Are you really a professional? or do you want to be?
TIPS FOR ALL FEELING-PROFESSIONAL and wanting to be PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE!
Professional Dress Code Tips
First impressions count. A professional consultant who doesn’t take the time to maintain a professional appearance presents the image of not being able to perform adequately on the job. professional dress code is codified because many professionals have never been taught appropriate professional appearance and demeanor.
Professional dress code standards are alive and well in major financial and executive management levels. Anyone who aspires to top management knows that personal appearance counts.
If you look and behave like a highly trained and well-groomed professional, you will win the respect and honor of our valued clients.
A fresh haircut, spit-shined shoes and a crisp suit go a long way in establishing a professional demeanor.
It's also about quality; most professionals can spot a cheap suit at twenty paces and high quality dress shoes are de-rigueur.
If you have never worked in a professional environment and you are not sure how professionals look, watch the lawyers on an episode of Law & Order on television.
Dress Codes are protected by law Remember, employers in the USA have a legal right to ask you to adhere to dress codes:
"A person can be fired because the company doesn’t like your shoes,” explains Robert D. Lipman, who manages the New York employment firm Lipman & Plesur, LLP . . .
“People say ‘This is America. We should be able to do what we want.’ But I tell them that once you walk into a private employers workplace, your rights are limited.”
Plus, it's not sexual discrimination to require separate grooming standards and dress codes for men and women:
"In 1998, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Harper v. Blockbuster Entertainment upheld Blockbuster’s dress code that mandated male employees to cut their long hair, but not female employees."
Inappropriate dress code and grooming
Have you ever gone to church on Sunday and instantly noted the people who normally do not wear a suit? You know, the men with striped shirts, plaid ties and lime green sport coats? Sadly, professional dress and grooming standards have fallen from popular culture, and we don't have to look far to find examples of unprofessional dress.
No Neanderthal-style unibrows are allowed, and you should shave any loose hair on your forehead or the palms of your hands. All ear hair must be shaved, and remove any "Admiral Zumwalt" style giant eyebrows. If you must wear a toupee, have it custom fitted and secured properly. Please, no Trump-style comb-overs.
Prejudice still exists within corporate America about tattoos in their dress codes, and there is a clear correlation between income, education and the population who have tattoos. It's no surprise that tattoos are more popular among the poor and undereducated.
Dress Code for Male Consultants:
This is the BC default dress code for the USA, and we also have our casual dress code and our non-USA tropical dress code.
Dress Code for Female Consultants: I'm not trying to be a chauvinist here, but many of our client organizations have standards for professional appearance, and it's better to be safe than to be embarrassed.
Casual Dress Code Requirements When the client specifically requests that you dress down, the following dress code applies:
Tropical Dress Code When consulting for clientele in tropical areas, Burleson Consulting requires our professionals wear ties and dress clothes. You may, at your option, wear tropical suits when working in balmy climates (Caribbean, Polynesia, Hawaii, etc.). This DOES NOT apply to any consulting done in cities within the contiguous states (San Diego, Miami, etc.). Also, after the first day, you may dress down, but only at the client's behest.
When consulting in these tropical areas, white, tan and light gray linen suits are acceptable for men and women, provided that the suits are permanent press and wrinkle-free.
You may supplement your white “ice cream” suit with a straw hat or felt fedora, but no hat styles that may have cultural intonations.
Your tie must be worn at all times, but you may remove your jackets and roll up your sleeves, if this is the custom of your client.
Short sleeve white dress shirts are not permitted. You may wear casual dress shoes, including white dress shoes, but sandals are never appropriate.
For female tropical dress requirements, trousers are permitted, and pastel and white colors are considered acceptable.
Male Professional Footwear Dress Code You would be surprised how many people will judge you by the quality of your shoes and how you maintain them. Your shoes are important, really important. Did you know that you can be legally be fired if your boss thinks that you wear shabby shoes?
"“A person can be fired because the company doesn’t like your shoes,” explains Robert D. Lipman, who manages the New York employment firm Lipman & Plesur, LLP, and is President of Interactive Employment Training, Inc.. . .
“We get a lot of calls like this,” he said. “People say ‘This is America. We should be able to do what we want.’
But I tell them that once you walk into a private employers workplace, your rights are limited.”
