Speaking With Confidence

Tim Newman
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Are you ready to overcome imposter syndrome and become a powerful communicator? Whether you're preparing for a public presentation, sharpening your communication skills, or looking to elevate your personal and professional development, this podcast is your ultimate resource for powerful communication. The Speaking with Confidence podcast will help tackle the real challenges that hold you back, from conquering stage fright to crafting impactful storytelling and building effective communication habits. Every episode is designed to help you communicate effectively, strengthen your soft skills, and connect with any audience. With expert insights, practical strategies, and relatable examples, you’ll learn how to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a professional preparing for a high-stakes presentation, a student navigating a public speaking class, or someone simply looking to enhance their interpersonal skills, this podcast has the tools to empower you, all with a bit of humor. Join us each week as we break down what it takes to inspire and influence through communication. It’s time to speak with confidence, captivate your audience, and make your voice heard! Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/timnewman

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    7 Subtle Habits That Make You Look Unconfident in Meetings and Conversations

    Have you ever wondered why, despite doing everything right, being considerate, polite, and following all the unspoken rules you still feel overlooked in meetings or conversations? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re diving into the seven subtle "safe habits" that might be sabotaging your presence and making you come across as less confident than you truly are. I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and I’m here to guide you through the small shifts that turn good communicators into truly compelling ones. Today’s topic grew out of my work with interns, new grads, and young professionals who, without realizing it, train the people around them to see them as unsure or not quite ready to take up space in the room. These aren’t glaring mistakes that most wouldn’t even recognize as confidence killers. But they are quiet habits that slowly erode your authority and can make you feel and look like an imposter. In this episode, we’ll unpack the seven most common habits that keep talented people playing small. You’ll hear why polite apologies, upspeak, or the nervous nod aren’t keeping the peace; they’re quietly holding you back. I’ll walk through why these behaviors backfire, what they communicate to your colleagues or audience, and practical ways to break out of them without swinging to the opposite extreme of arrogance or aggression. Here’s what I cover in this episode: Why apologizing before speaking (with “sorry to bother you,” “quick question,” or “does that make sense?”) weakens your message, and how a simple confident pause has greater impact The damage caused by upspeak and “the expert facade,” and how to use clear, simple language that establishes real authority The body language of submission including the invisible man posture and the nervous nod and how to physically take up space to signal confidence Why over-editing your thoughts or waiting for the perfect moment keeps your contributions invisible, and how to use “the three second rule” to build confidence in real time The psychological effect these habits have on listeners, and how breaking even just one can immediately shift how you’re perceived in any room How to choose just one habit to focus on this week for real, sustainable progress, instead of overwhelming yourself with total transformation Whether you see yourself playing small with language, posture, or silent self-editing, today’s episode will help you swap safety for real presence one habit at a time. Stick with me to the end for a simple challenge you can use in your next meeting, and remember: your voice has the power to change the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    14 min
  2. Saying No with Confidence and Setting Strong Boundaries for Success

    6 DAYS AGO

    Saying No with Confidence and Setting Strong Boundaries for Success

    What would happen if you stopped chasing productivity hacks and started embracing simplicity and discipline in your everyday life? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive deep into building habits that stick, mastering boundaries, and simplifying the way you work, communicate, and live. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark Struczewski, better known as Mister Productivity, a Houston-based productivity coach and host of the Mister Productivity podcast. With over 1,350 episodes and an unfiltered, real-world approach, Mark helps professionals conquer overwhelm and bring focus back into their days. After being fired from corporate America, Mark turned his setback into a thriving coaching practice, rooted in daily running discipline, his faith, and powerful, practical systems. Mark’s journey started unexpectedly, with a hurricane keeping him cooped up at home and an article inspiring him to try running one mile a day. Since then, Mark’s daily running habit has surpassed 3,000 consecutive days, a testament to the transformative power of consistent discipline. We explored how that kind of commitment spills over into every area of life, and why the basics matter more than ever, whether you’re running, building a career, or communicating with confidence. We dug into why so many people, especially young professionals, are constantly overwhelmed. Spoiler: It isn’t just about time management. Mark unpacks the role of FOMO, people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, and our addiction to technology. Together, we discuss how reclaiming focus and simplifying your approach can lead to more clarity and better results, both at work and at home. Here’s what we covered in this episode: Mark’s origin story and how a hurricane and Runner's World article launched an 8+ year daily running habit Why Mark’s daily discipline matters in fitness, work, and coaching The link between doing hard things and building confidence Why young professionals (and all generations) feel overwhelmed, and how FOMO and people-pleasing feed the cycle The importance of saying “no” and setting unbreakable boundaries Mark’s “get to the point” email and meeting philosophy, plus why more communication is rarely better How to command attention in person by putting the phone away and giving people your full presence Finding simplicity in a world that glorifies complexity and constant busyness The real impact of taking one day completely off for rest, reflection, and recharging Why being fired opened the door for Mark’s current calling, and how to view setbacks as setups for something new How podcasting improves communication and the importance of clarity, preparation, and growth The most impactful productivity principle you can apply right now taking mindful, technology-free micro breaks If you’re ready to stop making excuses, cut through the overwhelm, and communicate with real confidence, this episode is for you. Mark brings actionable wisdom, humor, and a no-nonsense approach that will get you thinking and moving toward a simpler, more productive life. Connect with Mark: Website: https://misterproductivity.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstruczewski/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misterproductivity/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MisterProductivity/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min
  3. Why Every Leader Needs a Gen Z Mentor to Stay Relevant

