2 days ago

Stop Getting Ignored: Three Sentences That Make Your Cold Emails Stand Out

Have you ever sent a cold email that disappeared into the ether, never to be answered and wondered what you did wrong? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle that painfully common problem head-on and reveal the tiny but powerful shift that makes your outreach stand out from the delete pile. As your host, I'm drawing from years as a college professor and communication coach, and I start by sharing one of the most frequent messages in my own inbox: “Can I pick your brain over coffee for 15 minutes?” If you’ve ever sent that kind of request or received it you already know how uphill the battle for a reply can be. The truth is, most people have overflowing inboxes and little time to give to vague asks. But there’s good news: you don't need to send the perfect message; you just need to be different from the rest. There’s no guest this week, it's just me, guiding you through the concrete tactics and deeper mindset shifts that change how your emails land. I dig into the invisible factors that sabotage cold messages, from desperate undertones to the all-about-me approach that turns people off. Then, I introduce my Give First Formula, a simple, three-sentence structure that transforms your message from an ask to a value-driven exchange. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: Why typos and awkward phrasing aren’t the real reason your cold emails get ignored The downside of clichéd openers like “I love your content” and “I’m a huge fan” The psychology of email overload and why you’re competing with hundreds of other requests Why “pick your brain” is vague, unfair, and guaranteed to get skipped How to make your message about the recipient, not you The three essential sentences of the Give First Formula: a value observation, a low-friction ask, and a genuine exit ramp Concrete examples of ineffective and effective cold emails The biggest traps people fall into like telling a long backstory, asking for too much too soon, and following up with “just checking in” How to follow up in a way that adds value rather than nagging Why structure, not talent or connections, is what gets you noticed and answered Finally, I challenge you to take one cold email you’ve been holding onto and run it through the Give First Formula to see the impact for yourself. And I tease what’s coming next week: how to follow up with someone after you finally get a response or meeting, so you stay top-of-mind without becoming a forgotten business card. If you want your voice to stand out and your outreach to get replies, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 days ago

Boosting Youth Communication: Essential Soft Skills Every Teen Needs for Success

Have you ever wondered why we spend so much time teaching kids math and science, but not how to introduce ourselves, hold a conversation, or handle rejection? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive deep into the critical life skills that every young person needs but most are never formally taught. I’m Tim Newman, your host and a communication coach who believes that real success comes from mastering soft skills like communication, storytelling, public speaking, and the confidence to show up authentically. Today, I’m joined by Rob Heller, founder of the BOOST Youth Alliance. Rob’s mission is to equip young people with the essential life skills that set them up for success in every area of life. He started BOOST when he couldn’t find a program that taught his son the lessons he knew were crucial so he built his own. Rob brings decades of entrepreneurial experience and a deep commitment to mentoring youth, making him the perfect guest to discuss why communication and resilience matter now more than ever. In our conversation, we tackled the mistakes we make as parents when it comes to technology and the impact that screens and smartphones have on developing communication skills. Rob and I reminisced about how the world has changed with phones glued to our hands, it’s easier to lose out on face-to-face interactions and the benefits they bring. Rob shared how self-awareness is growing among today’s parents, but also that it’s a constant struggle to set boundaries around tech use. We explored the difference between protecting young people and preparing them for the real world. Rob described how BOOST addresses not just people skills and character, but also building a healthy mindset giving kids practical tools to deal with setbacks, acknowledge their mistakes, and build true confidence. We also discussed why skills like accountability, resilience, and the ability to hold a simple conversation are the missing pieces in most academic programs. During the episode, we covered: The real reason communication skills are missing from most high school curricula Rob’s journey building BOOST for his own family and now for countless others The impact of screens and technology on developing essential life skills How to set boundaries as parents (and model the right behavior ourselves) Why accountability and apologizing quickly matter so much for building trust and confidence The art of starting a conversation even for introverts Why employers care so much more about soft skills than technical ones Practical tips for greeting people, making eye contact, and remembering names The science behind why connecting with others feels so good (hint: it’s the chemicals in your brain) Tips for parents and educators to help young people practice these skills from an early age How BOOST’s 26 core skills help kids prepare for life, not just for school If you’ve ever wished your child or even yourself could confidently connect, communicate, and handle life’s curveballs with resilience, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice. Rob’s work through BOOST is helping a generation get back to the basics, and we agree, these are the missing courses we all need. To learn more about BOOST or connect with Rob, check out boostprogram.com, and don’t forget to grab his book, The Missing Course for Today’s Youth. And as always, if you want to overcome your own public speaking challenges, visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for free resources and courses. Let’s keep building confidence one conversation at a time! Connect with Rob: Website: https://boostprogram.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Boost_Program Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boostkids Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boost_program/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boost_program Book: https://a.co/0gKE15oT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 Sept

