potential hire from a not-so-serious business person to a professional who took herself seriously, necessitated quite a mind shift in the interview.

PowerPoint is a wonderful tool to use when making a presentation. It adds a visual context to your message and hopefully adds clarity to the point you are driving. At the same time, PowerPoint can confuse the message and become handicap to the speaker.

For a twenty minute talk, the maximum number of slides used would be 30 and most of them would be picture visuals you can talk to.

Years ago, I attended a presentation given by two CEOs. (Their companies were my clients at the time.) One CE0 had too many slides for a 45 minute presentation. Many of the slides were in small print and graphs that no one could make out. The other CEO, who spoke immediately after, only had one slide with visuals that transitioned in when he was making a point. The audience was much more engaged with the second CEO even though the points both CEOs were making were the same (albeit from different viewpoints).

Which presentation would you have liked to attend?

It is often said that our eyes are the window to the world. They are also are how folks read you. Eye contact is critical when first meeting someone because it shows engagement and that you are focused on what they are saying. It also will help you remember names and something about them.

Eyes, when looking down, up, to the right or to the left, do not send a good message. In some cases, it shows nervousness and even deception in a reply.

Sleeveless tops and dresses are best worn with a jacket. However, many companies located in warmer climates have begun to accept them worn without either a jacket or sweater. In the Midwest, during the summer, uncovered arms are the norm. However, if you have tattoos on your arms I would have them covered. You do not want your tattoos, instead of your professionalism, to be a topic of conversation.

Using a guest volunteer in a recent presentation, I wanted to demonstrate what worked well in her professional attire. I had commented how she was able to wear a necklace and earrings that complemented each other but did not match because wearing matching earrings and necklaces has gone by the wayside. Now, it is smarter to wear complementary pieces.

Have said that, there are exceptions, one being gem and natural stone pieces. Also, when wearing matching pieces, the earrings must be smaller.

While long hair has been the rage among old and young, shorter hair appears to be making a comeback. Lately I have seen women favoring haircuts to ear and chin lengths for a change. It can make for a fresher look.

If you go short, consider changing your clothing choices. Shorter hair styles can create too bare a look, especially if you have a long neck. Be sure to add collars to your shirts and the appropriate jewelry choices to balance your new appearance.

The latest trend is personalization with names spelled out or initials on necklaces, bracelets, rings, tote bags, purses and even sweaters.

I think initials on a bag or on a necklace can be smart. My feeling is that personalized items are great to wear on weekends or if you are in the fashion and/or art field. And one personalized item is much smarter than to wear several items with your name or initials on it.

The most important asset of your body language is the facial expression. So many times I have been asked to work with clients who have a poker face. The reason the poker face is such a negative part of body language, is that it puts up a wall to communicating. People cannot read or connect with you when there is no expression on your face. When there is a lack of emotions, there is no communications. A true leader must be able to communicate.

Here are some voicemail greetings that could stand a revamp:

• I really don’t want to talk to you but if I have too, leave a message. (trying to be funny and it is not)

• The low grunt and the name. This is after the prerecorded greeting letting you know the person is not available.

• The rushed name spoken in an out of breath sound voice – like the speaker has ran a marathon.

• The voice that sounds as if the speaker is on his/her death bed.

If you are not sure what you sound like, call in from another phone and listen to your voicemail greeting. If it sounds close to any of the above—change it!