View from behind the Hijab

View From Behind The Hijab - A Female Professional Speaker In Iran

By Lesley Everett

It is often those occasions we ‘look forward’ to with trepidation that turn out to be the most stimulating and rewarding, and I can certainly say this is true of my recent trip to Iran. With Iran being in the news so much at the moment our view of the country is tainted, however I can only say I am so glad I went!

It was an honour to be only the 4th female speaker to be invited to Iran to speak by this conference organiser, so despite having advice ranging from “don’t go” or “why would you want to go there”, to “it’s an amazing country and an opportunity you shouldn't miss” I decided it was something I had to experience. I love to travel and have spoken in 26 countries across 5 continents, and I’m unaware of ever having been booked because I am female, I consider myself as a professional speaker not a ‘female speaker’. However, I knew that there would be a number of ‘rules’ I would have to take into consideration being a woman speaking in Tehran.

 I was originally asked by the event organiser to do a tour for several events over 10 days. After doing some degree of research I decided just to speak at the main event at the end of the tour - the 3rd International Advertising Forum, rather than risk being challenged over a 10-day period! It was a good way to test the water gently.

My main concerns were around whether I would be accepted, and whether my content and message would be deemed credible. Speaking on Personal Branding, my image is an important part of my presentation - how would I cope, and express my personality being covered from head to foot? And equally important, would I accidentally follow my own Personal Brand rules and offer a hand shake to a man - or do something else disrespectful unwittingly?

My husband Chris travelled with me - apparently for support, not because he wanted to visit Iran of course! (He loves to travel too). He was incredibly (and sometimes irritatingly) concerned that I had my hijab fixed securely to my head! He was keen I didn’t stray from the rules that might trigger adverse consequences.

As we landed, our first views of Tehran were of thick snow on the ground. Not what I had expected at all! I didn’t think to check about snow. We sailed quickly through immigration without any conversation with immigration officials, again not expected, and my hijab reasonably firmly in place. I was told to make sure my hijab was with me in my carry-on luggage so I could put it on before getting off the plane.

Sepehr Taverdian from Hamayesh Farazan Co. who had invited me to speak in Iran had kindly sent his father to meet us at the airport. We all jumped in a taxi, and what followed was a 30-minute hair raising drive on icy, slushy roads with snow coming down thick and fast, in a car with no seat belts and a driver on his mobile phone! Different laws exist on the roads in Iran! We were relieved to arrive at our hotel at 3.30am, in one piece.

The following morning, I met up with Sepehr and the other 5 speakers. Some were great friends already – Mike Ogilvie, Geoff Ramm, George Torok, Shaun Smith and Barnaby Wynter. All with the exception of Shaun had been on tour for the previous 8 days and had the benefit of having familiarised themselves with the Iranian culture. Having been told by Sepehr’s father the previous night that my outdoor jacket was not long enough and suitable to wear in public places, I had begun to wonder about the suit I had planned to present in. While I had checked before I left the UK that the length of jacket of my trouser suit would be acceptable I soon discovered that it wasn’t. It didn’t cover my backside completely. Apparently I needed a ‘manteau’ which is longer and looser. Fortunately, Mike Ogilvy offered to take me shopping - he had been to Iran before and understood what was needed. And there lies another story!

The shopping malls were a revelation - full of women’s clothes shops and fashion labels, many more than men’s stores. Under their manteau the women go to town with their outfits, and the outfits come out at weddings and parties or at home with their husbands. I loved the idea that they can wear what they want rather than what fashion or peer pressure dictates.

 I found a smart black thigh-length coat that I was assured was the norm for Iranian women. This along with my trousers and hijab became my new speaking outfit - rather more restrictive than my usual presenting attire - I felt a little ‘trussed up’ and had a continual concern of the hijab slipping. The brooch I had intended to secure it had to be added to by hair grips which did the job better but were rather lacking in the style stakes!

Finally the presentation arrived. I learnt that an Iranian audience likes the presenter to be lively and dynamic, and to come down to and integrate with the audience if possible. Of course I had gone through my presentation in fine detail to ensure no mention of forbidden subjects; politics, sex, drugs, scantily clad women, alcohol or suggestive advertisements. I loved it and hopefully nailed it!

After the presentation, the audience loved to mingle with us and have photographs taken. I had to smile until it hurt - that's a lot of photos with a 1000-strong audience! I also had to keep reminding myself not to shake hands with any of the men - women are ok - or to stand too close. I couldn’t stand close enough in a photograph to touch a man or for him to touch me - again things many of us would naturally do without thinking.

 I’d like to summarise for you some valuable lessons I learned from Iran - just in case you ever get invited, and by the way, if you do - just go.

Lesson 1 - Never judge a country until you have experienced it yourself. This is what global speaking is all about. Iran turned out to be friendly, hospitable, non-threatening, safe and a really pleasant place to be. Far from the perception portrayed by the media.

Lesson 2 - Really do your homework on what clothing is and isn’t acceptable - however, one bonus of my mistake was visiting their great shops!

Lesson 3 - Make sure you have practiced wearing a hijab and have suitable grips to secure it. Practice moving around a lot especially if you will be on stage speaking.

Lesson 4 - Be individual with the bits that you can be. Hijabs come in all colours and styles, and are a way to add personality to your outfit when all your other accessories are covered. There are a wide variety of colours and patterns worn so have some fun with this. Pay attention to your eye makeup - I was able to apply heavier makeup to my eyes than I would normally and this really worked. With the result that I had several very flattering comments.

Lesson 5 - Check out what is acceptable with meetings and greetings and keep reminding yourself. I found my Personal Brand being constricted by not being able to offer a handshake when I preach in my programmes how important it is to offer a firm handshake, direct eye contact and a smile! Putting your hand on your heart and bowing slightly seems to be the most acceptable greeting.

Lesson 6 - Be prepared to present in a different style to your norm. Get as much advice beforehand on the type of audience, the stage set-up and how you might integrate.

Lesson 7 - Go through your content in fine detail - it’s easy to miss things that will be offensive, because they are humorous or common place to us.

Lesson 8 – Be prepared for your books and products to be copied! Copyright in Iran appears to mean ‘the right to copy’!