The Four-Step Reset for Handling Difficult Conversations After They End

Have you ever walked out of a tough conversation and found yourself replaying it in your head for hours, unable to move on? If so, you’re not alone and today’s episode is here to help you finally break that cycle. I’m Tim Newman, your host at Speaking with Confidence, and in this episode, we’re tackling the part of communication that no one talks about what to do after the conversation ends. As a recovering college professor turned communication coach, I’ve seen time and again that the real work and the biggest challenges often come in those quiet moments after the words are done. Let’s face it: most of us think once the hard discussion is over, we’re supposed to instantly “move on.” But our bodies and minds rarely let us off that easily. Whether you just navigated a tense moment with your boss, had to deliver bad news, or disagreed with someone you care about, that post-conversation adrenaline can keep you stuck in rumination and anxiety long after the room goes silent. In this episode, I’m sharing a practical 4-step reset that separates people who can let things go from those who end up dragging that baggage into every future conversation. You’ll learn not just what happens in the brain and body after a tough talk but what to actually do about it. Here’s what we covered today: Why your nervous system can’t tell the difference between a tense conversation and running from a bear, and why the adrenaline surge makes it so hard to think clearly after a difficult exchange. The difference between rumination (unproductive replaying) and genuine reflection, plus a simple test to help you determine which one you’re doing. Step 1: Stop. Why you have to give yourself at least 20 minutes for your body to clear out stress hormones before you analyze what happened, and how movement can help you reset. The importance of giving yourself grace, not just to others, and how skipping this step can keep you stuck in yesterday’s tension. Step 2: The reflection test is an actionable way to spot if you’re actually learning from the experience or just spinning your wheels. Step 3: Writing out the conversation like a transcript, capturing what was actually said (not just what you felt or remember), and how this builds accuracy and empathy for yourself and for others. Step 4: The follow-up decision is to determine if you need to reach out and close the loop with someone, or consciously let it go and move forward, so lingering tension doesn’t fester in your life or at work. Why a deliberate decision to release a conversation is the key to sleeping well and not carrying unresolved stress with you. A final challenge for you: what to do next time you leave a hard conversation, so you’re not trapped by it. No guests today, just me, sharing what I’ve learned both in the classroom and as a coach about how to navigate the aftermath of tough conversations with clarity and confidence. If you’re ready to reclaim your peace of mind, build healthier relationships, and stop letting old arguments steal your energy, this episode is for you. Remember, progress beats perfection. Be sure to check out the free resources and course information at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com. Your voice and your ability to reset after the hard talks can change your world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 Sept

Turning Failure Into Fortune: The Power of Resilience, Focus, and Support Circles

