Ready to bust some major confidence myths? These popular beliefs about speaking actually make people MORE anxious, not less.
Today we're exposing three harmful myths that create shame and unrealistic expectations. Let's start with the biggest one.
Engagement Message
What speaking advice have you heard that didn't actually help?
Myth #1: "Some people are just natural born speakers." This suggests confidence is a fixed trait you either have or don't have.
But here's the truth: every skilled speaker was once terrified. Even seasoned professionals had to learn and practice their skills.
Engagement Message
Can you think of a skill you weren't "naturally" good at but learned?
This "natural talent" myth is incredibly damaging. It makes people think they're broken if speaking feels hard, and it stops them from trying to improve.
The reality? Speaking confidence is a skill set. Like riding a bike or cooking - it improves with practice and technique.
Engagement Message
In one word, how does realizing this is learnable make you feel?
Myth #2: "Fake it till you make it." This advice tells you to pretend you're confident even when you're not.
The problem? Faking requires enormous mental energy. You're already nervous, and now you're exhausting yourself trying to act differently.
Engagement Message
If you've tried to "fake it", can you describe how it felt in one word?
"Fake it till you make it" also creates internal conflict. Your authentic self feels one way, but you're forcing yourself to act another way.
This disconnect increases anxiety and makes you feel like an imposter. Authentic confidence feels much more sustainable than performing confidence.
Engagement Message
What's one situation where you felt naturally confident.
