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Confident or Arrogant? Understanding the Difference

The Courageous Performer

Release Date: 08/22/2024

Good vs Great: Perform with Confidence & Authenticity show art Good vs Great: Perform with Confidence & Authenticity

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...

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The Three Steps I Use to Take the Sting Out of Negative Feedback show art The Three Steps I Use to Take the Sting Out of Negative Feedback

The Courageous Performer

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...

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Is Your Inner Voice Sabotaging You? How I Stopped the Sabotage and Found Confidence show art Is Your Inner Voice Sabotaging You? How I Stopped the Sabotage and Found Confidence

The Courageous Performer

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...

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The Sweet Poison of Praise: Why We Crave It but Don’t Believe It show art The Sweet Poison of Praise: Why We Crave It but Don’t Believe It

The Courageous Performer

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...

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From Panic to Presence: How Headspace Transforms Performance show art From Panic to Presence: How Headspace Transforms Performance

The Courageous 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,...

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How to Handle Public Embarassment show art How to Handle Public Embarassment

The Courageous Performer

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...

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How to Handle Feedback & Criticism as a Performer show art How to Handle Feedback & Criticism as a Performer

The Courageous Performer

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...

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Episode 65: How to Stop Judging Yourself on Every Performance show art Episode 65: How to Stop Judging Yourself on Every Performance

The Courageous Performer

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...

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How to Free Your Voice show art How to Free Your Voice

The Courageous Performer

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...

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Changing Your Thoughts as a Performer show art Changing Your Thoughts as a Performer

The Courageous Performer

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...

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More Episodes

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: