Every detail of your presentation matters – right down to the color of your clothing. This goes for men and women.However, since the necktieis often the most prominent featureof a man’s attire, the color of the tie is especially important for menconsider when preparing for a presentation.
The colors you wearas well as the colors you choose to usein your presentation slides need tobe thoughtfully orchestrated becausecolors influence behavior and emotions.
Before we explore the psychological impact of necktiecolors, let’s quickly review why colors influence behaviors and emotions.
As explained in the video below, our eyes take in color and then communicate with the hypothalamus. Consequently, the hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary gland. The cascade of communication continues to the endocrine system and the thyroid glands. The thyroid glands signal the release of hormones which influence emotions and behaviors.
What The Color Of Your Tie Says About You
Now that we have covered the basics of the physiological and resulting psychological impact of color, let’s look more closely at howspecific tie colors are perceived by most audiences. I say most audiences because theimpact of color varies between individuals, cultures, and demographics.
If the explanations included below don’t seem to fit with your scenario, follow your instincts. You know your audience better than anyone, and therefore only you can decide what colors will influence your audience in the best way. However the generalizations below are good rules of thumb to follow in most cases.
Red Ties
These days politicians and business leaders often wear red ties as a symbol of power, however red ties were not always used to conveya position of influence. In the early 1900’s male prostitutes wore red ties as a symbolof their profession, according to Esquire.
Thankfully you no longer need to worry that your red tie will signal aninterest in a casual encounter, however you should be aware that a red tie still sends a strongmessage to an audience.
For example, during a studyatDurham University, research participants associated red clothing with aggression and anger.
In addition, theBBC reports that red ties are often associated with ambition, strength, and passion.
Whether your red tie communicates aggression, passion, ambition, strength, power, or a combination of those characteristics, red rarely conveys trustworthiness. If you want to be seen as a warm, honestindividual, avoid wearing a red tie during your presentation. However if you want to slightly intimidate your audience for some reason, red might just be your lucky color.
BlueTies
The color blue conveys trustworthinessand approachable intelligence. In addition, blue often inspires confidenceas it is associated with police, navy, and pilot uniforms. And just as a blue shirt with rolled-up sleeves is a symbol of everyman, wearinga blue tie is an easy way to connect to the general public. The BBC dubbed blue the safest color to wear.
PurpleTies
Traditionally associated with wealth and royalty, purple often communicates confidence and luxury.
Since many men avoid wearing the color purple, a purple tie can oftendraw attention – and that is not necessarily a bad thing. Wearing an unusual color is an easy way to demonstrate your pioneering personalityas well as your comfortability in your own skin.
Black or GrayTies
While a black tie is the perfect choice for a fancy affair, a gray tie is a better choice for most presentations. Black ties can often come across as pretentious when worn for anything but the most sophisticated events. A gray tie, however, will come across as modern, stylish, and thoughtful.
Conclusion
The most important takeaway from all of this is the fact thatyour tie will send youraudience an impactful message, so you should neverlet your presentation attire be an afterthought.Tobetter understandthe message yourtie will send toyouraudience,solicit feedback from candid associateswho are similar to the people who will be in your audience. Let their feedback guide your style decisions. And remember: colors impact behaviors and emotions.
