You can’t Judge me - how to tame the inner critic
- Paul Speirs
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Hi - to our wonderful readers
Who’s the worst judge? I’d say, most definitely, ourself. So why do we pay so much heed to our inner critics, when all they seem to do is stifle us?
Yes, we get it. Many professionals feel as if they are on trial. That every word is somehow being scored, or every silent pause is a sort of failure, and, blimey knows why, we are apologetic for our ideas. And all this leads to a lessening of our influence and impact. Instead of showing up we shrink and perhaps worst of all, we’re begging the room for approval.
When put like this, it feels ridiculous. And it is.
In truth, the room - be that an audience, the client, project teams - they’re there to get something from you.
Thinking of it like that, and the mindset changes from “how am I being perceived” to “how can I be useful”.
“You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realised how seldom they do.” Eleanor Roosevelt (First Lady to US President)
To help with the mindset transition, why not consider these thoughts.
Don’t overthink what you are going to say - rehearsing a script for dynamic meetings never works.
Try to avoid watering down your message - just to be on the safe side. This can put you on the forgettable-side too.
Get comfortable with eye-contact - this creates connection, whereas avoiding eye-contact can lead to disengagement.
Remember - your audience is too busy thinking about themselves and how your message meets them, rather than judging you deeply.
You’re not being evaluated - who has time for that - you are being experienced. Your talk is not an exam. It’s a moment and people will remember how you made them feel.
All the best,
Paul n Vic
#AppliedImprovisation #YesAnd #BusinessInPlay #BusinessSkills #PersonalGrowth #AgilityinBusiness #AdaptabilityQuotient #innercritic #betheexperience #PositiveEnergy #PlayfulSolutions
If you have a work problem to fix and you want to hear how applied improvisation can support you, email us at hello@improvinc.co.uk. We’d love to meet you! All chemistry calls are free.