    9 APR

    Why Every Leader Needs a Gen Z Mentor to Stay Relevant

    Are your youngest employees just difficult to manage or are they the exact mentors your leadership style needs to survive? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I break down why Gen Z isn’t simply shaking up the workplace; they may be the key to transforming brittle, outdated leadership models into resilient, high-trust teams. I’m Tim Newman, a communication coach, former college professor, and your guide on the journey toward showing up with confidence in every conversation that counts. Today, we’re tackling a challenge that countless managers face: connecting with and leading Gen Z employees. But instead of focusing on how to manage or mold them into old-school models, I invite you to flip the script. What happens when you let your youngest team members mentor you? Today I’m digging into some game-changing insights from leadership thinker Tim Elmore. We’ll explore why the modern workplace rewards leaders who are open to learning from every person in the room, not just those with long titles or corner offices. If you’ve ever felt like only “the badge” title, seniority, or status gives you credibility, get ready to challenge that mindset. We’ll talk about how Gen Z’s directness, digital intuition, and bridge-building communication can become your greatest asset. Here’s what you can expect from our conversation: How rigid, top-down leadership creates fragile teams and why the old hierarchy has officially collapsed 01:36 Why Gen Z’s demands for transparency and speed act as “sandpaper” for outdated leadership, ultimately making teams more adaptable 02:37 The crucial shift from “badge” confidence to “bridge” confidence and how curiosity, trust, and real connection fuel lasting influence 03:23 A breakdown of Tim Elmore’s “A LEG” framework (Ask, Listen, Empathize, Guide) for transforming feedback into real growth 03:38 Why Gen Z’s “epic” communication style (experiential, participatory, image-rich, connected) is actually a massive leadership advantage 04:47 How to use the “velvet brick” approach to build psychological safety and maintain high standards at the same time 08:21 Simple, practical ways to let Gen Z employees shine as mentors and how doing so sets a new standard for team culture 08:47 How public learning as a leader breaks down hierarchies and inspires your team to take more initiative 09:22 A quick homework assignment: one conversation to help you start building the bridge to the future 11:55 If you want to swap insecurity for resilience, defend your title less, and build true influence with your team, this episode is your roadmap. The future belongs to those who learn the fastest and the strongest leaders are the ones who aren’t afraid to be led. Let’s build progress, not perfection together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min
  4. Building Confidence on Every Stage: Communication Skills for All Generations

