Have you ever wondered how great Speakers captivate their audiences without saying a word?

Great Speakers know that the winning formula for delivering creative, compelling content, and telling unforgettable stories, starts with their onstage presence.

From the moment you take the stage, all eyes are on you.

Audiences “see” you before they “hear” you.

In a split-second, audiences decide, simply by your appearance, if they will engage or tune you out.

Research has shown, creative fashions connect with audiences, and help to maintain their attention.

Women’s Designer Hats are some of the fashion accessories that has aided in creating memorable speeches throughout my Toastmasters Storytelling journey.

Church, Kentucky Derby, Cowgirl, Fedora, Fascinators, Beret Hats, and many more, have all accentuated the creative process of bringing my spoken words to life.

Storytelling through the wearing of unique, exotic, and beautifully designed hats, have stimulated audiences’ interest and curiosity.

Sometime ago, I was asked to give a speech for a local women’s church conference.

Much time had been spent crafting what I thought was the “perfect” speech for the theme of the program.

On the day of the event, the commentator introduced me to the audience.

As I made my way to the stage, the audience began to loudly cheer and vigorously applaud!

I thought to myself, “Why are they so excited when I haven’t said a word?”

After the program, I was happily surprised to learn that my customed, hand-made, purple, feathered wide brim, sparkling, rhinestones crown (hat), mesmerized the audience!

This hat had made a statement. It was telling a story!

Yes! It was indeed an attention-grabbing showstopper that was guaranteed to fascinate the audience.

For my storytelling speech, its purpose was much greater.

The hat was the icebreaker for gaining the audience’s buy-in to what was to come.

Now that I had their attention and interest, I became more confident with delivering the speech that would leave them spellbound!

This hat fashion served as the visual appeal for connecting with the audience.

I have used my hats in storytelling, as a part of character development to convey the style, attitude, or “hat-a-tude” of a character’s persona.

Telling my stories while wearing an array of attractive, gorgeous hats, has enhanced my ability to entertain, create understandings, expand imaginations, illustrate periods in history, all while transporting the listeners to another place and time.

I’ve used my hats during storytelling to create mystery, anonymity, and disguise.

My hats have been the connecting factor for affectively telling and celebrating the stories and experiences of women.

Audiences “see” you before they hear” you.

Let your fashions tell the story!