That may be true....or not. It's extremely hard, part of our black and white thinking that we can't do something. We are naturally self-hating, self-depricating. No one will ever be as hard on us as we are. It's not YOUR fault that they act that way; THEY have issues. I'm just saying to keep that in mind. Maybe your mentor can help. Do a mock speech in front of him and see if he can give you some pointers that would help you gain confidence that would make it a bit easier. I know it's easier said than done....I have a lot of issues with it too. I'm much better at giving advice than I am at taking it myself.