The Courageous Performer

What's the real difference between a good performer and a truly great one? In this episode, I reflect on what I learned at a recent conference with some of the world's leading voices in psychology and neurobiology. All of the presenters were polished, knowledgeable and engaging - but only a few created that deeper sense of safety, connection and authenticity that makes an audience lean in and truly listen. Join me as I explore: The hidden factors that hold even confident performers back. The reason your relationship with judgement (both your own and others') shapes how you feel on stage. The key shift that transforms stage fright into genuine stage presence. Simple, practical steps to help you feel grounded, safe and authentic in your next performance or presentation. If you've ever found yourself overthinking, second-guessing, or striving to "get it right" before stepping in front of an audience, this episode will show you a different way. It's about moving past performance armour and stepping into calm, confident connection. So you can share what you have to offer with freedom and authenticity. ✨ If you've got a performance or presentation coming up and today's episode really resonated, I'd love to help you put this into practice. I've created some short-term coaching options for exactly these moments — when you don't have months to prepare but still want to feel calmer, more confident, and more connected. You can choose from: The Confidence Kickstart – 3 focused one to one sessions across 1–2 weeks The Performance Power Session – a 90-minute deep dive to shift what's holding you back 👉 If you'd like to find out more, just email me: hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk — I'd be happy to chat it through.

Ever notice how one critical remark can overshadow all the praise you've received? For years, I let one critical comment overshadow every compliment I received. In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, I share how I stopped letting negative feedback crush my confidence and started using it to grow. I'll walk you through the exact three steps I use to decide what to take on board—and what to let go—so I can perform with freedom and self-belief. 🎧 You'll hear: Why our brains are wired to focus on criticism over praise How to separate your self-worth from your performance Real-life examples of turning harsh feedback into constructive growth Simple ways to quiet the inner critic after a comment stings The mindset shift that makes feedback feel less personal and more useful By the end, you'll know how to sift through criticism, keep the gems, and leave the rest behind—so you can keep showing up with courage and confidence. This episode is for every performer who's ever felt they had to earn their right to be seen. Whether you're onstage, on camera, in the boardroom, or simply trying to show up as yourself - you'll find something here for you. 👉 Book a free Backstage Review with me: Backstage Review  Let's talk about how to let go of the fear and find the version of you that doesn't need to be fixed - just given space to perform 💛 Like, subscribe, and share this with someone whose inner critic is ruining their life!

Do your inner voices whisper things like: "You're not good enough." "You're going to mess this up." "You're too much… or maybe not enough?" Welcome to the club. It's noisy in here. In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, I share the story of how I spent decades trying to outperform my inner critic—and how that voice still managed to stop me singing for nearly 20 years. And it didn't just affect my performances, it shaped how I saw myself everywhere. I genuinely believed the answer was to try harder, work smarter, and be better. Turns out, I was making things worse not better, like trying to make it easier to climb a mountain by adding bricks to my rucksack. 🎧 You'll hear: The reason your inner critic gets so loud in the first place Why self-criticism feels like a safety strategy (but actually backfires) The uncomfortable but powerful first step to quietening the noise And what happens when you stop protecting yourself, and start really performing This episode is for every performer who's ever felt they had to earn their right to be seen. Whether you're onstage, on camera, in the boardroom, or simply trying to show up as yourself - you'll find something here for you. 👉 Book a free Backstage Review with me: Backstage Review  Let's talk about how to let go of the fear and find the version of you that doesn't need to be fixed - just given space to perform 💛 Like, subscribe, and share this with someone whose inner critic is ruining their life!

Ever noticed how you can receive ten lovely compliments… and one slightly arched eyebrow… and somehow that's the bit that sticks? In this episode, I'm talking about the sneaky pull of external validation—the kind of feedback we long for but often don't believe when we get it. I share what I've learned (often the hard way) about how needing a certain response from your audience, your peers, or even your loved ones can throw you off balance—and how things change when you start valuing your own opinion just a little bit more. This one's especially personal, as I reflect on grief, vulnerability, and the surprising ways old thought patterns can creep back in when life shakes you. It's not about pretending you don't care—it's about learning how to care differently. And kindly. So if you've ever twisted yourself into knots trying to please everyone, or felt lost when praise didn't land the way it should have, this one's for you. And if you'd like some practical tools to help let go of that need for praise and reconnect with your authentic performer self, join me on 8th May for my workshop: The Joy of Being a Fearless Performer.  

