Speaking With Confidence – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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Have you ever felt that sinking feeling during a meeting or conversation when you realize you’re losing the room—people are checking their phones, yawning, or just looking right through you? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle exactly that challenge: how to read the room and respond in real time so you stay connected, engaged, and in control whenever you speak.

As someone who transitioned from being a college professor to a communication coach, I’ve seen firsthand how common these scenarios are—and I know how disheartening it can be when you feel your message isn’t landing. But here’s the good news: reading a room and understanding the invisible feedback loop in every group interaction isn’t an innate superpower. It’s a practical set of observation skills that anyone can learn and refine.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:

• Why reading the room is about observation, not mind-reading—and why anyone can learn it
• The big myth about social intelligence—and how being a better observer is the real secret
• The four universal behavioral cues that signal audience engagement (phone checking, yawning, fidgeting, blank stares)
• Real-world examples: what these cues mean in meetings, networking events, and interviews
• The importance of interpreting cues in context (and the dangers of knee-jerk misinterpretations)
• Easy, low-pressure ways to scan a room and spot behavioral patterns
• How to respond when you see signs of disengagement—without making it awkward or calling people out
• Techniques to shift energy, boost engagement, and reset the group dynamic
• Transitioning from self-consciousness to others-awareness to become a more intentional and confident communicator
• A simple exercise to practice observation skills in your next meeting

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a set of repeatable techniques to help you read any room and respond with confidence—no matter the situation. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection, and every conversation is a chance to build this skill.

If you want to dive deeper, head over to speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com to grab your free eBook on overcoming the top public speaking challenges, and check out the format for the Public Speaking course. Your voice is powerful, and it’s time to use it to change your world.

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Have you ever wondered if charisma is something you’re born with, or if it can be built—and more importantly, how it impacts your confidence and effectiveness as a communicator? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I sit down with John Ball, a keynote and presentation coach who’s spent years helping speakers, coaches, and leaders boost their influence from competent to captivating. Today, we dig into the journey of finding your authentic voice as a speaker, the joys and challenges of adding humor to presentations, and the real value of showing up with warmth and confidence, wherever you are in the world.

John Ball brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table—not only as the host of The Present Influence Podcast and co-host of the Coaching Clinic podcast, but also as a professional speaker on topics like personal mastery and leadership communication. His global perspective as someone who’s lived in both the UK and Spain and spent years as a flight attendant puts him in a unique position to discuss connecting with different cultures, and how traveling has shaped his approach to communication and coaching.

In this episode, we cover:

• How traveling and working abroad expands your communication skills and comfort zones
• Using humor and warmth as universal connectors across cultures
• Why every speaker should try stand-up comedy at least once
• The difference between charisma and charm—and how to spot “fake” charisma
• Techniques to build genuine charisma (even if you’re not naturally extroverted)
• The process of testing and refining stories for presentations
• Emotional leadership and the responsibility you hold as a speaker
• Why presence and vulnerability matter more than perfection
• How to avoid charisma killers like overthinking and ego
• The importance of living with intention and making positive choices in how you show up
• Stage time as the single most effective way to improve your communication
• Storytelling tips: focusing on transformation, emotional flow, and audience engagement

If you’re ready to take your communication from competent to captivating—and want to put more humor, warmth, and charisma into every conversation that counts—this episode is packed with stories, strategies, and encouragement to get you started. Ready to step up, lighten up, and speak with more confidence than ever before? Listen now, and let’s grow together.

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Have you ever left a meeting feeling like you spent the whole time talking about yourself—or maybe stuck listening to someone else do it? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I’m diving into a challenge that creeps into nearly every workplace: dealing with the “me monster” and transforming conversations to actually build connection, trust, and meaningful collaboration.

I’m Tim Newman, your host, communication coach, and former college professor. This week, I’m tackling the tricky question: How do you handle difficult coworkers or even notice when you might be the “difficult one” yourself? In this episode, you won’t have to guess—I’ll show you simple ways to spot the habits that undermine teamwork and share a repeatable blueprint for having conversations that truly make a difference.

