What Story Are You Telling Yourself? A Confidence Strategy for Professionals

Two recent events inspired this post: a client conversation and a morning talk on Insight Timer, a meditation app.

A client recently told me she felt shaky while holding a microphone during a presentation. The nerves didn’t surprise her—but the physical reaction did. It’s something I hear often: shaking hands, a racing heart, or a voice that feels stuck. These symptoms show up in the body, but they often begin in the mind.

I asked her, “What story might you be telling yourself in that moment?”
Because behind every physical reaction, there’s usually an internal narrative—one that shapes how we experience the moment.

It might sound like:

• What if I mess up?

• Do I really know what I’m talking about?

• What if they don’t see the value I bring?

That internal dialogue is powerful. And it’s often the root of the lingering nervousness we carry into our speaking opportunities—whether it’s a presentation, a pitch, or even a networking conversation.

This Reminds Me of the Story of the Two Wolves

That same week, I listened to a talk on Insight Timer and heard a familiar story. It aligns with what my client was mentioning.  

An old Cherokee grandfather is teaching his grandson about life. “There is a battle going on inside me,” he says. “It is between two wolves.
One is fear, self-doubt, judgment, and insecurity.
The other is confidence, clarity, compassion, and courage.”

The grandson thinks for a moment and asks, “Which wolf wins?”

The grandfather replies, “The one you feed.”

It struck me how closely that story mirrors the experience so many of us have with public speaking. We’re not just battling nerves, we’re battling narratives. One voice builds us up. The other tears us down.

The Two Voices of Public Speaking

Even the most seasoned speakers hear both wolves. One tells us we’re ready, capable, and offering something valuable. The other whispers that we’re not good enough, not smart enough, or not experienced enough.

The difference isn’t whether those voices show up.
The difference is which one we listen to—and which one we feed.

Here’s what feeding the right wolf might sound like:

• “I’ve prepared for this, and I know my message matters.”

• “I’m here to serve, not to be perfect.”

• “Feeling nervous just means I care.”

Each time we choose to speak from this place—of presence, preparation, and purpose—we’re strengthening the voice of confidence. And every time we repeat that choice; it gets easier to hear that voice more clearly.

What Story Are You Telling Yourself?

Before your next meeting, presentation, or client conversation, take a moment to check in with your internal dialogue.

Ask yourself:
What story am I telling myself about me right now?

Are you feeding the voice that says:

• “I have to nail this or I’ll fail”

• “They’re going to see right through me”

• “I don’t deserve to be in this room”?

Or the one that says:

• “I’m prepared and I care—that’s enough”

• “I’ve earned the right to speak up”

• “I can be nervous and still do this well”

Naming the story is the first step.
Choosing a better one is how you change everything.

Let’s Feed the Right Wolf Together

If you’re ready to shift your inner dialogue and speak with more ease and authenticity, I’d love to help. I offer personalized coaching to help business professionals overcome fear, strengthen confidence, and find their voice.

Let’s rewrite the story together—one that’s grounded in truth, not fear.

👉 Book a Free Confidence Call and take the first step toward speaking with presence, purpose, and power.