Do you ever feel like the harder you try to control your performance, the more things seem to go wrong? In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, I explore why control isn't the solution—it's the problem. I'll share insights from a coaching session with a performer facing a high-stakes audition, unpack how the need for control creates tension and self-doubt, and show you what actually works: creating headspace. When you shift your approach to preparation, you gain the freedom to respond, adapt, and truly enjoy performing. If this is something you'd like to explore further, I'm running my Free Your Voice Live event in April, where I'll guide you through my step-by-step process to move from panic to presence—so you can perform with confidence, ease, and authenticity. Tickets are £40 for the whole day, but early bird tickets are just £20—and they include access to my online course. You can find all the details here: Free Your Voice Live Listen now and learn how to trust yourself, free your voice, and perform at your best.

We all feel embarrassed or vulnerable at times—even those of us who teach confidence for a living! In this episode, I share two personal stories that pushed me to confront my inner critic and navigate the uncomfortable feelings of self-doubt. Learn the tools I use to overcome embarrassment, fact-check fears, and embrace my imperfect, authentic self. If you've ever struggled to put yourself out there or felt like you had to be perfect, this episode is for you. Let's explore why being real—not perfect—is the key to confidence and connection. I'll walk you through the tools I use to climb out of those moments, including:   Sitting with uncomfortable feelings (instead of avoiding them) Telling yourself your "shitty story" to uncover and fact-check fears Showing kindness to yourself and reframing imperfections as strengths Join me as I explore how these tools helped me turn vulnerability into connection and discover why authenticity always wins. Connect with Hattie: If you want to get in touch you can reach me here: Website: www.findyourtruevoice.co.uk Email: hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk

Handling criticism is tough for any performer, whether you're on stage or in the boardroom. In this episode of The Courageous Performer, I explore how to transform feedback - both external and internal - into a powerful tool for growth, rather than a source of self-doubt. We'll discuss: How to quiet that harsh inner critic that often holds us back. Three essential questions to ask yourself when facing feedback: Is it kind? Is it more about them than me? Do I agree with it? Practical tips for using feedback to improve without losing confidence or motivation. Tune in if you're ready to make peace with feedback, build resilience, and step into every performance with greater self-assurance. This episode is perfect for singers, actors, public speakers, and anyone looking to find strength in vulnerability. Connect with Hattie: If you want to get in touch you can reach me here: Website: www.findyourtruevoice.co.uk Email: hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk

Do you feel like each performance is a pass-or-fail test of your worth? In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, Hattie Voelcker explores why it's so common for performers to tie their value to their achievements on stage—and how this mindset creates unnecessary pressure that can make performing a struggle rather than a joy. Hattie dives into practical strategies to help you separate who you are from how well you perform, reducing performance anxiety and building resilience. Learn how to stop viewing every performance as a "make-or-break" moment, and start seeing it as an experience for growth, learning, and enjoyment. Tune in for insights, stories, and tips that will help you create a healthier, more sustainable relationship with performing, whether you're singing, acting, speaking, or dancing.

In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, I share my Free Your Voice process, designed to help you feel confident, comfortable, and free on stage. I'll walk you through the five essential steps to transform your mindset and approach, from understanding your performance's purpose and audience to tackling your fears and building a plan. Plus, I have exciting news about my free 5-day challenge, starting on September 30th, where I'll guide you through these steps in depth. Join me to unlock your true voice and perform with ease!   Register for the 5 DAY FREE YOUR VOICE CHALLENGE here: www.findyourtruevoice.co.uk/5DC   If you'd like some help achieving all you want with your performing, get in touch... Connect with Hattie Voelcker: Website: www.findyourtruevoice.co.uk/ Email: hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk

In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, I'm diving into something I think is fundamental to everything I teach — how changing your thoughts can totally transform the way you perform. Ever wonder if you can switch your mindset while you're actually in front of an audience? The answer is yes, and I'll tell you exactly how! I'll be sharing personal stories and tips to help you manage those pesky nerves and feel more confident and comfortable on stage. Let's get into how a little shift in thinking can make a huge difference in how you perform!   Here's the link to the live event: The Courageous Performer Live!   Connect with Hattie: If you want to get in touch you can reach me here: Website: www.findyourtruevoice.co.uk Email: hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk

In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, I'm diving into a big question: Do you believe in extraordinary? And more importantly, do you believe you can be extraordinary? I'll be sharing some personal stories, including one about a cancelled flight and how I turned it into something positive. It's all about the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our lives. If you're ready to rethink how you see yourself and your performances, this episode is for you! Let's explore how you can rewrite your narrative and start believing in your own genius.   If you'd like some help achieving this, get in touch... Connect with Hattie Voelcker: Website: www.findyourtruevoice.co.uk Email: hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk

In this episode, I'm getting real about something that's plagued me for years—stage fright. Hi, I'm Hattie Voelcker, and today I'm sharing my personal journey of battling nerves, self-doubt, and the pressure to be perfect every time I stepped on stage. I'll take you behind the scenes of my life as a singer and aspiring barrister, where I was convinced that if I just nailed my technique, everything else would fall into place. Spoiler alert: It didn't. But what did change everything was learning to be kinder to myself and realizing that confidence doesn't come from perfection—it comes from embracing who you are, mistakes and all. The miracle is that when you do this, your confidence improves and you actually make fewer and fewer mistakes. It's a win-win situation. Whether you're terrified of public speaking, anxious about performing, or just looking to build some self-confidence, I've got you covered. I'll share the techniques that helped me move past my fears and start performing with more freedom and joy. So grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and join me as I talk about how you, too, can change the patterns that hold you back and find the courage to truly shine.

