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
Site
RSS
Apple
Données mises à jour le 02/10/2026
Classements récents
Dernières positions dans les classements Apple Podcasts et Spotify.
Liens partagés entre épisodes et podcasts
Liens présents dans les descriptions d'épisodes et autres podcasts les utilisant également.
Networking That Works: Why Giving First Gets You Noticed
jeudi 1 octobre 2026 • Durée 17:19
Have you ever wondered why most cold networking emails get ignored while just a few actually open doors to real opportunities? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we answer that question by flipping the traditional "ask first" script on its head.
I'm Tim Newman, your host and communication coach, and today we're tackling one of the biggest stumbling blocks in networking and professional relationship-building: how to connect with someone who seems out of reach without coming across as desperate or transactional. There isn’t a guest on this episode; it’s just you and me going deep on this crucial topic.
If you’ve ever sent a message to a hiring manager, recruiter, or potential mentor only to be met with silence, you’re not alone. Most outreach falls flat because it starts with a one-sided task. We’ve all been there: hoping for a referral, an introduction, or just 15 minutes on someone’s calendar. But if you’re only asking (and not giving), your message blends into a sea of requests and quickly gets deleted.
That’s why I’m sharing the Reciprocity Bridge, a three-part strategy for building authentic relationships by giving first, waiting, and then making a specific, respectful ask. This approach not only increases your odds of a response, but also establishes a foundation of trust and goodwill. It’s the missing piece that ties together the last few episodes on how to improve both your cold outreach and your follow-up skills.
In this episode, I dive into:
Why most cold asks get deleted and how to avoid being generic or forgettable
The importance of changing the power dynamic when reaching out
Why the problem isn’t asking for help but how and when you ask
How genuine reciprocity builds trust and invites people to help you (and why people can sense when it’s fake)
The three steps of the Reciprocity Bridge: Give something real, allow a genuine time gap, and then make your specific ask
Practical examples of what you can offer, from thoughtful praise to helpful resources or introductions
A breakdown of why timing matters and how to avoid coming off as transactional
Scripts and actionable tips for crafting both your initial outreach and your “ask” in a way that people want to say yes to
What to do if you get no response, or if you’re struggling to find an authentic way to give first
You’ll also get a personal challenge: before sending your next networking message, stop and ask yourself what you can genuinely offer then let that gesture breathe before you make your ask.
If you missed the other episodes in this series, make sure to check out the Give First Formula (for cold outreach) and the Continuation Frame (for better follow-ups). Together, they create a powerful system for building real professional relationships, one step at a time.
As always, I remind you that progress, not perfection, is the goal. For more resources including a free ebook and course information visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com. Your voice truly has the power to change the world. Let’s build bridges, not just send messages.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How to Overcome Performance Anxiety and Speak with Confidence in Any High-Stakes Situation
lundi 28 septembre 2026 • Durée 56:12
Have you ever felt completely prepared for a presentation, only to have your confidence evaporate the moment you step up to speak? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we're tackling one of the most common and most frustrating experiences for anyone who speaks, performs, or competes in front of others: performance anxiety.
I'm Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and today I’m joined by Dr. David Fish, a PhD in ethnomusicology, professional musician, and a leading authority on performance anxiety and mindfulness. David not only shared the stage with legendary names like Ella Fitzgerald and Little Richard, but he also had his own unforgettable “freeze” moment while performing with Sonny and Cher, a moment that sparked a lifelong quest to understand what really happens when nerves take over.
In our conversation, David explains the difference between confidence and performance anxiety, and why so many talented professionals, whether they’re in the spotlight or the boardroom, find their skills deserted at the crucial moment. We unpack the myths around just “thinking positive” or “calming down,” and dig into why these strategies often fall short when your internal bodyguard (the amygdala) decides there’s a threat and floods your system with adrenaline.
Here’s what we covered in this episode:
The difference between confidence and performance anxiety, and how even seasoned professionals can be caught off guard by nerves
Why common advice like “calm down” or “think positive” doesn’t work against adrenaline-fueled anxiety
The three factors that trigger performance anxiety, no matter your field or experience level
How to accept, not fight, your nervousness and why that leads to better performance
The importance of preparation, rituals, and controlling your environment (plus what to do when things don’t go as planned)
The role of mindful focus (“only go straight, don’t know”) in overcoming distractions and outside judgments
How to distinguish between excitement and anxiety, and why channeling energy the right way matters
The idea that public speaking is a performance, and why embracing that doesn’t mean being inauthentic
The value of bringing your core beliefs and values to the moment, especially when the stakes are high
Practical strategies for shifting self-talk and grounding yourself before you step up to speak
If you’ve ever wondered why your nerves sometimes get the best of you, or you’re searching for practical, compassionate tools to step into the spotlight with greater confidence, this episode offers wisdom, stories, and actionable guidance you can use right away. As always, remember: you’re not broken; performance anxiety is a perfectly human response. Accept it, focus on what matters, and keep showing up with courage
Connect with David:
Website: https://riseupeight.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidleefish/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rise-Up-Eight/61584704705649/#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseupeight8
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@riseupeight
Book: https://a.co/d/0cyKBDvl
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stop Sending Generic Conference Emails and Start Building Rapport
jeudi 24 septembre 2026 • Durée 15:54
Have you ever left a conference feeling like you made genuine connections, only to watch those relationships fizzle out after sending a follow-up email? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we tackle a frustrating and surprisingly common problem: why do so many conference follow-up emails fall flat, and how can you ensure yours actually build real relationships?
