“Who do you think you are!?” Surviving the Past

"Who do you think you are?!"—that insidious voice that creeps in as we strive to meet new challenges or achieve greater heights in our field, leaving us feeling shaken and undermined. If we find this thought going through our minds as we prepare to present, it helps to recognise that it may come from messages we internalised when we were young—word from others who felt threatened by our confidence or our differences. This phrase and it's tone are a form of “othering,” meant to diminish and pressure us to conform. At its heart it’s not a question but a demand: that we stay small and contained – and controllable...

But here’s the truth: you?do?have the right to shine and be your brilliant self. Don’t let someone else’s insecurity limit your potential.

How to Overcome It:

1. Recognise it:?See this voice for what it is—a leftover echo that no longer serves you.

2. Reframe it:?Replace “Who do you think you are?” with “I have every right to shine and be me!”

3. Shift your focus:?Step away from that voice and shift the focus onto the needs of your audience. What do?they?need to know? How can you help them?

4. Share your gifts: dig deep and use your expertise generously in the service of your audience..

Name it, reframe it, take action to change it!

When we focus on meeting the needs of our listeners, those self-doubts and negative voices fade away. By sharing our expertise and passion, we replace fear with confidence—and discover our true potential as speakers.