In this milestone 60th episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, host Hattie Voelcker delves into a crucial topic for anyone looking to enhance their performance skills—how to exude confidence without slipping into arrogance. Hattie breaks down the misconceptions around confidence and arrogance, explaining how they are often misunderstood as points on the same spectrum. She reveals the surprising truth: arrogance is actually rooted in insecurity, while true confidence comes from a place of self-assurance and outward focus. Drawing on examples, including insights from the likes of Beyoncé and Adele, Hattie provides actionable strategies for cultivating authentic confidence. Whether you're a performer, speaker, or someone simply looking to project self-assurance in your daily life, this episode offers valuable tools to help you free yourself from the traps of self-doubt and ego so you can focus on your message and audience. Tune in to learn how to understand the difference between confidence and arrogance, and how to use that understanding to unlock your true potential as a courageous performer. Listen now to discover the difference between performing with confidence and falling into the trap of arrogance, and learn how to connect more deeply with your audience by focusing outwardly. Key Topics: The real difference between confidence and arrogance Why arrogance stems from insecurity How to cultivate true, authentic confidence Strategies to focus outwardly on your audience Insights from performers like Beyoncé and Adele If you found this video helpful, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on building confidence and enhancing your performance skills! Connect with Hattie Voelcker: Website: www.findyourtruevoice.co.uk Email: hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk

Ever heard the phrase "Feel the fear and do it anyway"? It's a popular saying, but does it really work? In this episode, Hattie Voelcker dives into what that really means and whether it's the best approach. She shares her own experiences as a barrister and a performance coach, revealing why simply pushing through fear doesn't always cut it. Instead, Hattie talks about the power of acknowledging your fears and how that can actually help you tackle challenges with more confidence and ease. Plus, she shares a inspiring story from her Courageous Club for Performers that shows how leaning into how you feel can lead to some pretty amazing results. Join us as we explore how to turn fear into your friend and perform at your best! 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe for more tips on confidence, performance, and personal growth!

In this episode of The Courageous Performer, I'm telling you all about some really useful techniques for staying grounded while performing. Whether you're a singer, public speaker, or any kind of performer, staying connected and present can be a challenge. I'm sharing some personal stories and practical tips, starting with a simple method to bring your focus back to your body and out of your head. Looking at the importance of physical grounding, mindfulness, and other techniques, drawing from my own experiences and those of my clients. Tune in to discover how small changes in awareness and practice can make a significant impact on your confidence and connection with your audience. If you struggle with staying grounded during performances, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you remain present and perform at your best. For personalised advice, reach out to me at hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk. Your journey to confident, grounded performances starts here.

Do you ever feel like you completely disconnect from the world just before or during your performance? In this insightful episode I delve into the common issue of disconnection that many so performers face. I draw from my own experiences and some of my recent coaching sessions. I will also be sharing some practical strategies in order to help performers maintain a strong connection with their audience. Key points: Understanding Disconnection: Explore why performers often feel a disconnect from their audience and how it impacts the quality of their performance. Real-Time Coaching: Learn how Hattie's intensive coaching sessions help performers recognise and address their own issues through real-time feedback and observation. Expressiveness and Connection: Discover the importance of expressiveness in engaging the audience and how small mindset changes can significantly enhance performance. Practical Tips: Hattie shares actionable tips, including finding specific audience members to connect with, to help performers reduce anxiety and deliver impactful performances. Takeaway Tip: Find people in the audience to whom you want to deliver your message. This not only enhances audience connection but also helps performers shift focus from self-evaluation to audience engagement. In this episode I invite you and all my listeners to try these techniques and share their experiences. If you struggle with performance anxiety or find that you have difficulty connecting with your audience, please reach out to me at hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk for further guidance. Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for the next episode where we will discuss grounding techniques to help you stay present and connected during your performances.