To prevent foot odor and increase the life of your shoes, many consultants travel with two pairs and rotate them every day. Wing-tip shoes are allowed but not encouraged.
Professional dress code standards are alive and well in major financial and executive management levels. Anyone who aspires to top management knows that personal appearance counts.
If you look and behave like a highly trained and well-groomed professional, you will win the respect and honor of our valued clients.
A fresh haircut, spit-shined shoes and a crisp suit go a long way in establishing a professional demeanor.
It's also about quality; most professionals can spot a cheap suit at twenty paces and high quality dress shoes are de-rigueur.
If you have never worked in a professional environment and you are not sure how professionals look, watch the lawyers on an episode of Law & Order on television.
Dress Codes are protected by law Remember, employers in the USA have a legal right to ask you to adhere to dress codes:
"A person can be fired because the company doesn’t like your shoes,” explains Robert D. Lipman, who manages the New York employment firm Lipman & Plesur, LLP . . .
“People say ‘This is America. We should be able to do what we want.’ But I tell them that once you walk into a private employers workplace, your rights are limited.”
Plus, it's not sexual discrimination to require separate grooming standards and dress codes for men and women:
"In 1998, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Harper v. Blockbuster Entertainment upheld Blockbuster’s dress code that mandated male employees to cut their long hair, but not female employees."
Inappropriate dress code and grooming
Have you ever gone to church on Sunday and instantly noted the people who normally do not wear a suit? You know, the men with striped shirts, plaid ties and lime green sport coats? Sadly, professional dress and grooming standards have fallen from popular culture, and we don't have to look far to find examples of unprofessional dress.
No Neanderthal-style unibrows are allowed, and you should shave any loose hair on your forehead or the palms of your hands. All ear hair must be shaved, and remove any "Admiral Zumwalt" style giant eyebrows. If you must wear a toupee, have it custom fitted and secured properly. Please, no Trump-style comb-overs.
Prejudice still exists within corporate America about tattoos in their dress codes, and there is a clear correlation between income, education and the population who have tattoos. It's no surprise that tattoos are more popular among the poor and undereducated.
Dress Code for Male Consultants:
This is the BC default dress code for the USA, and we also have our casual dress code and our non-USA tropical dress code.
- Body Art - Of course our dress code prohibits tattoos. They can be seen as unprofessional, low-class and ignorant , and at no time may a consultant have a visible tattoo. Read details about why most corporations prohibit tattoos. Professional dress code and Tattoos
- Suit – A suit means a SUIT; sport coats and slacks are not allowed. The suit must be dark blue, gray or charcoal, (except for tropical engagements) be “well tailored”, and have no loose threads, "pills" or "nurdles".
- Shirt - A crisp white shirt is always required. French cuffs are optional. I have seen consultants turned away at the door of banks because of their hot pink dress shirt.
- Tie - Must be conservative, something a bank VP might wear.
- Shoes - High quality black lace-up shoes are required, polished to a mirror quality spit-shine. You would be surprised at how many people judge you by your shoes. See footwear details below.
- Accessories - No phony Rolexes, body piercing or earrings.
- Grooming - All hair, moustaches and beards must be neatly groomed and cologne must be used sparingly. Protruding nasal hair is prohibited, and all tattoos must be fully hidden. If you have been working all night and have an early morning meeting, you can use an anti-inflammatory hemorrhoid cream (e.g. Preparation H) to quickly shrink those unsightly puffy bags under your eyes. Just carefully dab the roid cream on your lower eyelids (being careful not to get any in your eyes) and you will look fresh and well-rested.
- Cologne - Cologne and after-shave are optional, but if used, it must not be so strong as to call attention to yourself in a closed elevator.
Dress Code for Female Consultants: I'm not trying to be a chauvinist here, but many of our client organizations have standards for professional appearance, and it's better to be safe than to be embarrassed.
- Skirt Suit - No pants allowed, ever. The suit must be dark blue, gray or charcoal.
- Blouse - A crisp white blouse is great, and you may have ruffles and other decorations.
- Tie - Optional, but it must be conservative.
- Shoes - High quality black or brown shoes are required, polished to a high shine. (see details below)
- Jewelry - Ostentatious jewelry, multiple ear rings on each ear, and multiple chain necklaces are prohibited. Leave the Zircons at home; most people can recognize them instantly.