    6 APR

    Building Confidence on Every Stage: Communication Skills for All Generations

    How do you respond with confidence when an uncomfortable question tests your composure, especially in a professional setting? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive into visibility, courage, and the power of showing up authentically even when the circumstances are less than ideal. Whether you're getting asked, "Who's watching your kids?" at a conference (when your male colleagues never are), or struggling to find your voice in team meetings, today’s conversation will help you find practical ways to stand tall and speak up no matter the situation. I'm thrilled to be joined by Sabine Hutchison, the CEO, author, and founder of the Ripple Network. Sabine is a powerhouse leader whose work focuses on helping others cut through the noise, trust their own voice, and intentionally shape their careers. Sabine’s own journey began when she moved to Germany with just two suitcases and no plan, which led her to reinvent her life by listening to her intuition rather than following a rigid blueprint. In our discussion, Sabine and I unpack why taking action without a perfect plan is often the best route for personal and professional growth. We reflect on generational differences in communication, visibility, and work ethic from the "just do it" attitude of Gen X to the entrepreneurial but differently structured approach of Gen Z and millennials. We also talk about the critical importance of stages big and small in building influence and accessing opportunities, and why visibility isn’t just about being seen, but about connecting through stories. Sabine shares stories and strategies from her own experience, including how she coaches leaders to take microsteps that build lasting confidence. We explore what it takes to speak up in meetings, especially if you’re hesitant or the only one in the room who looks like you. We get honest about self-doubt, the paralyzing fear of judgment (especially for younger generations), and why embracing feedback even when it stings is a crucial part of improvement. We also discuss real-life examples of handling outrageous or inappropriate questions with composure instead of emotion, reinforcing how practice and intentional actions like enlisting accountability partners or preparing for meetings in advance make a world of difference. Here’s what we covered in this lively and deeply practical episode: Sabine’s move to Germany and how intuition shaped her courage and reinvention 01:41 Taking action without a full plan and overcoming “analysis paralysis” 05:21 Generational differences in communication, risk-taking, and adapting to structure 09:15 The critical role of visibility and “stages” (of all sizes) for influence and opportunity 15:01 Microsteps, storytelling, and building self-trust and confidence in professional settings 19:00 Creative strategies for speaking up in meetings, even when it feels intimidating 26:32 The power of accountability groups and intentional practice for growth 29:04 Responding to gendered, biased, and outrageous questions in the workplace with composure 31:49 The origin and mission of the Ripple Network and how it empowers women to speak up, practice, and lead 38:07 How feedback, repetition, and a supportive network drive communication growth at any stage of your career 40:15 The importance of being coachable and open to feedback plus, honest anecdotes about learning from our own slip-ups 46:16 If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself or wondered how to boldly own your perspective, today’s episode will inspire you to take action no matter where you are on your journey. Tune in and join us as we explore what it really means to speak with confidence. Connect with Sabine: Website: https://sabinehutchison.com    Website: https://www.theripplenetwork.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabine.hutchison/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinehutchison/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min

  5. 2 APR

    The Secret to Sounding as Confident as You Think

    Have you ever wondered why you sound so smart in your emails and texts, but when it’s time to speak up in meetings or on Zoom, your voice just doesn’t match the conviction in your head? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we're diving deep into the “digital vocal gap”—the disconnect between the confident communicator you are online and the hesitant speaker you might become out loud. I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and today I’m guiding you step-by-step through bridging that gap. If you’ve ever felt your voice come out sounding thin or uncertain, even as you felt completely sure of your ideas, you’re not alone. The truth is, it's not about lacking confidence—it's about not using the full physical power of your voice. And I’m here to show you that it’s a tool you can learn to wield. In this solo episode, I introduce the critical concepts of chest resonance and vocal authority—how the physical place your voice originates from impacts your credibility long before the words you say even land with your audience. I’ll walk you through a practical exercise to literally feel the difference between speaking from your head versus your chest, and you’ll discover why so many of us accidentally default to what I call “horizontal speech,” keeping our voices small and tight, perfect for text but ineffective in person. I unpack the mechanics of grounded, vertical speech: how to open your vocal tract, drop your jaw, and use your chest to create sound that is full, resonant, and impossible to tune out. We practice together with simple, actionable exercises—like the sigh-of-relief technique and my “eighth grade rule,” a filter that will help you command attention even from the toughest, most skeptical audience. Here’s what I cover in today’s episode: The real reason your voice doesn’t always match your conviction in professional conversations The concept of the digital vocal gap and why most people have it Why people decide what to believe based on how you sound, not just what you say How to physically find and use your chest resonance for more authority The difference between horizontal (text bubble) and vertical (grounded, open) speech Guided voice exercises to feel and hear the difference in resonance and authority How creating vertical space in your sound makes you more compelling and less apologetic The “eighth grade rule” for instantly making your speaking voice more engaging and credible Connecting your inner clarity to your outer voice so your ideas always land A simple 60-second physical rehearsal routine to unlock your best, most confident spoken self before every call or meeting You’ll leave this episode with the tools, awareness, and practical steps to transform your presence in any conversation—no matter how nervous you used to feel. Let’s move your voice out of the cramped text bubble and into the room where your authority belongs. Your ideas deserve to be heard with the same certainty with which you write them. As always, progress, not perfection. Don’t forget to grab your free eBook, the Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them, or register for my Formula for Public Speaking course. Your voice truly does have the power to change the world—let’s make sure everyone hears it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min
  6. Transformative Communication: Practical Tips for Sales, Leadership, and Everyday Conversations

