Cantoresq, I was speaking in a literal sense. I should have made that clearer. Clowns dress like clowns because the red nose, makeup and rainbow hair sends a message “Laugh at me”. Half the work is done by the clothing. I used to chasunah shtick. just putting on the funny clothing makes people give you a big smile, without my having to do anything. The clothing sent a nonverbal message “Laugh”, and many did. Then when I actually attempted some humor, I had them rolling. So too, people expect someone giving a Torah lecture on Shabbos to be dressed in away that honors Shabbos, honors the Torah and honors the speaker. When you dress in a way that is less than that, you send a nonverbal message that you are dishonoring the communal standard for Shabbos and Torah. If that is the message you are sending, then people will automatically tune out what you are saying.
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