Speaking With Confidence

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Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to stand out, move up quickly in your career, and speak confidently, especially when you’re just starting out? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dig deep into the real skills that make the difference between simply doing the work and truly excelling–skills that aren’t always on the job description, but that employers look for and reward.

I’m Tim Newman, your host and a former college professor turned communication coach. My passion is helping people build the soft skills t...

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What does it really take to transform your nerves into confidence when speaking in front of an audience—no matter how big or small? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I take you behind the scenes of my own speaking journey, sharing raw stories, practical takeaways, and the coaching that helped me grow in unexpected ways.

This week, I pull back the curtain on my experience as part of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team. After years of preaching the importance of lifelong learning, I put myself on the line—joining the...

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Have you ever wondered how living and working abroad can radically transform not just your communication style, but also the way you guide and lead others? In today’s episode, we dive deep into the world of cross-cultural communication, public speaking, and storytelling with our guest Rebecca Williams, a true globetrotter and expert public speaking coach who has worked with everyone from Stanford MBAs to teams at Google, Meta, and Netflix.

Hey, I’m Tim Newman, and on this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re getting practical about what it really...

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Have you ever frozen under pressure when someone in your audience throws a tough, even hostile question your way? You’re not alone, and this episode is all about teaching you how to handle those moments with confidence and composure.

Welcome back to Speaking with Confidence. I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach. My passion is helping you build the soft skills that spark real progress in your career and life, especially the ability to stay cool, clear, and credible in the spotlight. Whether you breeze through pres...

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How can young adults overcome overwhelm and start communicating with genuine confidence in today’s digital age?

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Nick Batchelder—a 21-year-old author, podcaster, and speaker who’s committed to making sure fewer people reach their 30s saying, “I wish I would have done more in my 20s.” Nick brings a rare peer perspective to personal development, focusing on the unique challenges and strengths of people in their 20s and early 30s. He’s already written a book, built a growing podcast, and spoken to countless y...

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Have you ever completely blanked out during a presentation or felt your confidence collapse in front of an audience? If so, you’re far from alone and in this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle exactly how to recover from those “crash and burn” public speaking moments and get your confidence back on track.

I’m Tim Newman, and as someone who once threw up before giving my first college presentation, I know firsthand how devastating public speaking anxiety can feel. This week, I’m drawing on both scientific studies and coachi...

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What does it really take for young professionals—especially student athletes—to build true resilience and open lines of communication in today’s high-pressure world? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive deep into this crucial question that’s affecting students, educators, coaches, and leaders nationwide.

I’m Tim Newman, your host and a recovering college professor turned communication coach. Today, I’m honored to bring you a candid and impactful conversation with Kenisha Brown-Alexander, a true trailblazer in the sports industry and the founder of the Brainerd Tomorrow Foundation...

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Have you ever wondered why some interviewers can draw out powerful, authentic stories from their guests, while others get nothing but surface-level, forgettable responses? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive into the art and science of interviewing not as the one answering questions, but as the one skillfully guiding the conversation.

As your host, Tim Newman, a former college professor turned communication coach, I take you behind the scenes to reveal how top interviewers turn every exchange into a meaningful dialogue. While I typically invite guests onto the...

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How do you rebuild confidence and communication skills after life-changing events, or simply grow your presence in a world filled with digital noise? That’s the big question we dig into on this week’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, and I think you’ll walk away with new tools and a lot to think about—whether you’re tackling a major transition or just wanting to level up your everyday communication.

In this episode, I’m joined by Meaghan Benjamin, an executive communication coach who’s spent nearly 20 years helping people—from he...

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Have you ever wondered why you keep repeating the same mistakes, even when you work hard and accumulate experience? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dig deep into a powerful question: what’s really holding you back from growing as a communicator and professional, and how can you break the cycle and accelerate your progress for real?

Hi, I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and your host on this journey toward showing up with confidence in every conversation. On today’s episode (inspired by last w...

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Have you ever found yourself feeling unfulfilled at work and wondered if it’s really possible to find both purpose and confidence in your career? If so, you’re not alone, and today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence may have the answers you’ve been searching for.