Today, I’m diving deep into the art of the conference follow-up specifically, why a generic “Great meeting you!” does more harm than good, and how to transform the way you reconnect after those face-to-face moments. We’ve all been there: you’ve spent hours building rapport, swapping stories, maybe even venting about bad coffee or laughing about a keynote that went long. But when it’s time to send the follow-up, it somehow collapses into the same stale template you’ve sent to a dozen other people. The result? Radio silence.
There’s no guest in this episode, it's just me, sharing the hard-earned lessons from my own experience as a communication coach and former college professor (and yes, from plenty of my own failed networking attempts). If you missed last week’s episode on the three-sentence fix for cold emails, I highly recommend checking that out, since what we’ll talk about today builds right on top of that foundation.
Here’s what you can expect from this episode:I’ll reveal the critical mistake everyone makes treating a warm conference contact just like a cold lead. I’ll walk you through the “continuation frame,” a powerful technique that ensures your follow-up picks up where you left off rather than starting over from zero. We’ll break down why referencing your actual conversation, not just the handshake, is the difference between being remembered and being ignored. You’ll learn how to craft a three-sentence email with the right kind of opening, a thoughtful delivery of what you promised, and an exit ramp that doesn’t pressure the other person.
By the end of our discussion, you’ll know:
Why most follow-up emails unintentionally say “goodbye” instead of “let’s keep building”
The real reason people don’t reply to generic follow-ups (it’s not what you think)
The three essential components of a compelling conference follow-up email
How to reference shared moments as social capital
What to do if you didn’t promise anything (and why never to fake it)
The timing “sweet spot” for your follow-up
How to turn every handshake into a real relationship by proving you listened, not just networked
I’ll also challenge you to review your last follow-up email and rewrite your opening sentence, so it proves you were actually present in the original conversation. That small shift is the whole game it takes you from being a stranger to someone who’s genuinely invested.
Listen in for practical tips that will transform how you connect after conferences and remember: your voice and your follow-up has the power to change the world.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Stage Fright and Sharing Your Story
lundi 21 septembre 2026 • Durée 53:54
Have you ever wondered why it seems so hard to speak up and reclaim your voice as an adult, even though we were so unfiltered and fearless as kids? In today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re tackling that very question and digging into those internal stories and cultural messages that shape how we show up both on stage and in our everyday lives.
This episode is especially close to my heart, as it hits at the core of why I started this podcast: to help listeners build the kind of communication skills and confidence that lead to real results, not just professionally, but personally, too. Joining me is Stephanie Peirolo, a board-certified executive coach, celebrated storyteller featured on The Moth and NPR, and author of The Saint and the Drunk: A Guide to Making the Big Decisions in Your Life.
Throughout our conversation, Stephanie gets real about the myth that “some people are just born confident.” She shares her own deep stage fright (including throwing up in green rooms before major performances!) and opens up about how purpose and intention can transform even the most anxiety-inducing moments into opportunities for profound connection and healing. We discuss her pivotal experience on The Moth stage, how storytelling can be both freeing and healing, and how adults can rediscover their ‘inner knowing’ that deep sense of what’s right for them that so many of us learned to suppress.
Stephanie and I also dive into the ways our families, cultural backgrounds, and even gender shape the stories we tell ourselves about who gets to have a voice. We talk about boundaries, why they’re for you, not other people and tackle the double standards that women often face when speaking up at work or at home. Stephanie offers powerful, practical advice on how to stop over-functioning and start setting boundaries that support your authentic self.
Other highlights from the episode include:
Why passion matters more than early “talent” in writing or public speaking
How your internal narratives about your communication skills can help or hurt you
Managing anxiety on stage (even if you’re an old pro)
The healing power of sharing your truth, even when it’s hard
How generational and cultural messages decide who “deserves” to be heard
Spotting the difference between a personal shortcoming and a systemic issue
The importance of context, intention, and curiosity in creating connection—at work, at home, or with a stranger in an Uber
Strategies for reframing your definition of success (especially in the age of social media)
The ancient and modern wisdom of tuning into your inner knowing, and who really deserves influence in your life
If you want practical insights for reclaiming your voice, clearing out the stories that hold you back, and learning to trust yourself again, this episode delivers. Stephanie’s wisdom, warmth, and honesty make it a must-listen, whether you’re grappling with big life decisions or just want to show up more authentically in your daily conversations.
Thanks for tuning in, as always. Don’t forget to check out the show notes for links to Stephanie’s book, her Substack, and how you can connect with her for coaching or speaking. And remember your voice has the power to change the world.
Connect with Stephanie:
Website: https://www.speirolo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/speirolo/
Substack: https://speirolo.substack.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speirolo/#
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speirolo
Book: https://a.co/d/04Ltuo3k
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stop Getting Ignored: Three Sentences That Make Your Cold Emails Stand Out
jeudi 17 septembre 2026 • Durée 15:37
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
Boosting Youth Communication: Essential Soft Skills Every Teen Needs for Success
lundi 14 septembre 2026 • Durée 51:32
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
The Four-Step Reset for Handling Difficult Conversations After They End
jeudi 10 septembre 2026 • Durée 17:15
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
Turning Failure Into Fortune: The Power of Resilience, Focus, and Support Circles
lundi 7 septembre 2026 • Durée 49:53
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
How to Make Hard Conversations Safe, Productive, and Progress-Focused
jeudi 3 septembre 2026 • Durée 16:14
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
How Gen Z Changed My Mind About Communication and Connection
lundi 31 août 2026 • Durée 01:13:55
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
Podcasts Similaires Basées sur le Contenu
Découvrez des podcasts liées à Speaking With Confidence. Explorez des podcasts avec des thèmes, sujets, et formats similaires. Ces similarités sont calculées grâce à des données tangibles, pas d'extrapolations !