    30 MAR

    Transformative Communication: Practical Tips for Sales, Leadership, and Everyday Conversations

    Have you ever wondered what it actually means to communicate with confidence and why so many intelligent, high-performing people still struggle with it? In this episode, I dive deep into that question with Chris Johnson, a renowned sales and leadership coach who's built multimillion dollar organizations and equipped countless professionals to close deals, build thriving teams, and lead under pressure. Together, Chris and I unpack the real problem behind poor communication: most people think it happened, but it didn't. Chris explains why true communication means your message is actually received and remembered, not just spoken. We discuss personality types (like DISC), and why understanding who you're talking to is essential for success, whether you’re giving a speech, interviewing, networking, or managing a team. Chris shares hard-earned insights on the importance of listening, drawing on his experience as a sales trainer. He believes everyone you meet is your superior in some way, and it's your job to discover what you can learn from them. We talk about powerful lessons learned from children, family, and clients, and why approaching conversations as a student rather than a teacher will transform your life. Here’s what we covered in our conversation: The hidden gap between speaking and true communication How to tailor your message based on personality types like DISC Why listening is the most critical part of communication The mindset of approaching every conversation as a student Real-world stories about learning leadership from unexpected places The myth of instant confidence, and how it’s really built Overcoming the fear of imperfection in public speaking and video Helping one person vs. speaking to a crowd The impact of isolation, technology, and COVID on Gen Z’s communication skills The four levels of wealth and communication’s role in high earnings Practical advice for young professionals to transform their communication Why goal-setting should be about transforming yourself, not just hitting targets Continuous improvement and the importance of learning new things outside your craft How speaking with confidence goes far beyond words to posture, mannerisms, mindset, and clarity If you’re ready to transform the way you communicate, gain lasting confidence, and help others along the way, this episode is for you. Chris Johnson’s wisdom and practical frameworks will challenge and inspire you to take action one conversation at a time. Connect with Chris: Website: https://www.chrisjohnsonleadershipservices.com    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-johnson-08877624b/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chris-johnson-leadership-services/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrisjohnsonleadershipservices/videos   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min
  7. Stop Talking Like a Boss: The New Rules of Gen Z Communication

    26 MAR

    Stop Talking Like a Boss: The New Rules of Gen Z Communication

    Have you ever wondered why your carefully crafted corporate messaging seems to miss the mark with younger team members? In today's episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackled a question that's baffling managers everywhere: Why does traditional "boss speak" actually kill trust and engagement with Gen Z—and what should you do instead? I'm Tim Newman, your host and guide on the journey to becoming a powerful communicator. As a recovering college professor turned communication coach, I bring you real stories and actionable insights that help you show up with confidence in every conversation. This episode was inspired by a pivotal moment I experienced in front of a room full of college seniors. Despite years of urging them to network strategically, my "professional" advice fell flat until I delivered the real, relatable truth: It's the people you know, not your GPA, that land you jobs. That shift took me from blank stares to genuine engagement—and it opened my eyes to how language shapes trust. We dive into the reality that most managers are still speaking a language Gen Z tuned out years ago. Drawing on Tim Elmore's research, I discuss how phrases like "let's circle back," "leverage synergy," and "align our strategic objectives" serve as instant disengagement triggers. Gen Z, raised online as expert BS detectors, spot vague or manipulative language immediately. They crave clarity, directness, and authenticity. This episode explains why polished corporate language doesn't build credibility—it erodes it, and your influence stems from being understood, not from holding a title. I share the formula for translating leadership principles into plain, human talk—without resorting to awkward slang or forced memes. It's about explaining the "why" first, connecting every task to real purpose and stakes, and operating with high-context brevity. You'll hear practical examples: Instead of "circle back," say "talk about the issue tomorrow at 10." Trade "leverage synergy" for "work together on a project," and replace "align our strategic objectives" with stating clear goals and measures of success. We explore how adopting this language shift moves you from managing tasks to inspiring belief in a mission. Gen Z values authenticity and purpose above all—if you don't change your communication style, you simply can't lead them effectively. The show walks through actionable steps like the One Meeting Challenge, where you strip away jargon, state the purpose plainly, and invite honest input. When you speak with clarity and listen with curiosity, you build trust and real buy-in. Here’s what I covered in this episode: Why Gen Z disconnects from traditional boss speak The cost of corporate jargon on trust and engagement Research-backed communication approach for today's teams The power of radical directness and saying the quiet part out loud How to translate vague directives into clear, actionable language Two key principles: Explaining the why first and high-context brevity Practical phrases that grab Gen Z’s attention—and ones to avoid Building credibility by dropping the professional façade How authentic, respectful leadership influences modern teams The "One Meeting Challenge" to help you put these ideas into practice immediately If you're ready to ditch the jargon, talk like a person, and lead a team that truly believes in your vision, this episode has your answers. Remember: progress, not perfection, is the goal. Your voice has the power to change the world—let’s make sure it’s heard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min
  8. From TEDx to Everyday Wins: Confidence, Grit, and Communication Mastery with Dr. Christiane Schroeter

