How can motivational speakers remain resilient in the face of criticism?

1 Acknowledge your emotions

Criticism can trigger a range of emotions, such as anger, sadness, frustration, or fear. Ignoring or suppressing these feelings can make them worse and affect your performance and well-being. Instead of denying or avoiding your emotions, acknowledge them and allow yourself to process them in a healthy way. You can talk to a trusted friend, mentor, or coach, write in a journal, or practice mindfulness or meditation. By acknowledging your emotions, you can release them and move on to the next step.

2 Evaluate the source and the content

Not all criticism is equal. Some criticism may come from a credible and respectful source, such as a fellow speaker, a client, or a mentor, who has your best interest at heart and wants to help you improve. Other criticism may come from a biased or hostile source, such as a competitor, a troll, or a hater, who has an ulterior motive or agenda and wants to harm you or your reputation. Before you react to any criticism, evaluate the source and the content. Ask yourself: Who is the critic? What is their intention? What is their expertise? What is their tone? What is their evidence? Is the criticism specific, relevant, and actionable, or vague, general, and personal? By evaluating the source and the content, you can filter out the noise and focus on the signal.

4 Ignore or respond to destructive criticism

Destructive criticism is feedback that is dishonest, disrespectful, and harmful. It attacks your character, motives, or values, and offers no suggestions for improvement. Destructive criticism can be a source of stress, anxiety, and self-doubt for speakers. Instead of letting it affect your self-esteem or motivation, ignore or respond to it in a way that protects your reputation and integrity. You can ignore it by deleting it, blocking it, or reporting it, if it is online, or by walking away, changing the subject, or ending the conversation, if it is in person. You can also respond to it by calmly and politely stating your position, correcting any misinformation, or asking for evidence, if you want to challenge it or defend yourself. However, avoid engaging in arguments, insults, or personal attacks, as they can escalate the situation and damage your image.

5 Celebrate your achievements and progress

Criticism can make you focus on your flaws and failures, and forget your achievements and progress. To counteract this, celebrate your successes and milestones, no matter how big or small. Recognize and appreciate your efforts, skills, and impact as a speaker. You can celebrate by rewarding yourself, sharing your achievements with your supporters, or expressing your gratitude. By celebrating your achievements and progress, you can boost your confidence, motivation, and resilience.

6 Seek support and inspiration

Criticism can make you feel isolated and discouraged, and affect your sense of purpose and passion as a speaker. To overcome this, seek support and inspiration from people who understand and appreciate you. You can join a community of speakers, such as a club, a network, or a forum, where you can exchange ideas, feedback, and advice with other speakers. You can also find a mentor, a coach, or a role model, who can guide, encourage, and inspire you with their experience, wisdom, and example. By seeking support and inspiration, you can regain your perspective, vision, and enthusiasm as a speaker.