Did Katie Couric Suffer an Image Malfunction in Her Anchor Debut ... Or Did She Skillfully Morph Into 'The Most Trusted Woman in America?'

Did Katie Couric Suffer an Image Malfunction in Her Anchor Debut ... Or Did She Skillfully Morph Into 'The Most Trusted Woman in America?'

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Speculation on Katie Couric's metamorphosis from that frisky, flirty, funny "Today Show" co-host to the highly anticipated serious, somber nightly CBS anchor has been the most talked-about subject all summer long. Professional pollsters, the mass media, Internet bloggers and the gang around the proverbial water coolers alike have been buzzing about Couric. Can she deliver the news without flashing those big toothy smiles? Will she get rid of that hairstyle-of-the-month mentality? Will she come across with authority and credibility?

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060906/SFW096LOGO )

The debut performance is now part of broadcast history: Diane Parente, AICI, CIP, a founding member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and a certified image professional, is an award-winning authority on the subject of image and "Dress for Success" topics," had this to say, "Katie was guest speaker. I noted then that she was beginning her transformation from the girl next door to the take-charge, multi-million-dollar anchor. She was wearing a black, understated skirt suit. The V-neckline was accented with a double strand of pearls and matching earrings. The hair and makeup were tasteful and tame."

Parente, president of Image Development & Management, Inc., located in the San Francisco Bay Area, viewed Couric's CBS Evening News Anchor debut, Tuesday, September 5, with both experience and insight: "Couric was underwhelming in delivery, but what surprised me most was her wardrobe selection...she appeared in this white (after Labor Day?), too tight-fitting jacket, with a black shell or two-piece underpinning. Boring! She sported highlighted hair off the face, no jewelry or embellishments, and, perhaps, a little too much make-up. Is this gravitas? In her one-on-one interview with Friedman, her great gams, a la Today Show, seemed to be the main focus. I know this is the reality TV age, but come on, she is certainly capable of evolving or initiating her own signature sign-off without audience input. Couric is a supremely intelligent, long-term TV professional. Don't put her in the "reality TV craze profile. It demeans her." So what should Couric--or the wannabe Couric in all of us--do to achieve on- camera image consistency and image professionalism? Parente offers 10 Image Tips:

1. Wear colors that flatter the skin tones and camera lighting.
2. Make sure the clothes fit, especially around the shoulders and chest.
3. Choose the right neckline to frame the face. Viewers need to listen;
not be distracted.
4. Selecting the right necklaces or neckties add to personal style.
5. Hair must always be in good condition, away from the face and updated
annually.
6. Makeup should be critically analyzed on a yearly basis.
7. The camera lights are hot; wear underarm shields.
8. Keep a clothes diary; photograph all outfits you wear on-camera.
9. Review your wardrobe every three-to-four months. Update with
different color and accessory combinations.
10. Wear only matte finish; never shiny accessories.

Parente summarizes her image advice: "My clients want to look current, credible and personable to better communicate their identity and value. This is true whether you're the highest paid woman in broadcast history, or a person trying to break into the big time." For more information on Diane Parente, AICI, CIP, visit her website at www.imagesellsyou.com.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Diane Parente, AICI, CIP : http://www.profnet.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=10033188

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060906/SFW096LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Association of Image Consultants International

CONTACT: LynAnn King, VP/Media of AICI, +1-650-550-0090, or
lynannking@comcast.net

Web site: http://www.imagesellsyou.com/

Web site: http://www.aici.org/

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