Read on Twitter
I am not giving them the benefit of a retweet because I'm starting to wonder if these gatekeeping tweets aren't just to get attention and up their views by poking the bee hive.
This is complete garbage gatekeeping, that has only a morsel of truth. A thread
This is complete garbage gatekeeping, that has only a morsel of truth. A thread
Let's start with some of the "advice".
"You should always stand up" - This is ableist nonsense. Given the option, I like to stand, because I walk and talk. Others would likely love to sit. Some may have physical needs where speaking virtual affords them the ability to sit. 1/x
"You should always stand up" - This is ableist nonsense. Given the option, I like to stand, because I walk and talk. Others would likely love to sit. Some may have physical needs where speaking virtual affords them the ability to sit. 1/x
Standing is not necessary. Learning to speak well in sitting or standing may be important, but neither is positive or negative. Speaking in the position and manner that makes you most comfortable delivering the context of your message is what matters. 2/x
As for the button down shirt. No, just no. This concept is rooted in the "professional" means "masculine" and I will have none of it. It's also infers that different body types can't be professional. Women are often uncomfortable in the way these shirts fit. 3/x
People with larger body types, both men, women, non-binary, etc. often feel uncomfortable in these shirts. Again, this plays into a false idea that if you are not a male with a certain body type you shouldn't be on stage because you don't fit the "professional" mold. 4/x
"Wearing a polo shirt or a t-shirt" I wonder if they would say this to Steve Jobs, Cook, Brin, Page, Woz, Zuck, Bezos, Ellison, the head of Qualys was in a t-shirt at Black Hat 2020 opening ceremonies. If they wanted to speak do the same rules apply? I bet not. 5/x
Professional attire should be well put together, but frankly... I find less and less use for it. There is an important implied tip in here. Dress for your audience. You don't want your attire to take away from your message. That is the only rule and it's made to be broken. 6/x
Example: At a government, federal, or academic conference your audience may have a dress code. You want to make sure you look and dress like them. You don't want them to be murmuring about your "Never Go Full McAfee" shirt while you are talking about an important issue. 7/x
However: You may have been invited to shake things up; to give a outsider perspective. If so, and you show up looking like an insider, your message won't be as impactful. You can use your attire as a weapon for your message. The point is to know your audience. 8/x
The most important part of your attire is to use it to your advantage making almost no statement or as a statement depending on the effect you want to have. This also means being very comfortable in what you are wearing. Confidence comes from comfort. 9/x
Wear what allows you to maximize the impact of your message. Focus people on the relevance of your message and content, not if you met arbitrary rules set by gate keepers. If someone ignore others because they aren't wearing "the right clothes" well... good luck with that. 10/x
There is some good advice here, but it's so hidden in gatekeeping malarky you could miss it. Yes, pay attention to the contrast of your background and your clothing, but that doesn't mean "don't wear black". It just means be aware of it. Again, maximize your message. 11/x
Yes, if possible, sit up straight and look at the camera. IF POSSIBLE. I'm not going to assume I know your physical or mental struggles. Neurodivergent speakers may have a difficulty looking directly at the camera. That's ok. 12/x
Some speakers may have physical differences making slouching more comfortable for them. I don't know that, it's the quality of their message I care about. I'm picturing this person giving advice that Stephen Hawking needs to sit up straight when speaking at their conference. 13/x