- Cosmetics - Do not use the ski-slope approach to cosmetics (that's 3-inches of powder on top of a 6-inch base). Use no "cheap" perfumes and make sure that you do not offend people with allergies with too much perfume odor. Co-workers can sue your employer and you if your perfume is too strong.
- Grooming - All hair must be neatly groomed. Females with facial hair are required to shave before any on-site engagements. You should always shave legs and exposed armpits.
- Perfume - Too much perfume is considered especially heinous when the stench is so strong as to cause allergic reactions or when the odor can be detected from more than 3 feet away. Remember, the quality of perfume is directly proportional to the price, and many female executives can quickly tell if you are wearing a cheap, "stink pretty" perfume.
Casual Dress Code Requirements When the client specifically requests that you dress down, the following dress code applies:
- Crisp, pressed button-down shirt
- Slacks with leather belt
- Leather shoes (no sneakers, ever, even on a casual dress day)
Tropical Dress Code When consulting for clientele in tropical areas, Burleson Consulting requires our professionals wear ties and dress clothes. You may, at your option, wear tropical suits when working in balmy climates (Caribbean, Polynesia, Hawaii, etc.). This DOES NOT apply to any consulting done in cities within the contiguous states (San Diego, Miami, etc.). Also, after the first day, you may dress down, but only at the client's behest.
When consulting in these tropical areas, white, tan and light gray linen suits are acceptable for men and women, provided that the suits are permanent press and wrinkle-free.
You may supplement your white “ice cream” suit with a straw hat or felt fedora, but no hat styles that may have cultural intonations.
Your tie must be worn at all times, but you may remove your jackets and roll up your sleeves, if this is the custom of your client.
Short sleeve white dress shirts are not permitted. You may wear casual dress shoes, including white dress shoes, but sandals are never appropriate.
For female tropical dress requirements, trousers are permitted, and pastel and white colors are considered acceptable.
Male Professional Footwear Dress Code You would be surprised how many people will judge you by the quality of your shoes and how you maintain them. Your shoes are important, really important. Did you know that you can be legally be fired if your boss thinks that you wear shabby shoes?
"“A person can be fired because the company doesn’t like your shoes,” explains Robert D. Lipman, who manages the New York employment firm Lipman & Plesur, LLP, and is President of Interactive Employment Training, Inc.. . .
“We get a lot of calls like this,” he said. “People say ‘This is America. We should be able to do what we want.’
But I tell them that once you walk into a private employers workplace, your rights are limited.”
To prevent foot odor and increase the life of your shoes, many consultants travel with two pairs and rotate them every day. Wing-tip shoes are allowed but not encouraged.
20 BEHAVIORS must have!
- Dress appropriately. Business casual dress is:
- Guys: button down shirt, not blue jeans, not sneakers.
- Gals: not miniskirts, low-cut blouses.
- Be low profile with piercings, tattoos, jewelry, perfumes and colognes.
- Be on time always (half of success is showing up). If traffic or something has delayed you, consider calling to let the office know, especially if there’s a meeting.
- Keep track of your hours, even if you don’t have to. Create an excel file, with project name, task, date and hours spent, so you will know how to pace yourself, cost projects, and also provide documentation to your supervisor.
- Be proactive about learning. Read about the things your company does, about your customers.
- Every industry has a trade association with lots of information in it. Google is your friend.
- Join an association or society relevant to your business and/or profession. But do so with the intent of achieving a leadership position -- don't just be a member.
- While it's useful to read your business's trade press -- it's better for you to read the press your customer's customer reads. If you're in a consumer product/service business, read Good Housekeeping, Reader's Digest, et al.
- Learn all about the services and products your employer provides.
- Learn about business operations, marketing and management. There’s a lot of audio recordings you can listen to while exercising or commuting. There’s a lot of fluffy books to read but they can be helpful.
- Get into the topic you are studying. If your project is about flat panel TVs, go to an electronics store, talk to sales people, etc. If you are studying text messaging and you haven’t text messaged before, start doing so.
- Be proactive: Try to anticipate the needs of your supervisor. Work on making a contribution as soon as possible -- it's no longer do-what-your-told, keep-your-nose-clean and wait-your-turn. You need to be assertive without being a "hot-dog."
- But don't be too earnest, especially when working in the political world. It may take a week or more to get a good read on the culture of your new workplace.
