We've all been there. Maybe you fumbled a line in a presentation. Or tripped on a shoelace. Or suffered a bad hair day. It can feel like the whole world is watching you—and judging you—in those embarrassing moments. But are people paying as much attention to you as you think?

In this episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman, we explore why we tend to blow our own missteps out of proportion.

We go behind the scenes of some of the most consequential speeches of World War II. Speeches given by a man who was consumed with fear about how his stutter would be received by the public. Author and historian Adrian Phillips gives us new insights about King George VI's struggles with his diction and the effect his addresses had on the people of Great Britain during the darkest days of the war.

We also hear from Seth Tichenor, an assistant professor and program director at the Duquesne University Stuttering Clinic, who helps us understand what it's like to navigate a public role with a stutter.

Finally, Katy speaks with Cornell psychologist Tom Gilovich about how he and his fellow researchers demonstrated that—more often than not—our mistakes and foibles barely register with those around us.

Choiceology is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/podcast.

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Important Disclosures

The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.

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All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. 

The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

The books How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, The King Who Had to Go, From Churchill to Eden , The Wisest One in the Room and How We Know What Isn't So are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about its content.

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