On this episode, I welcome Danielle Droitsch, an executive and leadership coach who helps high-achieving professionals rediscover their superpowers, reclaim well-being, and approach their work with confidence and purpose. Danielle’s story is one so many of us can relate to: after building a successf...

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What’s the real secret to making an introduction that people actually remember—and want to follow up with? If you’ve ever found yourself rattling off your name, job title, and a couple of generic facts only to watch the other person’s eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I break down why most 30-second introductions fall flat, and how to craft one that instantly sets you apart.

Today we’re focusing on one of the most overlooked skills in professional communication: the art (and...

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What does it really take to turn your personal struggles and lived experience into authentic confidence when you communicate? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I sit down with Cesar Cardona—public speaker, podcast co-host, and mindfulness educator—to uncover how resilience, mindfulness, and embracing your unique story are foundational not only to personal growth, but also to becoming a powerful communicator.

Cesar’s journey is anything but ordinary. Growing up navigating conflict in a home of deep cultural and political divides, he openly shares how early trauma shaped his perspe...

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Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “That could’ve gone better…”?

In this solo episode of Speaking With Confidence, host Tim Newman explores how asking better questions can unlock more effective communication, stronger interpersonal skills, and, believe it or not, career-changing opportunities.

Inspired by his conversation with communication coach Michelle Schafer, Tim shares how simple shifts in our approach to networking, interviews, and public presentations can turn small talk into a powerful connection. Spoiler alert: it’s not about having all the right answers, it’s about asking...

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What if charisma isn’t about being magnetic... but about being real?

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I sit down with therapist, coach, and leadership expert Richard Reid to explore what truly makes someone a powerful communicator. Spoiler alert: it’s not about being the most dynamic speaker or the loudest voice in the room.

Richard unpacks the difference between charm and charisma and why one builds trust while the other often erodes it. We talk about how presence, authenticity, and curiosity form the foundation of effective comm...

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Ever walked out of a feedback session more confused, frustrated, or defensive than when you walked in? You’re not alone, and it’s probably not what was said, but how it was said.

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I break down the real reason most feedback sabotages relationships: it ignores personality. Using the DISC model, I walk through how different communication styles process feedback, and why a “feedback sandwich” just isn’t cutting it anymore.

From understanding the neurological triggers of defensiveness to using the SBI model (Sit...

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What separates managers who merely delegate from those who transform teams? It's not just strategy, it's communication. In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I sit down with global leadership expert Joanne Merrick to talk about what it really takes to become a powerful communicator in today’s chaotic work world.

With over 25 years of experience across five continents and leadership roles at Amazon, Deloitte, and Juniper Networks, Joanne brings the receipts. She unpacks the neuroscience behind why autonomy fuels creativity, how emotional intelligence can replace micromanagement, and why being understood st...

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Have you ever watched someone walk into a room and instantly capture attention, without even saying a word? That’s charisma. But here’s the truth: it’s not some mystical, born-with-it energy. It’s a set of communication skills that you can master.

In this solo episode of Speaking with Confidence, I unpack what charisma really is and how it ties directly into being a powerful communicator. Whether you're leading a team, giving a presentation, or just trying not to disappear in a meeting, the balance of warmth and competence is your...

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What if your biggest personal crisis turned out to be your greatest professional breakthrough?

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I sit down with Jenny Alday Townsend, an award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and Amazon bestselling author, for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the communication tools that helped her rebuild her life from the ground up.

Jenny opens up about the moment her marriage was rocked by infidelity and how it forced her to rediscover who she was outside of her business. She shares how stepping back...

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Forget everything you thought you knew about effective communication. It’s not the stats, not the slides, and definitely not the script that makes people lean in, it’s the story.

In this solo episode, I break down the neuroscience behind why storytelling is one of the most powerful communication tools we have. When you tell a real story, especially the messy, imperfect ones, you create a shared experience with your audience that facts alone can’t touch.

I walk through the 3-part storytelling framework I use with every keynot...

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What do boxing, public speaking, and personal transformation have in common? For Cam F. Awesome, everything.

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I sit down with Cam, a 12-time national boxing champion, motivational speaker, and self-described “motivational vegan,” to talk about the mindset behind powerful communication and unstoppable resilience.

Cam doesn’t just tell a comeback story, he lives one. Bullied as a kid and cut from every team he tried out for, Cam found boxing not as a passion, but as the only option left. He turned that i...