Do nerves take over when you perform? Have you ever questioned whether you respect and are kind to yourself as a performer? In Episode 56 of the Courageous Performer Podcast, we uncover a surprising technique to conquer performance anxiety and enhance your presentation skills: kindness and respect. In this episode, we revisit Liz's incredible journey of regaining her confidence and love for performing through the power of kindness, and dive into how this technique can transform your own performance by addressing common thoughts and misconceptions: How do you practice kindness and respect towards yourself? Isn't getting things right more important than respecting yourself? What if you believe that tough love is the only way to motivate yourself? Explore the stages of learning, and how shifting from self-criticism to self-kindness can significantly reduce nerves, improve your audience connection, and elevate your performance. This approach has been a game-changer for Liz, me, and countless others. Join us to discover why treating yourself with kindness and respect isn't just beneficial—it's essential for becoming a more confident, skilled, and connected performer. Listen now and start your journey towards the kindness advantage in performing! If you need help or guidance, reach out to me at hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk. Your journey to confidence and enjoyment starts here.

In this episode of the Courageous Performer podcast, I share the inspiring story of Liz Walsh, a professional singer who faced an unexpected and daunting challenge. After losing her voice on stage, Liz's confidence was shattered, and she retreated from the spotlight she once loved. But Liz's story doesn't end there. Discover how Liz, with my guidance, embarked on a transformative journey of resilience and self-discovery. Learn how she confronted her inner critical voice, rebuilt her self-belief, and ultimately rediscovered the joy and confidence to perform again. Whether you're a performer, public speaker, or someone struggling with self-doubt, Liz's journey is a powerful reminder that it's possible to overcome your fears and find your true voice. Tune in to hear how self-compassion and respect can transform not just your performance but your life. Don't miss this uplifting episode filled with practical insights and heartfelt moments. 🎶✨ Listen now and be inspired to take the first step towards rediscovering your passion! If you need help or guidance, reach out to me at hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk. Your journey to confidence and enjoyment starts here.  

In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, I dive into how to create a genuine connection with your audience. I struggled with imposter syndrome and fear of judgment for years, both as a barrister and singer. Listen to get my insights and practical tips to help you overcome these challenges. Discover why connection is crucial for impactful performances, how to engage your audience effectively, and the role of authenticity and vulnerability in building a meaningful relationship with your audience. I will give you actionable advice on preparing for performances, focusing on delivering a powerful message rather than achieving perfection, and creating positive energy to create an open, engaging atmosphere. If you're a performer looking to enhance your connection with your audience and deliver memorable performances, this episode is a must-listen. If you struggle with your performing email me at hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk or connect on social media @‌findyourtruevoiceuk. Let me know what you are struggling with. Key Takeaways: Understand the significance of audience connection and how it enhances performance impact. Learn techniques to engage and connect with your audience authentically. Overcome fear of judgment and perfectionism to create a more open and engaging performance. Harness positive energy to foster a joyful and connected performance atmosphere. 0:00 - Introduction: The importance of connection  1:00 - My personal struggle with imposter syndrome  2:30 - Why audience connection is essential for impactful performances  4:00 - Techniques for engaging your audience  6:00 - The role of authenticity and vulnerability in performance  8:00 - Preparing for meaningful communication  10:00 - The power of positive energy in performances  12:00 - Overcoming the fear of judgment  14:00 - Recap and final thoughts Tune in and transform the way you connect with your audience! Contact Information: Email: hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk Social Media: @‌findyourtruevoiceuk Contact me at https://www.findyourtruevoice.co.uk Next Episode Teaser: Join us next time as we explore the experiences of one of my clients, uncovering valuable lessons and strategies to help you feel more confident and capable in your performances.

In this special episode of "The Courageous Performer Podcast", I'm giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what I do day-to-day as a confidence coach. Join me, Hattie Voelcker, as I take you through my week filled with coaching singers, actors, and public speakers to help them feel comfortable and confident in front of any audience. In This Episode: Introduction to My Work: Learn about my background and how I help people gain confidence. Signature Course Insights: Discover what goes into The Fearless Performer (FPP) course, and how I guide participants to let go of perfectionism. Intensive Course Experience: Hear about my intensive courses that offer deep, personalized coaching in small groups. One-to-One Coaching: Understand the impact of individual coaching sessions and how they help clients step into their true selves. Actionable Tips: Gain practical tips on letting go of perfectionism, building new neural pathways, and embracing your true self. Key Takeaways: Insights into my coaching methods and daily activities. Techniques for overcoming perfectionism and self-criticism. Understanding the importance of building new neural pathways. Tips for feeling comfortable and confident in front of an audience. Get in Touch: If you struggle with confidence in front of an audience, reach out to me at hattie@findyourtruevoice.co.uk. Share your story, and I'll respond personally. Teaser for Next Episode: Next week, we'll delve deeper into the science of building new neural pathways and why it's essential for personal growth and performance improvement. Subscribe & Follow: Don't miss an episode—subscribe to "Find Your True Voice" for more insights and strategies to enhance your performance skills and confidence.