- Don’t wait till last minute to let anyone know that there are problems on a project. Try to solve it initially and if it doesn’t work, then swallow your pride and tell your supervisor.
- If you see a problem, try to figure out what the solution is and present it to your supervisor.
- Losers blame others. Winners take responsibility. Give credit where credit is due.
- Don’t say bad things about other people at work. This is incredibly hard to do but very important. If someone starts complaining, at some point draw the line and say something like “I hear you but I’d rather not think too much about negative stuff, so can we move on?” Or excuse yourself and leave the room.
- Learn what your fellow employees do, and do it too if it’s good work practices, avoid it if it’s unethical. The world is your data. Observe, interpret, apply.
- Use existing reports to model yours on. If they don’t give you one, ask.
- How people take time for lunch, when to leave work, etc., do what they do unless otherwise instructed. But make your borders clear (e.g., “I am not available on Saturdays.”)
- Have a notebook for notes at meetings and phone calls. Practice your listening skills.
- Follow through. It's not enough to send an email or a fax; always confirm that important pieces of information were received.
- Methodically double-check your work for numbers, grammar, spelling, company names, etc.
- Be REALLY careful when sending email.
- Never use your work email for personal email.
- Before sending a client files, make sure you have the right file attached.
- Make sure that the recipients are correct before hitting the SEND button, especially if you did a reply to all instead of a reply to one.
- Always test your equipment (laptop, projector, open the ppt.) before a presentation.
- Bring your e-file and a printed version to presentations. Even if you aren’t responsible for it.
- Bring business cards to meetings.
TIME ManaGeMenT!
1- Maintain a to-do list Create a to-do list and make it a habit to continually update it. Include urgent and non-urgent items so you'll never forget or overlook anything again. Carry your list with you at all times, either in your iPhone or your daily agenda. Also, be sure to break down your projects and assignments into specific action points. For instance, instead of noting "Prepare Performance Reviews," write:
3- Set and respect deadlines Be realistic about setting deadlines and strive to meet them. It's true that any task takes the exact amount of time allotted to it. Have you ever noticed how quickly you can blitz through paperwork, delegate assignments and make decisions on the last day before your vacation? Although we tend to get a lot done when we're under pressure, it is a lot less stressful and considerably more professional to establish and stick to an action plan. avoid wasting time
4- Use your time wisely Consider accessing your e-mail only at certain times of the day and let your voice mail pick up your calls to give you an uninterrupted hour or two. If possible, never touch the same piece of paper or e-mail twice. Do not open your mail unless you have time to read it and take action on it; that is, reply to it, delegate it, file it or discard it.
5- Get organized Organize your desk, your hard-copy and computer files and your e-mail folders so you can find things easily. Far too much time is wasted searching for lost information. Benjamin Franklin said it best: "A place for everything, everything in its place."
6- Stay on task Have a clearly designated "in" basket so people do not put things on your desk randomly. Have you ever returned from a meeting to find extra files, letters and documents all over your desk? Instead of following your own schedule, you probably became sidetracked by someone else's priorities.
7- Avoid disruptions If you have a door, close it occasionally. Having an "open-door policy" for your staff is self-defeating if you don't have the time to really listen to their questions and concerns. If a coworker comes to your desk when you're too busy to chat, ask to set an alternate time to meet.
streamline teamwork
8- Collaborate and cooperate Colleagues will expect your work to be done on time, so be sure to avoid any delays. You'll have the same expectations of them. To be safe, build extra time into the project time line to counteract unexpected snags, miscommunications or missed deadlines. If your presentation date is the 25th of the month, make sure you have everything scheduled for completion by the 23rd.
9- Avoid unnecessary follow-ups If you pass the buck or assign work to someone else, let it go unless it is your specific responsibility to oversee it. Too many men waste valuable time listening to or reading reports about someone else's project. If your colleagues' research or business responsibilities do not impact your day-to-day work, job performance or career goals, you should only express an interest by way of supportive conversation.
10- Cancel routine meetings Determine if meetings are absolutely necessary. If they are, establish an agenda and stay on track -- start and end on time. If your presence is not essential for the entire weekly operations review meeting, ask your boss privately if it might be appropriate for you to excuse yourself early.
