Ep 84: I Gave a 10-Minute Talk on Inner Critics: Here is the Process I Used
Tue Feb 03 2026
We often think of public speaking as a technical skill, but it is actually a profound test of our human skills.
I recently gave a presentation on inner critics. The challenge wasn't the speaking itself, as I have done that for years, but the format. I had to condense a 45-minute keynote into a hard-hitting 10-minute talk. This shift in routine woke up my own inner critics.
The struggle is not just about remembering your talking points; it is about the emotional beatdown we give ourselves before, during, and after we speak. When we do not have a process to handle this, we rob ourselves of the ability to actually enjoy the impact we make.
Tune in to learn how to shift your focus from "performance perfection" to genuine connection. This ensures you show up fully for your audience without abandoning yourself in the process, no matter if you are speaking for 45 minutes or giving a 5-minute update.
I share my personal protocol for preparation and celebration that ensures you walk away feeling proud, regardless of the outcome.
Episode Highlights:
The Preparation Paradox: Why memorizing your script is not about being robotic; it is about creating safety for your nervous system so you can be present.
The Two Ways to Show Up: We always focus on showing up for the audience, but I explain why showing up for yourself with grace is the missing link.
Celebrating the Service: How to silence the post-game analysis and simply say "I was of service" to build confidence for next time.
Quotables:
"I teach inner critic work because I have to do so much work on myself with my own inner critics and keeping them at bay."
"Not because you might be looking at being a speaker in your career, but more so because regardless of your professional field, you probably have to get in front of folks from time to time."
"How are you showing up for your audience and how are you showing up yourself?"
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Props for: Theme music by Adrian DiMatteo https://adriandimatteo.com
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We often think of public speaking as a technical skill, but it is actually a profound test of our human skills. I recently gave a presentation on inner critics. The challenge wasn't the speaking itself, as I have done that for years, but the format. I had to condense a 45-minute keynote into a hard-hitting 10-minute talk. This shift in routine woke up my own inner critics. The struggle is not just about remembering your talking points; it is about the emotional beatdown we give ourselves before, during, and after we speak. When we do not have a process to handle this, we rob ourselves of the ability to actually enjoy the impact we make. Tune in to learn how to shift your focus from "performance perfection" to genuine connection. This ensures you show up fully for your audience without abandoning yourself in the process, no matter if you are speaking for 45 minutes or giving a 5-minute update. I share my personal protocol for preparation and celebration that ensures you walk away feeling proud, regardless of the outcome. Episode Highlights: The Preparation Paradox: Why memorizing your script is not about being robotic; it is about creating safety for your nervous system so you can be present. The Two Ways to Show Up: We always focus on showing up for the audience, but I explain why showing up for yourself with grace is the missing link. Celebrating the Service: How to silence the post-game analysis and simply say "I was of service" to build confidence for next time. Quotables: "I teach inner critic work because I have to do so much work on myself with my own inner critics and keeping them at bay." "Not because you might be looking at being a speaker in your career, but more so because regardless of your professional field, you probably have to get in front of folks from time to time." "How are you showing up for your audience and how are you showing up yourself?" Tosca's Links and Resources: Sign up for Tosca's Newsletter: http://toscadimatteo.com/newsletter Tosca's Website: https://www.toscadimatteo.com Get in Touch with Tosca https://www.toscadimatteo.com/contact Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toscadimatteo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toscadimatteo/ Props for: Theme music by Adrian DiMatteo https://adriandimatteo.com