As speakers, we don’t want anything to distract our audience from our talk. How about your belly button? Is your belly button showing when you speak?
Snug-fitting shirts can reveal the outline of our belly buttons!
A retired Hollywood costume designer surprised us with feedback about visible belly buttons! Tight-fitting shirts can outline our belly buttons. That might distract your audience.
The Discovery
A TEDx focus Toastmasters club that once met in the San Fernando Valley, California, was proud to have as one of its members Karen Hudson, a retired Hollywood costumer. At the end of each meeting, she was allotted five minutes to provide feedback to people who spoke on the stage that meeting about their dress. Were we surprised to learn about one of our members having her belly button show through her snug t-shirt? Once brought to my awareness, I am surprised how many belly buttons show through people’s clothing! Who would have thought?
The Fix
The fix is to put tape over your belly button. But, make sure the TAPE doesn’t show through your top. That can quickly happen under the glare of bright lights and/or high-definition video cameras. Your safest bet is to place a sizeable flesh-colored band-aid over your belly button. 2X4 inches should do the job.
Check the Mirror
Before you hit the stage, check yourself in the mirror. Is your belly button showing?
