Welcome Speech Team Parents

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Welcome Speech Team Parents

• Our Team Mission
• To be a teamof dedicated public speakerswho
  have funand strive for excellence.

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Is my student wellsuitedfor speech?

• What is professional speech attire?

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Why does WHA Speechhave a dress code?

• Educational Purposes
• Competitive Purposes

WHA Speech has adopted a culture of classic or
conservative professional dress for tournament
days. We believe that a suit (or slight
variation thereof) helps students look and feel
their professional best!
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Why have we chosen to define our dress code?

• Our team is in the spotlight
• To bring our team to the next level
• Observations made over the years about successful
  programs and dress

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What defines a suit in speech and how does that
relate to our policies?

• For the gentlemen, the definition doesnt change
  much between speech and business.
• For the ladies, our experience has shown a favor
  in speech towards a suit which displays both
  strength and femininity. This can be
  accomplished with a suit top and either a skirt
  or pant.

You never get a second chance to make a first
impression!
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To Do Tips for the Gentlemen

• SUITS
• Choose a conservative single-breasted, 2-, 3-, or
  4-button jacket
• Choose dark colors black, dark gray, charcoal,
  olive or navy (Avoid flashy or showy fabrics)
• Make sure your suit is altered to fit properly -
  sleeves should break just below your wrist
• SHIRTS
• Collars should be stiff but comfortable (too
  loose looks unprofessional too tight, you'll
  feel like you're choking).
• TIES
• Colors should work back into your suit or work
  well with your shirt. Patterns should not be
  distracting to the eye.
• Should end at belt line - no higher, no lower
• SHOES
• Basic black (unless your suit is navy)
• Make sure they are comfortable.
• Always make sure your shoes are polished and well
  maintained.
• BELTS, SUSPENDERS, AND SOCKS
• Your belt should match your shoes.

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Mens Suits
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To Do Tips for the Ladies

• JACKETS
• Choose a conservative style jacket in a solid,
  basic color.
• SKIRTS/PANTS
• Buy the skirt/pant that goes with the jacket, OR
  if possible, choose a long printed skirt that
  matches the jacket.
• Skirts should be no higher than 2" above the
  knees. 
• BLOUSES
• Look for ivory, black, navy, OR use this as an
  opportunity to add a touch of color under your
  suit. (Remember that blouses are an inexpensive
  way to change the look of an outfit)
• DRESSES
• Full length dresses are appropriate for most
  categories generally interp categories.
• SHOES
• Stick with a medium (2" - 2.5") heel or flats.
• Black, navy, or neutral colors for shoes.
• Always look for comfort when purchasing shoes.
•  
• STOCKINGS

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Womens Suits
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Variations on Womens Suits
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Personal Appearance To Dos

• Because our teams culture is conservative and
  classic we ask that personal appearance follow
  suit
• HAIR - keep it out of your eyes
• Gentlemen this may mean getting a hair cut
• Ladies this means tying hair back off the face
• FACE let us see your expressions
• Gentlemen clean shaven
• Ladies make up should be worn, but keep colors
  conservative

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What NOT To Do
BOTH Clothes that are too tight OR too
loose Distracting jewelry Hair in the eyes
LADIES Open-toed shoes Low-cut shirts/jackets Bold
fingernail polish

• GENTLEMEN
• Distracting neck ties
• Light colored socks with a dark suit
• Unshaven face

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Remember our Mission

• is to be a respected team of dedicated public
  speakers who have fun and strive for excellence!
• Proper attire is just one of many wayswe show
  both others and ourselves what a professional
  team we are!

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Speech Attire

• Questions?