Conquer your inner critic in one step!

Voice Confidence

We have two voices.

Inner voice (or inner narrative) and outer voice (that which we share with the world).

Private voice coaching sessions inevitably turn briefly to a conversation about “that voice in your head”.

Inner critic says:

“You can’t hit the high notes.”
“You can’t sing powerfully.”
“You can’t go on stage.”
“No one wants to hear what you have to say or sing.”
“Your voice doesn’t matter.”

(So mean, right?)

The inner critic is relentless sometimes. It can really hold singers and speakers back from expressing themselves freely and confidently.

Often the inner critic is evolves from mean words other people have said to us. They stay with you and begin to fester, and even try to hold us back from exploring our most creative selves.

Confident singing and speaking requires us to confront the inner critic and set boundaries with it, as well.

Before I share my hot tip on how to conquer the inner critic, I want to share a really important point:

Your inner critic is actually trying to protect you. (really)

Next time you hear those harmful words… stop and ask yourself…

“What does my inner critic want me to know?”

Try this to conquer your inner critic once and for all:

Name your inner critic.

Yup.

Like, first/last/middle (if you like!)

Naming the inner critic gives it a personality and also allows you to have a conversation with it.

Mine is named Lenny.

The next time your inner critic pops in your head when you’re about to do something scary, try saying this:

“Thank you (Lenny) for showing me that what I’m about to do is a little bit freaky, I know you’re trying to protect me. I’m still gonna hop on stage right now and sing my face off, so please stay off stage while I do this thing!”

Take a deep breath.

Get onstage.

Do the thing.

Sans Lenny!

“Sing”cerely, Elise