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Ever freeze up mid-conversation or overthink every word before a big presentation? I’ve been there too, and I’ve learned that you don’t need to be perfect to be powerful.

In this solo episode of Speaking With Confidence, I’m sharing three of my favorite improv-inspired techniques that have helped me (and many of my clients) show up with more presence, connection, and confidence, no matter the setting.

You’ll hear how the “Yes, And” mindset can instantly shift you from anxious overthinking to engaged collaboration, how embracing fail...

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What if the best leaders aren't the ones with the answers, but the ones who know how to ask the right questions?

In this episode, I sit down with former Army officer turned leadership coach Chris Duprey to explore the mindset shift that turns managers into powerful communicators. Through his Pathfinder’s Compass framework, Chris breaks down the difference between leading by instruction and leading by inquiry. Spoiler: It’s less “boss mode,” more “Ted Lasso with a mission.”

They get deep into the four pillars of breakthrough communication, Yes-And ener...

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Ever been told to “just stop saying um” like that’s helpful advice? In this episode, I share the honest moment a student called me out for giving that exact unhelpful tip, and how it changed my entire approach to teaching effective communication.

You’ll learn why our brains default to filler words when we’re speaking too fast, what neuroscience says about the role of pauses, and why the solution isn’t perfection, its presence.

Discover the "two-second solution" that helps reduce filler words by up to 40%, and how a well-t...

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Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about knowing the right questions to ask. In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, host I am joined by nationally recognized executive performance coach John Little to explore the real work behind powerful communication and authentic leadership.

With over 25 years of coaching and consulting experience, John shares how his EMBRACE framework helps professionals overcome imposter syndrome, build real confidence, and communicate with clarity. Together, we unpack the subtle difference between ego and confidence, the impact of generational communication styles, and why trus...

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If you've ever wondered what separates the average speaker from someone who commands attention and inspires action, the answer is simpler than you think, and far more powerful. It’s not talent. It’s not charisma. It’s commitment.

In this solo episode, I talk about the unglamorous but transformational truth: powerful communicators never stop improving. From the books they read to the feedback they embrace (even when it stings), great communicators know that input drives output. And that growth? It’s never accidental.

Whether you're navigating team meetings, deliveri...

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What makes someone a powerful communicator? According to Ron Reich, it's not the title, the slides, or the flashy speeches; it’s relationships, self-awareness, and the willingness to grow.

With 30 years of experience in leadership development, corporate training, and coaching across industries like banking, tech, and pharma, Ron brings a grounded, human-first perspective to communication. In this episode, we dive into what truly builds confidence, not just in public speaking, but in everyday leadership.

Ron’s secret weapon? A relentless commitment to learning. He’s read over 400 leadership books (yes, r...

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Are you an introvert who dreads networking events or fast-paced meetings? Good news: you don’t have to become an extrovert to be a powerful communicator.

In this episode, I share real-world strategies tailored for introverts who want to boost their communication skills without changing who they are. You’ll learn how to own your voice, embrace your natural strengths, and create authentic connections, one meaningful conversation at a time.

I talk about:

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What does interviewing World Series champions and leading corporate keynotes have in common? According to longtime sports broadcaster Joel Goldberg, it all comes down to trust, authenticity, and powerful communication.

In this episode, Joel joins Tim Newman to talk about how 30 years in sports media, including 17 with the Kansas City Royals, shaped his communication skills beyond the mic. From cold calling his way into broadcasting to navigating grief in the clubhouse, Joel shares what it really means to build trust, read the room, and speak with purpose.

He opens...

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Ever been told you’re “too serious” or “intimidating” before you even open your mouth? What if that exact energy could make you one of the most magnetic communicators in the room?

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I break down the science and strategy behind using humor, not to be the funniest person in the room, but to be the most impactful. From defusing tension in high-stakes meetings to building trust through shared imperfections, you’ll learn how humor unlocks deeper connection, boosts your credibility, and strengthens your leadership communicatio...

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Some people walk into a room and instantly connect. Others spend the night hovering near the veggie tray, wondering how anyone makes networking look effortless.

