1. Welcome Speech Team Parents
Our Team Mission
To be a classy team of dedicated public speakers who have fun and strive for excellence.

2. Is my student well “suited” for speech?
What is “professional” speech attire?

3. Why does WHA Speech have 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 there of) helps students look and feel their professional best!

4. Why have we chosen to define our dress code?
Our team is “in the spotlight”
Bringing our team to the next level
Observations made over the years about successful programs and dress

5. You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
What defines a “suit” in speech and how does that relate to our policies?
For the gentlemen, the definition doesn’t 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!

6. “To Do” Tips for the Gentlemen
SUITS:
Choose a conservative single-breasted, 2-, 3-, or 4-button jacket
Choose dark colors: black (preferred), 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.
Socks and suspenders can be matched to your suit, shirt, or tie; a solid color is better - preferably black or navy
If you wear suspenders, don't wear a belt.

7. Men’s Suits

8. “To Do” Tips for the Ladies
JACKETS:
Choose a conservative style jacket in a solid, basic color.
SKIRTS/PANTS:
Buy the pant that goes with the jacket, OR if possible, choose a skirt that matches the jacket.
Skirts should hit at or just above the knee.
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)
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:
Always wear stockings, and keep lots of extras on hand. Nylons should either be “bare” in color or should match your suit color. (Nylons should never be darker than your hemline)
JEWELRY:
Keep jewelry choices conservative – it should compliment/accent your attire, not overpower it.

9. Women’s Suits

10. Variations on Women’s Suits

11. Personal Appearance “To Do’s”
Because our team’s 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

12. “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
Leggings or yoga pants
GENTLEMEN
Distracting neck ties
Light colored socks with a dark suit
Un-shaven face

13. Remember our Mission…
… is to be a classy team of dedicated public speakers who have fun and strive for excellence!
Professional attire is just one of the ways we show others and ourselves what a classy team we are!

14. Speech Attire…
Questions?
Talk to your coach.