11- Keep busy Keep your skills sharp by having at least one project on the go at all times. Two or more is even better, as it gives you the opportunity to switch gears and concentrate on something else for a change of pace. Working on different projects simultaneously ensures that you always have something to work on. It also keeps your mind active and your perspective fresh.
12- Pick your projects carefully Make sure your work has value for the company and that it makes the best use of your skills. There may be good reasons to decline a request to sit on a committee or to refuse to take on an additional project; successful business professionals know how to say "no." Ask yourself, "Will this advance my career?" and "Am I able to commit the necessary time to this assignment?" You will earn a lot more respect by collaborating with a colleague whose expertise complements yours than by taking on additional work on your own, overburdening yourself and burning out.
13- Stop procrastinating It's human nature to postpone unpleasant tasks. Schedule some of the more fun aspects of the project to follow the negative ones. If you dislike working with figures, plan to do the accounting tasks first thing in the morning when you're fresh and there are fewer opportunities for distraction. If you continually put things off and miss deadlines, perhaps you should look carefully at your current job, your career goals, your strengths, and your interests. Habitual procrastination is often a sign of dissatisfaction.
14- Reward yourself Time management is not entirely about work; it also involves scheduling some downtime to relax and recharge your batteries. Plan rewards once your tasks are completed. This could mean taking a coffee break as soon as you've finished reading the engineering specifications report or planning a vacation once the new product has been launched.
- Research absenteeism records on employees
- Review personal files
- Read employee goals
- Assess performance
- Prepare "Performance Review" documentation
- Meet with employees to discuss reviews
3- Set and respect deadlines Be realistic about setting deadlines and strive to meet them. It's true that any task takes the exact amount of time allotted to it. Have you ever noticed how quickly you can blitz through paperwork, delegate assignments and make decisions on the last day before your vacation? Although we tend to get a lot done when we're under pressure, it is a lot less stressful and considerably more professional to establish and stick to an action plan. avoid wasting time
4- Use your time wisely Consider accessing your e-mail only at certain times of the day and let your voice mail pick up your calls to give you an uninterrupted hour or two. If possible, never touch the same piece of paper or e-mail twice. Do not open your mail unless you have time to read it and take action on it; that is, reply to it, delegate it, file it or discard it.
5- Get organized Organize your desk, your hard-copy and computer files and your e-mail folders so you can find things easily. Far too much time is wasted searching for lost information. Benjamin Franklin said it best: "A place for everything, everything in its place."
6- Stay on task Have a clearly designated "in" basket so people do not put things on your desk randomly. Have you ever returned from a meeting to find extra files, letters and documents all over your desk? Instead of following your own schedule, you probably became sidetracked by someone else's priorities.
7- Avoid disruptions If you have a door, close it occasionally. Having an "open-door policy" for your staff is self-defeating if you don't have the time to really listen to their questions and concerns. If a coworker comes to your desk when you're too busy to chat, ask to set an alternate time to meet.
streamline teamwork
8- Collaborate and cooperate Colleagues will expect your work to be done on time, so be sure to avoid any delays. You'll have the same expectations of them. To be safe, build extra time into the project time line to counteract unexpected snags, miscommunications or missed deadlines. If your presentation date is the 25th of the month, make sure you have everything scheduled for completion by the 23rd.
9- Avoid unnecessary follow-ups If you pass the buck or assign work to someone else, let it go unless it is your specific responsibility to oversee it. Too many men waste valuable time listening to or reading reports about someone else's project. If your colleagues' research or business responsibilities do not impact your day-to-day work, job performance or career goals, you should only express an interest by way of supportive conversation.
10- Cancel routine meetings Determine if meetings are absolutely necessary. If they are, establish an agenda and stay on track -- start and end on time. If your presence is not essential for the entire weekly operations review meeting, ask your boss privately if it might be appropriate for you to excuse yourself early.
11- Keep busy Keep your skills sharp by having at least one project on the go at all times. Two or more is even better, as it gives you the opportunity to switch gears and concentrate on something else for a change of pace. Working on different projects simultaneously ensures that you always have something to work on. It also keeps your mind active and your perspective fresh.
12- Pick your projects carefully Make sure your work has value for the company and that it makes the best use of your skills. There may be good reasons to decline a request to sit on a committee or to refuse to take on an additional project; successful business professionals know how to say "no." Ask yourself, "Will this advance my career?" and "Am I able to commit the necessary time to this assignment?" You will earn a lot more respect by collaborating with a colleague whose expertise complements yours than by taking on additional work on your own, overburdening yourself and burning out.