We start by recognizing an all-too-common office scenario: a team frantically working on a crashed server, while one coworker (let’s call her Sarah) dominates the conversation with off-topic stories about her weekend. While Sarah isn’t a villain—just another busy teammate slipping into autopilot—her “me monster” tendencies chip away at team cohesion and productivity. I’ll walk you through how science explains this instinct and why our brains so easily 

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• An honest look at what drives the “me monster” and how to recognize it in yourself and others
• Three red flags that signal you’re derailing conversations
• John Maxwell’s five-step Law of Connection—how to set your agenda aside, ask great questions, lean in, recall meaningful details, and follow-up
• Practical ways to apply a collaboration mindset, even with the toughest coworkers, and scripts you can start using today
• Awareness of how small communication changes can build trust, psychological safety, and unlock creative solutions on any team
• A micro-experiment for your next meeting to shift from “me-first” to shared success

Thanks for joining me on Speaking with Confidence. Remember, your voice has the power to change the dynamic of any team and every conversation. Keep practicing, keep connecting, and I’ll see you next time!

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Welcome back to “Speaking with Confidence.” I’m Tim Newman, your host and recovering college professor turned communication coach. In this episode, I dive into how radical responsibility shapes not only the way we communicate but the core of how we relate to ourselves and others. We look beyond typical “confidence” and get to the heart of conviction—the mindset shift that changes how we show up in our lives.

Joining me is Clay Moffat, a Navy veteran and performance strategist with a truly remarkable journey. Clay has been on top, coaching billionaires and building a seven-figure business—only to lose it all in a high-stakes startup crash. He faced the frightening possibility of permanent blindness while rebuilding his life, and from those experiences, Clay created the concept of the "trust trap"—the focus of his new book. Clay’s work helps people break free from the nervous system patterns and mental habits that keep us stuck in self-doubt, blame, and unproductive cycles, teaching not just confidence, but conviction rooted in personal power.

Our conversation starts with the central idea: what does it mean to take “radical responsibility” for our lives? Clay explains that it’s not about blaming yourself, but about owning even that “1%” of any situation that you can control or influence. As Clay puts it, reclaiming any sort of personal power, freedom, and forward motion in life begins with this kind of self-honesty. We talk about why the question “Why is this happening to me?” traps us in victimhood, and how reframing it to “How did I create this?” can shift us from powerlessness to agency. Through everyday stories—from missed vacations to major financial decisions—Clay shares how this mindset applies whether the stakes are small or life-changing.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:

• What is radical responsibility and how does it differ from blame or self-criticism?
• The difference between “confidence” and “conviction,” and why conviction matters for real communication and presence.
• How to spot when you’re stuck in victim thinking, and the questions to ask yourself to regain personal power.
• Practical strategies for transforming negative self-talk, including a four-step process to create a more supportive inner dialogue.
• The hidden ways family patterns and early conditioning shape our self-image and choices—often beneath conscious awareness.
• Why we ignore red flags and how our brains’ desire for shortcuts can create unhelpful mental “brackets” about people and situations.
• Real-life stories from Clay about high-stakes decision making, resilience, and bouncing back from major setbacks.
• How to own your story, communicate more authentically, and set a new standard for leadership, parenting, and self-trust.
• The power of mindset—the small language shifts that can open new pathways for growth, resilience, and effective action.
• Insights from “Trust Trap” on reclaiming authority over your life—even when circumstances and the world try to pull your power away.

Listen in to learn how taking radical responsibility can revolutionize how you see yourself, how you show up in the world, and the trust you create with others and yourself.

Don’t forget, you can connect with Clay Moffat on X (formerly Twitter) @MoffatClay o

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Have you ever wondered if miscommunication might actually help you become a more engaging and memorable communicator? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I explore a surprising twist on a familiar idea: sometimes, leaving a little room for confusion or ambiguity can actually boost curiosity, spark discussion, and fuel unforgettable moments—on stage, online, and even in negotiation.

