Tan Suit Gets In Way Of What Obama Has To Say
Obama’s ‘suitgate’ scandal rocked the world! Well, it got a good run in the media anyway.
In a shocking back flip on his policy of only wearing navy, grey and black suits, President Obama had the nerve to wear a tan suit…the cheek of him.
Some people were horrified, a social media storm erupted and his media messages paled beyond a shade of beige as they were lost in the controversy over his outfit.
Reasons for the outrage over Obama’s tan suit varied.
Timing was a key factor as its casualness was considered inappropriate for delivering serious, hard hitting foreign policy messages.
Some thought it was too informal and disrespectful to victims of recent serious incidents and terror related atrocities.
It generated a gender equality debate about the fashion criticism of women compared with men in the media.
Obama’s famous election rally cry “Yes We Can” morphed into “Yes We Tan”.
Then comedians got in on the act.
In all of the noise about the tan suit Obama’s important messages were overshadowed.
Obama is a top class media performer. He delivers his messages like a pro and whether in a suit or an open neck shirt, he usually looks sharp.
You wouldn’t think a change of suit colour would be a big deal. It’s just a different colour.
When you’re high profile the reaction to what you wear can be a very big deal. Just ask Former Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, who copped endless criticism for her outfit choices.
You’re entitled to wear what you want during media interviews but if you present in a different or unusual way there may be a major reaction that eclipses your message.
Media audiences have expectations and get used to you looking a certain way. It becomes part of your personal brand.
Think carefully before you make major changes, especially prior to making major announcements.
You don’t want attention taken away from your messages because of a new look.
As superficial as it seems, it needs to be taken into account.
It says a lot about how ridiculous we’ve become about presentation but it’s something you need to be conscious of if you want your media messages to hit the mark.
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