ON THE INFLUENCE OF INNER STORIES (BELIEFS) IN PUBLIC SPEAKING

“…Change the way you look at the world, and the world you look at will change…”(Wayne W. Dyer)

"Public speaking is either something you're born with or not... I wasn't born with it… I can't speak... I'm afraid to speak... The audience will laugh at me, they won’t understand me... I'm a poor speaker... Anything but public speaking... I'd rather die than face a crowd listening to me..."

Familiar phrases? These aren’t just phrases. They are beliefs we hold. They are stories created by our minds—stories we believe in.They are our convictions. Our inner narratives that we repeat to ourselves. Beliefs are a set of rules that form throughout our lives and guide us in our daily personal or professional actions. What a person has achieved in life is often shaped by the beliefs they hold. Beliefs can be limiting or supportive. Sadly, most people are governed by limiting beliefs—by fear, self-doubt, and hopelessness. That’s why the first step is to observe and analyze your own beliefs. What kind of beliefs do you hold? Supportive or limiting? Can I speak in public or not? Is the audience wishing me well, or are they hoping I’ll fail? Because what I believe influences what and how I speak.

The way we perceive the world and how much we feel in control of our lives determines what we do and what results we get.

A belief is considered limiting if we have an important goal in life but something seems to be holding us back from achieving it. That “something” is usually our limiting beliefs that shape our emotional reactions to different events. All our reactions are driven by our beliefs. That’s why different people react differently to the same situation. If we begin to question our belief and replace it with a new one, we can shift our emotional responses—and much more effectively move toward our goals.

Let’s take an example:

You want to give a speech in front of an audience. Your limiting beliefs might sound like this: “I’ll never be liked by this audience. I’m not a good enough speaker. I’ll say something stupid. The audience will just laugh at me. I wasn’t born to speak in public...” If you believe these things, it’s unlikely you’ll take action or reach your goal. Limiting beliefs block possibilities and kill the motivation to even try.

But every limiting belief can be transformed into a supportive one. All of those scary inner stories can become amazing adventures. All of those fears can turn into strengths.

THE FIRST STEP TO INNER FREEDOM – WORK ON YOUR LIMITING BELIEFS!

Words are the surface expression of deep inner processes. Change your limiting beliefs, and the words you speak will change, your inner narrative will change, and YOU will change. And once you change, the world around you will change too...

Exercise: Transform Limiting Beliefs into Supportive Ones

Step 1: Write down your limiting beliefs

Imagine you’re a detective investigating your thoughts and emotions, trying to uncover those limiting beliefs that prevent you from achieving your goals. Write them down on paper and face them head-on.You may feel how strong they are and how much emotion they carry.

Step 2: Realize that they are not facts – they are just beliefs!

This is often the hardest step. We usually believe our beliefs are real! But this is the moment where your choice changes everything. What would you rather do: keep fighting imaginary limits or fulfill your goals and dreams? Remember:

“…When we defend our beliefs, we give them power…” (Evelyn Waugh)

So, what will you choose?

Step 3: Formulate a positive / supportive belief

Use your imagination to create a new, positive/supportive belief around the issue you’re struggling with.

For example: If you believe the audience wants you to fail, a new belief could be: “Everyone listening to me wishes me well and supports me.” If you’re convinced you weren’t born to speak publicly, the new belief could be: “I have been given an amazing gift to speak in public—clearly, powerfully, and confidently.” If stage fright is holding you back, a supportive belief could be: “When I stand in front of an audience and speak, I learn more about myself. This is the best way to truly know myself.”

The goal of this exercise is not just to name your limiting beliefs—but to go deeper. As you cultivate supportive beliefs, you may feel drawn to new experiences. You may want new emotions and new states of being. If you complete steps 2 and 3 carefully, you’ll begin a powerful and creative journey of transforming old limiting beliefs.

Step 4: Act as if your new belief is true

At first, it may feel uncomfortable—but act as if your new supportive belief is true. In other words, if you’re someone people like, then maybe it’s time to act like it. Or if you’re a great speaker, maybe now is the time for your amazing speech?

If you don’t act differently, you’ll keep feeding your old limiting belief. Even the smallest action helps strengthen your new supportive belief. Your first steps don’t have to be perfect—only aligned with the direction you’ve chosen. And don’t forget: thank yourself, praise yourself for every little step forward. Your beliefs are strong if you find yourself constantly seeking proof of them. Make sure your new beliefs are anchored in positive intent. Say them out loud. Visualize your new life. Feel how much happier and more confident you are.

Change your story and you’ll change your life. Because the story you tell yourself—whatever it is—shapes your reality.