I'm Tim Newman, your host—a recovering college professor turned communication coach—and I’ve spent over 80 episodes talking about the power of clear communication. But today, I flip the script and dive into why miscommunication isn’t always the enemy it’s made out to be. From viral memes and comedy to business leadership and marketing, I share the latest research and real-world examples of how a bit of strategic ambiguity can capture attention, create energy, and invite others to actively engage with your message.

No guest joins me for this episode, but I take you on a journey through some fascinating insights from communication scholars, comedians, media analysts, and strategists. I unpack how, across a variety of settings, purposeful ambiguity can spark engagement, inspire creativity, and keep people talking long after the conversation ends.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

• Why the gap between what’s said and what’s meant is the secret behind viral memes, comedy punchlines, and successful negotiations.
• Research showing that a little uncertainty or open-endedness can actually draw people in and hold their attention—sometimes much more than a perfectly explained message.
• How memes like “Distracted Boyfriend” and “Woman Yelling at Cat” harness ambiguity to invite endless audience participation and creativity.
• The role of strategic ambiguity in business, leadership, and marketing—for example, how broad or aspirational language attracts more candidates and participants by letting them see themselves in the picture.
• How comedians turn miscommunication into laughs by intentionally leading audiences down the “wrong path” before delivering the twist.
• The importance of timing, empathy, and precision when using ambiguity—whether you’re crafting a brand campaign, negotiating, or writing a killer joke.
• The line between clever ambiguity and harmful confusion—where to draw boundaries to make sure your message is effective and respectful.
• Practical tips to experiment with curiosity gaps and partial premises in your own speaking and writing, while always putting your audience first.

If you want to make your communication more engaging and memorable—or just want to understand why the most viral moments are often the least perfectly polished—this episode offers a new perspective on why “less clarity” might, at times, be more powerful.

Be sure to grab your free eBook, The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them, at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com, and check out my Formula for Public Speaking groups. And remember: your voice has the power to change the world. Catch you next time!

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What does it really take to become a powerful speaker, even if you’re terrified of public speaking? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I’m taking you deep into the strategies, stories, and mindset shifts that will help you overcome your fears and truly connect with any audience.

I’m your host, Tim Newman, a former college professor turned communication coach, and today, I’m joined by a truly inspiring guest: Terry L. Fossum. Terry isn’t just a survival reality show winner; he's a Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble best-selling author, a keynote speaker, and his TEDx talk has been recognized as one of the top 30 talks in the country. He’s also raised millions for charity and taught at the MBA level. Most importantly for our listeners, Terry knows a thing or two about turning nerves into powerful moments on stage, and he’s passionate about helping others do the same.

In our conversation, we dove into why real, honest, and clear communication is at the heart of succeeding under pressure, both in survival situations and in everyday life. Terry shares how being on a survival reality show, partnered with someone totally opposite from him, forced him to communicate at a whole new level. He also reveals how his experiences as a scoutmaster and military officer taught him the value of finding the good in people from all backgrounds and leading with purpose.

Here’s what we talk about in this episode:

• How survival skills and communication go hand-in-hand (with plenty of hilarious and moving stories from Terry’s reality show days)
• What to do when team conflict and stress threaten to derail your message or working relationships
• The power of owning your mistakes, giving others grace, and building credibility through authenticity
• Why emotion, not facts, drives action and how to leverage that in any speech or presentation
• The “position of power” technique to conquer nerves and step on stage with confidence every time
• The critical first five seconds: hooking your audience and making the talk about them
• Why being vulnerable and sharing your failures is actually your superpower as a communicator
• An intro to the SIMPLE framework for public speaking, and how to build talks that get standing ovations (and results!)
• Tips for landing, crafting, and performing a TEDx talk that really stands out

By the end of this episode, you’ll have actionable inspiration and tools to step into your own power as a speaker, no matter where you’re starting from. And always remember: your voice can change the world.

Don’t forget to check out Terry’s book, his podcast “The Comeback Chronicles”, and all of the resources we mention, including the free IdeaScore AI tool to score your TEDx ideas.

