The Zoom age hasn’t been a picnic for communications directors. It’s not always easy to tell that C-suite executive to lose the scruffy COVID beard, the t-shirt, the ponytail, the no-makeup, etc. Sure, it was “freeing” for a while, but those days are gone.
With the business world (seemingly, God willing) inching toward the cusp of returning to something approaching normalcy, it’s time to go back to looking professional — and that goes for comms professionals themselves, as well as the senior execs. We’re not saying that you need to put on a tie or go to the salon, but please set a good example by getting out of your sweatshirt and wrinkled polo shirt. Think about your appearance: hair, clothes, make-up.
Also, be sure that you aren’t committing that cardinal sin of sitting in front of a window, with the light coming from behind making you look like a B-movie ghoul. Get a ring light or sit in front of the window with the light on your face. Get a proper lavalier microphone too, so we don’t hear the labradoodle barking next door.
As a comms director, you’re telling the “talent” what to do — so do as you say.