What would you do if you were fired at 63, staring down the barrel of financial ruin with just two years before the money ran out? Today’s episode dives deep into this very question and the surprising answers that can only come when there's no plan B left. Welcome back to Speaking with Confidence! I’m Tim Newman, and in this episode, we explore not just the journey from zero to a seven-figure portfolio, but the grit, resilience, and communication skills necessary to rewrite your story, no matter your age or starting point. This isn’t just about finances; it’s about the mental and emotional side of rebuilding when your confidence has been shattered, and the world has moved on without you. Our guest is David Nassief, the author of The One-Page Wealth Compass, whose book became an Amazon #1 hot new release and topped charts in retirement, investing, and budgeting categories. David’s story isn’t a fairy tale it’s a gripping reality of facing a late-career layoff, family anxiety, rejection after rejection, and the massive psychological hurdles of feeling like you’re out of options. But it’s also a story of redemption, practical strategy, and finding true confidence on the other side. In our conversation, David opens up about the emotional impact of losing his job after 18 years with the same company not just on his finances, but on his identity and his relationship with his wife. We discuss what it feels like to tell your spouse you might be broke in two years, and the quiet strength it takes to accept reassurance from someone who knows you can pull through even when you’re not so sure yourself. David shares about his lowest point in a grocery store aisle, feeling completely out of place and overwhelmed by shame and self-doubt, and how facing that moment became the catalyst for change. Here’s what we covered in this episode: The emotional and psychological impact of late-career job loss Talking to your spouse about financial crisis and building a support system Overcoming rejection, rebuilding confidence, and why grit matters The difference between making money and building lasting wealth How small investment fees can quietly destroy your financial future Turning past failures into powerful lessons for success The transformative value of communication, public speaking, and cold calling The importance of humor and authenticity in difficult times Practical steps from the One-Page Wealth Compass for simplifying wealth-building The urgent case for financial literacy in schools and how to think critically about financial advice Letting go of shame, embracing your personal story, and finding confidence on your own terms Whether you’re facing a career setback, trying to get your finances in order, or looking to strengthen your confidence in any area of life, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable tips, and a lot of heart. As always, thanks for listening to Speaking with Confidence. Remember, your voice, your story, and your resilience matter more than you think. Connect with David: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/111549991 Website: https://onepagewealthcompass.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@onepagewealthcompass Book: https://www.amazon.com/One-Page-Wealth-Compass-Nearly-Millionaire-ebook/dp/B0G5JPX17R Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3 Sept

How to Make Hard Conversations Safe, Productive, and Progress-Focused

Have you ever wondered why your team keeps hitting the same roadblocks during tough conversations, even after attending communication training? In this episode, I get to the heart of why knowing what not to do isn’t enough and share the system that finally gives your team the words and tools to handle conflict before it explodes. I’m Tim Newman, and today on Speaking with Confidence, I’m diving into what it really takes to flip those negative habits that sabotage hard conversations into positive ones that drive real collaboration. There’s no guest today, just an honest breakdown of practical tools you can start using right away. Last week, we named the five habits that hijack difficult conversations: win at all costs, react instead of respond, only my opinion matters, never ask questions, and get even. If you missed it, definitely go back and listen, because today’s episode builds on those ideas and moves us forward. Here’s the tough truth: knowing what’s wrong doesn’t automatically mean we know how to get it right. You can recognize bad habits all day long and still have no idea how to turn things around in the heat of the moment. That’s why today, I show you how to build the five habits that make conflict your team’s best tool rather than its biggest threat. We talk through my three-step system for making sure these new habits aren’t just words in a workbook, but living, breathing patterns your team uses every day. In this episode, I’ll walk you through: Why avoiding hard conversations doesn’t make your team more peaceful, it makes things more dangerous, as small disagreements silently snowball into major problems. The first step: naming the enemy together and recognizing that negative patterns are shared challenges, not personal flaws. I show you how to help your team see conflict as a pattern they can all recognize and change, using real-life examples from your own workplace. The second step: flipping it together. We dig into what the five positive RIGHT habits are: respect before rebuttal, investigate with curiosity, grace, here to understand, and think together. I show you how to map real team conflicts from “wrong” to “right,” making the fixes obvious and practical. The danger of weaponizing the framework, and why progress is more important than perfection plus why making the language simple enough for anyone to explain is key. The third step: anchoring these habits with a team cue a shared phrase or code word that prompts everyone to pause and reset before things spiral out of control. I explain why the cue only works if your team truly “owns” it and how modeling it as a leader is the secret to making it stick. The honest reality is that even great conflict training only reduces, not eliminates, conflict and that’s not a failure, but a sign your team is learning to handle disagreements with trust and confidence. I end by challenging you to take just one step this week whether it’s naming a wrong, mapping a real conflict to right, or introducing your team’s cue in a low-stakes setting. Remember, real progress comes from using these tools in actual conversations, not just understanding them in theory. If you’re ready to transform the way your team handles tough conversations, this episode is for you. Be sure to visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free public speaking ebook and to register for my Formula for Public Speaking course. As always, your voice has the power to change the world. Let’s build the habits that unlock it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31 Aug

