Fake it till you make it – the age-old adage that’s been passed down from generation to generation. We’ve all heard it before, but what does it actually mean? Well, it’s all about projecting an air of confidence and expertise, even if you don’t quite feel it yet. And let’s be honest, we’ve all been in situations where we’ve had to put on a brave face and pretend like we know what we’re doing.
Picture this: You’re on stage, about to give a presentation to a room full of people. Your palms are sweating, your heart is racing, and you feel like you’re going to throw up. But you remember the saying, “fake it ‘til you make it,” so you take a deep breath and try to exude confidence. You start speaking, but the words are coming out in a jumbled mess, and you feel like a total fraud. So much for faking it!
Now, let’s be clear, pretending to have confidence can sometimes work. But often, it’s just a temporary band-aid solution that doesn’t address the underlying issues. If you want to truly feel confident, you need to work on the root causes of your insecurity, whether that’s through practice, preparation, or seeking help from a coach or mentor.
Faking it can also lead to imposter syndrome, where you constantly feel like a fraud and worry that you’ll be found out. It’s better to be honest with yourself and others about your abilities and limitations, and work to improve in areas where you may be lacking.
So, what’s the alternative to faking it? How about “embrace the nerves”? It’s okay to feel nervous or unsure. Acknowledge those feelings, take a deep breath, and try to focus on the task at hand. And remember, it’s okay to make mistakes – we all do! The important thing is to learn from them and keep moving forward.
It’s important to note that faking it shouldn’t mean being dishonest or deceitful. It’s about projecting a sense of confidence and competence, even if you’re not feeling it inside. And with practice, that sense of confidence can become a reality.
That’s where Blond Voices come in. By working on your vocal presence and delivery, we’ll help you learn to project confidence and authority in any situation. Whether you’re making a pitch to investors, delivering a keynote address, or just having a conversation with a colleague, having a strong vocal presence can make all the difference.