Thanks for listening to Speaking with Confidence. Subscribe to never miss an episode and visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for additional tips and free resources to support your journey to becoming a confident and impactful speaker.

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Have you ever thought, “I don’t have any stories to tell,” or wondered where people get those everyday stories that connect so powerfully with their audience? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive headfirst into that question and show you exactly how to spot and share the remarkable stories already hiding in your daily life.

I’m Tim Newman, your host, and as a recovering college professor turned communication coach, I know first-hand how easy it is to believe your life doesn’t serve up “epic” stories worth sharing. But the truth I’ve learned through both experience and science is that your best stories are simpler, closer, and more relatable than you ever imagined. Today, we’re flipping the script on storytelling by focusing on the small, ordinary moments that hold hidden magic when you know how to uncover and frame them.

This episode is just me no guest because I wanted to dig deep into my favorite topic: the practical art of everyday storytelling. I share personal experiences (including my own mishaps and embarrassments), research findings, and creative exercises you can use right away.

Here’s what we tackle together:

• Why chasing after “epic” stories is a waste of energy, and how your camera roll, junk drawer, and overheard conversations are loaded with potential story material.
• The science behind why small, vulnerable stories are more memorable and create stronger audience connection than polished, fact-based presentations.
• My three-step rule for quickly turning small disasters (like burning your grilled cheese or missing the bus) into engaging stories anyone can relate to.
• How to turn random objects (think broken watches or lone hairpins) into compelling story seeds using a practical three-step exercise.
• Techniques for mining everyday dialogue like coffee shop chatter for real, emotional narrative arcs, and how to practice capturing those authentic moments.
• Why sharing imperfect, unpolished stories is so powerful (spoiler: it helps your listeners remember and see themselves in your story).
• A practical challenge for you: pick five ordinary things over the next week and use the three-step micro story method to discover just how many stories your “ordinary” life truly holds.

If you’ve ever felt stuck when someone told you to “just tell a story,” by the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools and most importantly, the mindset to pull stories from even the most unremarkable corners of your day. Remember, your daily life is full of story prompts just waiting to be told, and those stories are your greatest assets as a communicator and connector.

Don’t forget to grab your free ebook, “The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them,” at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com, and check out my Formula for Public Speaking course. Thanks for joining me, your voice truly has the power to change the world. See you next time!

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

I’m Tim Newman, your host and a former college professor turned communication coach. My passion is helping people build the soft skills that lead to real results, whether in storytelling, public speaking, or just showing up with more confidence. This week, I’m thrilled to speak with Brianne Rush, the founder of The Independence Lab. Brianne is a powerhouse when it comes to helping Gen Z women make the leap from college to career. She rose through the ranks incredibly quickly from intern to managing editor in a year, and employee to VP in four years by learning to decode workplace dynamics, advocate for herself, and, most importantly, overcome her fear of public speaking.

We kick off the conversation with Brianne’s story—how she knew from the age of eight that she wanted to move to New York to be a journalist, and what it felt like to finally live that dream. Brianne shares what inspired her to choose New York, how her experiences in dance and performance influenced her, and why total immersion in a city full of energy was essential to her identity and early career. She explains the lessons she learned—not just about working hard and climbing the ranks, but about truly living in the moment and building genuine connections, both professional and personal.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Brianne’s journey from dreaming of journalism in New York to landing and advancing in her dream role
• The importance of immersion, living in the moment, and building meaningful experiences early in your career
• Lessons about working hard, networking, and creating opportunities for yourself—even when you start at the bottom
• What employers are really looking for in hiring today: the power of soft skills like passion, curiosity, proactivity, and communication
• How to stand out authentically in interviews—using storytelling, personalized cover letters, and honest conversation instead of relying only on AI
• Practical strategies to display confidence, curiosity, and proactivity in every step of your job search
• Brianne’s advice on career advancement: emotional intelligence skills, self-awareness, handling setbacks, and the value of progress over perfection
• Navigating boundaries, learning to say no, and prioritizing projects that advance your career (with a special focus on women in the workplace)
• Gen Z’s growing focus on self-knowledge, life transitions, and ditching outdated hustle culture for a healthier approach
• The mission behind The Independence Lab and actionable resources for building emotional intelligence