How Gen Z Changed My Mind About Communication and Connection

What does it really take to be heard across generational lines, and how can we bridge the communication gap between Gen Z and other generations? That’s the big question we tackle in this episode of Speaking with Confidence. I’m Tim Newman, and today we dive into the evolving landscape of communication far beyond polished speeches and proper grammar. It’s about making people feel seen, heard, and understood. This episode features an eye-opening conversation with Raquel Borras, creator of “Rock the Boat,” founder of Rock Vision, brand strategist, podcast host, and filmmaker. Raquel is on a mission to help us stop talking about Gen Z and start listening to them, taking the bold step of traveling cross-country in an RV to connect with Gen Zers face-to-face and create her new documentary, “I Hear You, Gen Z.” In our conversation, Raquel shares what drove her to leave her corporate job, fund her filmmaking adventure with her own savings, and the life-changing experiences that unfolded along the way. We discuss the importance of not burning bridges, as Raquel recounts her ongoing positive relationship with her former company illustrating how supportive networks are crucial, no matter where your path leads. Raquel gives us an inside look at the journey of making “I Hear You, Gen Z,” sharing the surprises and lessons learned as she met young people across the country. What stood out most was Gen Z's reliability and willingness to show up and engage, challenging so many tired stereotypes about this generation’s work ethic and priorities. We talk about the often-overlooked impact of the pandemic on Gen Z’s communication skills and how, instead of blaming them, we need to recognize the responsibility of older generations for shaping the current social and technological environment. In this episode, we cover: Why making others feel heard is the ultimate communication skill Raquel's leap from corporate to purpose-driven storytelling The real-life lessons from traveling the country for “I Hear You, Gen Z” Busting myths about Gen Z’s work ethic, reliability, and motivations The impact of the pandemic and social shifts on Gen Z communication How adults are responsible for many of the systemic challenges facing youth Reverse mentoring and breaking down generational silos in the workplace Evolving approaches to parenting, boundaries, and building trust How technology both enables and complicates real connection Finding and valuing every story: why every voice matters Inspiring stories of Gen Zers making a difference and how we can all learn from them Ultimately, if you want to build real confidence in communication at home, at work, or in society this conversation is for you. We can change the narrative, embrace empathy, and start seeing every generation, including Gen Z, as teachers, leaders, and partners in progress. Connect with Raquel: Website: https://raq.vision LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-borras/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquel.borras/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_hear_you_gen_z/ I Hear You Gen Z Documentary: https://my.linkpod.site/IHearYouGenZ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27 Aug

Five Dangerous Habits Destroying Your Communication Success

Have you ever wondered why even your best arguments leave people tuning out or avoiding you entirely? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle the hidden habits that quietly wreck our conversations often without us realizing it. If you’ve ever felt like you keep “winning” at work or in your personal life, but walking away with damaged relationships or unresolved issues, you’re not alone. Today, I’ll help you diagnose exactly what’s going wrong under the surface, so you can start making positive changes. We often assume that because we talk a lot, we’re skilled communicators. But as I share in this episode, talking isn’t the same as communicating and somewhere along the way, we started treating conversations like competition instead of collaboration. Whether it’s the Monday morning meeting, a heated text exchange, or a hasty email you regret sending later, the patterns are the same. I’ll break down my OWN diagnostic framework, WRONG, five habits that sneak into our conversations and leave us disconnected from the very people we most want—or need to reach. This time, it’s just me, Tim Newman, your host and a recovering college professor turned communication coach. I’m passionate about helping you build not just your public speaking skills or storytelling chops, but the soft skills that drive real results in every conversation that counts. Here’s what I cover in this episode: Why “winning” every argument can actually lose you the room and sabotage trust The WRONG framework: five habits that quietly wreck even our most important conversations W: Why “Win at all costs” poisons your effectiveness and relationships R: How “React instead of respond” turns your emotions into your worst enemy (and what biology has to do with it) O: Why believing “Only my opinion matters” is confirmation bias in disguise and locks out new ideas N: The power lost when you “Never ask questions” and how questions turn conversations into connection and discovery G: How “Get even” turns honest disagreements into score-settling and why this is the most damaging habit of all Real-world examples of these habits in action, from the workplace to your personal life The science and research behind why we fall into these traps and what it costs us in productivity and trust A practical weekly challenge to help you recognize and change just one of these self-sabotaging habits If you recognize yourself in a couple (or even all) of these habits, don’t worry that’s exactly where growth begins. Next episode, I’ll share the right way to build civil, effective conversations that genuinely move things forward. For now, tune in and take the first step by naming what’s actually wrong then watch your communication start to change. Don’t forget, you can grab your free ebook on the top 21 challenges for public speakers at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com and register for my upcoming public speaking course as well. Your voice has the power to change the world. Let's make sure you’re using it to connect, not just compete. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24 Aug