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I talk with Michael Morgan, author of The Power of Networking and a seasoned leader with experience at Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Walmart, and Chevron, to explore how meaningful relationships can fuel career growth and unlock opportunities you never saw coming.

From fraternity events at Penn State to Fortune 100 boardrooms, Michael shares how one connection changed everything. But...

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Ever felt like you're one awkward pause away from being “found out”? You’re not alone. Up to 82% of professionals struggle with impostor syndrome, even when the evidence proves they’re more than capable.

In this episode, I unpack the three-part system that turns imposter syndrome into authentic, grounded confidence. This isn’t just a pep talk, it’s a roadmap to becoming a powerful communicator through structure, voice, and momentum.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

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What if your so-called flaws were actually your superpowers as a communicator?

At 86 years old, Annie Korzen, a character actress best known as Doris Klumpus on Seinfeld, has found viral fame on TikTok by being unapologetically herself. In this episode, Annie joins us to talk about how embracing her bold, outspoken nature led her to become a powerful communicator for a whole new generation.

From navigating social media at an age when most people are avoiding it, to crafting stories that connect across generational divides, Annie brings humor, heart...

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Your brain might be sabotaging your listening skills, and you don’t even realize it.

In this solo episode, Tim Newman dives into the five most common listening mistakes that quietly destroy relationships, teamwork, and trust. From the sneaky dopamine hit that pulls the conversation back to you to the science behind why your brain zones out mid-sentence, this episode unpacks the hidden habits that keep us from being powerful communicators.

Backed by neuroscience and loaded with actionable fixes, you'll learn:

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What do a sports statistician, a leadership coach, and a master storyteller have in common? A powerful understanding of what truly makes communication effective.

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I welcome Kirk McCarley, executive career coach, ESPN talent statistician, and self-proclaimed "wealthy man" (thanks to his relationships, not his bank account). Kirk shares how his behind-the-scenes role in live broadcasting taught him lessons that apply far beyond the sports world, especially about presence, preparation, and the power of listening.

From stories of maraschino cherry theft to lessons...

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Ever been told to “just focus harder” in a conversation?

That advice doesn’t just miss the mark, it overlooks the superpowers hidden in how the ADHD brain works.

In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, Tim Newman flips the script on conventional communication strategies and shares science-backed techniques that align with how ADHD brains naturally function. From rapid-fire thinking to memory gaps and impulsive interjections, Tim reframes these common traits not as barriers, but as opportunities for transformation.

You’ll learn:

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Ever feel like the fear of public speaking is holding you back from being the leader, teammate, or communicator you know you can be?

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, Tim Newman welcomes Harriet Bratt—international speaker, firewalk facilitator, and fierce advocate for authenticity—to unpack what it really takes to become a powerful communicator.

From walking across fire to navigating ADHD, Harriet shares how confidence isn’t about being fearless, it’s about feeling the fear and showing up anyway. Together, Tim and Harriet dive into active listenin...

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That awkward tension you feel when the camera turns on? It’s not a sign you’re bad at speaking, it’s your body trying to help. In this solo episode, Tim Newman breaks down one of the most common confidence killers in modern communication: camera anxiety. Whether you’re recording a 60-second update or giving a virtual keynote, your nervous system is along for the ride. But with a few mindset shifts and setup tweaks, you can turn those nerves into powerful communication tools.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about...

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What does it truly take to become a powerful communicator in today’s world? On this episode of Speaking With Confidence, host Tim Newman sits down with Shirlee Engel, seasoned TV reporter turned on-camera coach, to unpack the tools, mindsets, and effective communication skills that bring authentic connection to every conversation, far beyond just public speaking.

Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or growing your influence online, Shirlee shares how to master leadership communication, develop active listening skills, and overcome those confidence hurdles (yes, even the dreaded imposter synd...

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Are your conversations interrupted by the constant buzz of notifications? In today’s world, digital overwhelm has reshaped not only how we interact, but our very brains—fragmenting focus, empathy, and genuine connection. This week on Speaking With Confidence, Tim Newman dives deep into the real cost of screen-driven distractions and offers practical strategies to reclaim your ability to be a powerful communicator in every interaction that matters.

If you want to sharpen your active listening skills, cultivate effective communication skills, and develop true leadership communication, this episode is for you. Tim...