Who Is Speaking?
Who Is Speaking?
Oct 12, 2026
By Dr. Michelle Peticolas
For years, my Toastmasters speeches were serious, filled with intellectual ideas, impressive quotes, and expertise. Why? Because those things felt safe. Showing people the real Michelle felt much more vulnerable.
I was afraid of forgetting my words, freezing on stage, and making mistakes. So, I practiced my speeches 50, even 100 times, hoping perfection would protect me.
But then I discovered something surprising: I wasn't afraid of public speaking. I was afraid of showing people who I really was.
Through Toastmasters and Positive Intelligence, I began recognizing the patterns holding me back: my Controller needed certainty, my Perfectionist wanted everything right, and my Hyper-Rational sought safety in information.
I realized that awareness alone wasn't enough. I needed to learn how to interrupt these patterns and create space to make different choices.
Perhaps your pattern is people-pleasing, perfectionism, or constantly pushing yourself to do more.
Whatever it is, recognizing it is the first step toward change.
Personal growth isn't about becoming someone else. It's about turning down the patterns that hold us back so we can become more fully ourselves.
So, here's my question for you: What pattern is preventing you from becoming who you truly want to be?
Dr. Michelle Peticolas is an international best-selling author of Step Into Your Brilliance, award-winning filmmaker, and sought-after life transformation coach. For over two decades, she has empowered high-achieving, mid-life women to reclaim their power and purpose after major loss, guiding them to turn pain into possibility. Blending personal wisdom with practical tools, she shows audiences that even the deepest wounds can become the source of their greatest strength.
Whether you are new to Toastmasters or a seasoned Toastmaster, you are always welcome as our guest at Heart2Heart Toastmasters Meetings. Our club meetings are the 4th Thursday of every month on Zoom from 6:00-7:00pm PT and the 1st Saturday of the month on Zoom from 3:30 PM-6:00pm PT.
Register here for the 4th Thursday of the month meeting: https://bit.ly/H2HThursday
Register here for the Saturday meeting https://bit.ly/H2HSaturdayMeeting
You are always welcome as our guest! We hope to see you soon!