If you’re looking for real advice on how to marry soft skills and confidence with actionable career moves, this episode is for you—whether you’re early in your career, managing the next big transition, or helping others find their way. Be sure to check out Brianne’s free resources and connect with us to keep leveling up your communicat

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

This week, I pull back the curtain on my experience as part of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team. After years of preaching the importance of lifelong learning, I put myself on the line—joining the team, earning advanced presenter certifications, and even making a run at standing on stage at the International Maxwell Conference. Today, I want to show you what growth looks like up close, and how vital it is to seek feedback, embrace vulnerability, and focus on progress over perfection.

To help me along this journey, I worked closely with Roddy Galbraith, none other than John Maxwell’s own speaking coach. If you’ve ever wondered whether even the best need coaching, this episode is for you. Roddy pushed me to look deeper at my message, delivery, and what I genuinely wanted my audience to walk away with. Together, we honed a simple three-minute story—one I’d performed more than a hundred times—transforming it from a personal anecdote into a powerful teaching tool.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• My own public speaking horror story—the first time I had to speak in college and what happened when anxiety got the best of me
• How that one embarrassing moment became the foundation for my growth as a speaker and coach
• The grueling, but rewarding, process of preparing for the Maxwell International Conference, and what it felt like to just miss the finals by two seconds
• A step-by-step look at the evolution of my speech—from the initial draft, through Roddy’s constructive feedback, to the final live version
• The importance of coaching and why even experienced speakers need fresh outside perspectives
• Strategies to shift your mindset from fearing the worst to aiming for the best every time you get up to speak
• Why perfection isn’t relatable, but vulnerability, honesty, and even a little messiness are
• How to take that next step in your own speaking journey—with tools and encouragement for breaking through nerves and building unshakable confidence

If you’re ever wondered how to face your speaking fears, connect more authentically, or grow past setbacks, you'll find tools and inspiration in this episode. Remember, your voice truly does have the power to change your world—but only if you choose to use it.

Thank you, as always, for supporting Speaking with Confidence. If you’re looking to keep leveling up, don’t forget to grab the free eBook, “The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them,” and sign up for my Formula for Public Speaking course. Progress, not perfection—that’s our north star. Tune in and let’s keep moving forward, together.

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

Hey, I’m Tim Newman, and on this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re getting practical about what it really takes to show up with confidence and credibility in any communication setting whether that’s on stage, in a boardroom, or even navigating the cultural nuances of a meeting overseas.

Rebecca and I kick things off by discussing her journey from Wisconsin to living in places like Germany, Japan, Australia, Nepal, Spain, Portugal, and Mexico. She shares how her international experiences have planted humility and empathy at the heart of her coaching approach, reminding us that communication is never one-size-fits-all. In many countries, people speak two, three, or even more languages just to participate professionally, and often it’s those little cultural cues, not just words that make or break your message.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:

• How living abroad shaped Rebecca’s empathetic, multicultural approach to coaching communication
• What it means to be a “guest star” in the country of your audience
• How to avoid cross-cultural blunders and build trust across cultures
• The universal challenge of negative self-talk during public speaking and how to work through it
• Rebecca’s “First Five Formula” for nailing your presentation opening
• How specificity makes stories stick and how to find the right stories within your own life
• The role of humor (and how even non-comedians can use it effectively)
• The current and future impact of AI on communication, public speaking, and storytelling
• Insights into Rebecca’s book “Presenting. Presenting.” and why it was designed as an interview
• Where to connect with Rebecca and access her resources

This episode is jam-packed with real stories, practical frameworks, and a refreshing perspective on developing your own authentic voice whether you’re addressing an international audience or conquering your own internal doubts. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed this conversation with Rebecca!

Don’t forget to grab Rebecca’s book, check out more resources at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram. Your voice really does have the power to change the world. Let's keep showing up and speaking with confidence.

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