How to Hook and Hold Attention: Clarity and Curiosity in Speaking

What truly makes persuasion effective convincing arguments, or the power of storytelling? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive deep into the difference between being merely heard and genuinely remembered. I’m Tim Newman, your guide on this journey to mastering powerful communication. Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Stockham, a powerhouse in the legal world, a bestselling novelist, and an electrifying speaker who commanded attention in courtrooms and captured imaginations on the page. With over two decades of high-stakes litigation experience and a series of acclaimed legal thrillers under his belt, Michael Stockham brings a unique perspective on how story, clarity, and curiosity not just bravado build real confidence and persuasion. Our conversation explores the vital importance of earning your audience’s attention in those crucial first thirty seconds and why brevity and preparation are more persuasive than simply saying more. Michael Stockham unpacks what he’s learned from years persuading judges, juries, and now readers, revealing how mistakes and even “wrecking” your perfect material can make you more relatable and impactful. We explore practical ways lawyers pare down complex arguments for juries, how to hook attention with a strong opening, and the similarities between the courtroom, the boardroom, and fiction writing when it comes to keeping your listener engaged. Here’s what we covered in this episode: Why persuasion starts with storytelling, not just facts or volume How to earn attention in the first 30 seconds of any interaction Techniques for streamlining complex arguments into memorable, persuasive messages The balance between preparation and improvisation in public speaking Practical advice for reading nonverbal cues and adapting in real time even with a silent audience The value of candid, actionable feedback and how to give (and receive) it for growth Building connections across generations, especially with young professionals hungry for honest input Why entertainment value matters in any form of communication—be it a trial, a sale, or a novel How writing fiction sharpens clarity, brevity, and impact in professional communication Actionable tips for practicing conversation skills in everyday life to become a more confident speaker Whether you’re in the courtroom, a meeting, the classroom, or just trying to make a memorable impression, this episode is your guide to showing up with clarity, confidence, and the kind of compelling story that moves people to action. Connect with Michael: Website: https://jakefoxthrillers.lpages.co Twitter: http://twitter.com/michaelstockham Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/michael.stockham/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michael.stockham.5/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstockham/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Speaking With Confidence

Stop Getting Ignored: Three Sentences That Make Your Cold Emails Stand Out

Boosting Youth Communication: Essential Soft Skills Every Teen Needs for Success

The Four-Step Reset for Handling Difficult Conversations After They End

Turning Failure Into Fortune: The Power of Resilience, Focus, and Support Circles

How to Make Hard Conversations Safe, Productive, and Progress-Focused

How Gen Z Changed My Mind About Communication and Connection

Five Dangerous Habits Destroying Your Communication Success

How to Hook and Hold Attention: Clarity and Curiosity in Speaking

Trailer

Speaking With Confidence Trailer

About

Information

You Might Also Like

Speaking With Confidence

Episodes

Stop Getting Ignored: Three Sentences That Make Your Cold Emails Stand Out

Boosting Youth Communication: Essential Soft Skills Every Teen Needs for Success

The Four-Step Reset for Handling Difficult Conversations After They End

Turning Failure Into Fortune: The Power of Resilience, Focus, and Support Circles

How to Make Hard Conversations Safe, Productive, and Progress-Focused

How Gen Z Changed My Mind About Communication and Connection

Five Dangerous Habits Destroying Your Communication Success

How to Hook and Hold Attention: Clarity and Curiosity in Speaking

Trailer

About

Information

You Might Also Like