13- Stop procrastinating It's human nature to postpone unpleasant tasks. Schedule some of the more fun aspects of the project to follow the negative ones. If you dislike working with figures, plan to do the accounting tasks first thing in the morning when you're fresh and there are fewer opportunities for distraction. If you continually put things off and miss deadlines, perhaps you should look carefully at your current job, your career goals, your strengths, and your interests. Habitual procrastination is often a sign of dissatisfaction.
14- Reward yourself Time management is not entirely about work; it also involves scheduling some downtime to relax and recharge your batteries. Plan rewards once your tasks are completed. This could mean taking a coffee break as soon as you've finished reading the engineering specifications report or planning a vacation once the new product has been launched.
SPEECH?
1. Build Clarity by Warming Up.
The human face can pull more than 7,000 unique expressions with 44 different muscles! Get into a routine to warm up your most important muscles. Use specific exercises to
loosen up your jaw, lips and tongue. Being physically prepared will give you confidence.
2. Practice Difficult Phrases.
Once you've warmed-up do a couple of tongue twister exercises to put it all together. Examples include 'red leather, yellow leather' and a big black bug bit a big black bear'.
Try saying these quickly them slowly.
3. My Voice Comes From My Belly.
Now the juices are flowing, it's time to get some tone and timbre in your voice. This comes from your diaphragm. Practice breathing and fill your belly like it's a balloon.
4. Posture.
Your posture is important for voice projection. Warm up your neck, shoulders and rib cage. Get in a comfortable stance with your feet firmly planted. Remember your stance when you feel most comfortable. Use hand gestures if this suits your style.
5. Relax and Smile.
The more relaxed you are the more confident you will feel and appear. Remember most audiences want you to succeed. Smiling at the audience helps you relax. Harness your adrenaline in a positive way.
6. Be positive.
A positive attitude is very important. Visualize how it felt when you last made a really successful presentation. Remember this moment. Feel and use this positive feeling. Be psychologically ready.
7. Speak from the Heart.
Use emotion and feelings in your voice and words you choose. Eighty percent of voice tone is emotion and this will help you touch your audience.
8. Evaluate and Seek Feedback.
Always evaluate your performance and seek to improve each time. Ask for feedback from others who you are comfortable with.
9. Take Care of Your Voice.
Always take care of your voice. A healthy diet, adequate sleep and behaving in moderation are essential to protect your voice.
10. Be Yourself.
Develop your own style and be yourself. Relax and enjoy the experience.
The human face can pull more than 7,000 unique expressions with 44 different muscles! Get into a routine to warm up your most important muscles. Use specific exercises to
loosen up your jaw, lips and tongue. Being physically prepared will give you confidence.
2. Practice Difficult Phrases.
Once you've warmed-up do a couple of tongue twister exercises to put it all together. Examples include 'red leather, yellow leather' and a big black bug bit a big black bear'.
Try saying these quickly them slowly.
3. My Voice Comes From My Belly.
Now the juices are flowing, it's time to get some tone and timbre in your voice. This comes from your diaphragm. Practice breathing and fill your belly like it's a balloon.
4. Posture.
Your posture is important for voice projection. Warm up your neck, shoulders and rib cage. Get in a comfortable stance with your feet firmly planted. Remember your stance when you feel most comfortable. Use hand gestures if this suits your style.
5. Relax and Smile.
The more relaxed you are the more confident you will feel and appear. Remember most audiences want you to succeed. Smiling at the audience helps you relax. Harness your adrenaline in a positive way.
6. Be positive.
A positive attitude is very important. Visualize how it felt when you last made a really successful presentation. Remember this moment. Feel and use this positive feeling. Be psychologically ready.
7. Speak from the Heart.
Use emotion and feelings in your voice and words you choose. Eighty percent of voice tone is emotion and this will help you touch your audience.
8. Evaluate and Seek Feedback.
Always evaluate your performance and seek to improve each time. Ask for feedback from others who you are comfortable with.
9. Take Care of Your Voice.
Always take care of your voice. A healthy diet, adequate sleep and behaving in moderation are essential to protect your voice.
10. Be Yourself.
Develop your own style and be yourself. Relax and enjoy the experience.