    23 MAR

    From TEDx to Everyday Wins: Confidence, Grit, and Communication Mastery with Dr. Christiane Schroeter

    Do you ever wonder why building confidence feels so challenging and what's the secret to structuring a message that truly connects with an audience? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive deep into practical, actionable steps to transform your communication and your confidence, no matter where you’re starting from. I’m Tim Newman, your host, and today I’m joined by the incredible Christiane Schroeter, TEDx speaker, professor, business and wellness coach, and creator of the Petite Practice framework. If you haven’t watched her TEDx talk, I can’t recommend it enough. It's hands-down one of the most actionable and inspiring talks I’ve seen. Christiane's specialty is helping professionals align their goals with their values for results that last, and she hosts the top 1% globally ranked podcast, Happy Healthy Hustle. She’s got a wealth of expertise in communication, innovation, and how to show up confidently, and in this conversation, she shares insights that you can put into practice today. We kick off by unpacking the true power behind a great TEDx talk and, by extension, any impactful presentation. Christiane Schroeter shares her intentional approach, focusing on what you want your audience to feel and do after your talk because structure is everything. We dig into her experience as an immigrant and bilingual educator, revealing how language learning is a metaphor for confident communication and the importance of truly listening first. Christiane and I joke about raising kids with multiple languages and how this shapes empathy and nuanced expression (and, yes, the fun of switching languages in heated family moments!). Here's what we covered in this value-packed episode: The importance of clear structure and audience-centered messaging in public speaking Why learning and using different languages builds empathy and expressive power Tips for practicing talks in the “real world” and why mirror practice isn’t enough How to use peer feedback and self-reflection to grow as a communicator The true benefit of failure (and why “failure” is your First Attempt In Learning) Overcoming perfectionism and embracing gritty persistence The impact of small, consistent actions (Petite Practice) on building lasting confidence Real-life stories from academia, startup life, and the TEDx stage Why your journey to confidence is unique and how to make it sustainable Insights on publishing, self-talk, resilience, and celebrating progress Where to find more from Christiane Schroeter and her frameworks for lasting growth Connect with Christiane: Website: https://doctorchristiane.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/christianeschroeter/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/@doctor.christiane Facebook: https://facebook.com/doctorchristiane X: https://x.com/Christiane_711   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doctor.christiane TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hello.happy.nest Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/doctor.christiane/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@doctor.christiane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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About

Are you ready to overcome imposter syndrome and become a powerful communicator? Whether you're preparing for a public presentation, sharpening your communication skills, or looking to elevate your personal and professional development, this podcast is your ultimate resource for powerful communication. The Speaking with Confidence podcast will help tackle the real challenges that hold you back, from conquering stage fright to crafting impactful storytelling and building effective communication habits. Every episode is designed to help you communicate effectively, strengthen your soft skills, and connect with any audience. With expert insights, practical strategies, and relatable examples, you’ll learn how to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a professional preparing for a high-stakes presentation, a student navigating a public speaking class, or someone simply looking to enhance their interpersonal skills, this podcast has the tools to empower you, all with a bit of humor. Join us each week as we break down what it takes to inspire and influence through communication. It’s time to speak with confidence, captivate your audience, and make your voice heard! Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/timnewman

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Newman
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    141
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Speaking With Confidence
  • Show Website
    Speaking With Confidence

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