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
Data updated on 14/07/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Have you ever wondered why taking action beats raw talent every single time, or how you can leverage new technology like AI without losing the heart and soul of your message? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re getting to the root of what it means to communicate with clarity, build your confidence as a storyteller, and stand out in our fast-changing world.
I’m Tim Newman, your host, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and today I’m joined by the incredible Jim Edwards. Jim’s a true legend in the world of online business and communication, with almost three decades of experience helping entrepreneurs, coaches, speakers, and professionals get their messages heard. Not only is he a bestselling author of over three dozen books, but he’s also helped countless people find their voice and capitalize on their knowledge.
Listeners will also hear actionable advice on:
Finding and sharing your own stories (even if you think you don’t have any)
Developing patience and delayed gratification for long-term success
Building confidence as a speaker through preparation and practice
Using writing as a tool for clarifying your thoughts and improving your communication
Harnessing AI as a creative accelerant, not a replacement for your ideas
Understanding the new role of creators and curators in a world awash with content
How to recognize and communicate your true value as a coach, speaker, or business owner
Whether you’re trying to write your first book, become a more compelling speaker, or navigate the digital landscape with authenticity, this episode offers real, practical steps and mindset shifts that will help you take your message and your confidence to the next level.
I’m so grateful to Jim Edwards for joining me and sharing his wisdom (and contagious enthusiasm). If you’re looking for even more confidence-building resources, don’t forget to visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free eBook and more tools to help you unleash your voice!
Have you ever wondered why some leaders inspire trust and action while others leave their audience confused or disengaged? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dig into a hard-earned lesson from early in my own teaching journey: the dangers of overcomplicating communication.
Back when I started out as a teacher, my eagerness to impress led me to present high-level material to high school freshmen and sophomores only to realize that complexity wasn’t a sign of intelligence but a barrier to understanding. That moment of frustration, both for me and my students, revealed something powerful: people can’t appreciate your knowledge if you can’t explain it in a way they can grasp.
In this episode, I walk you through transforming the way you communicate, whether you're presenting to a boardroom, pitching a client, or simply leading a team. I draw on insights from leadership expert John Maxwell to introduce the law of simplicity, clarity, brevity, and focus on three mandates that can take your influence to the next level.
Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode:
Why complexity pushes people away and can be a career killer
How trying to “sound smart” with jargon or convoluted terminology signals insecurity, not expertise
What actually builds trust and gets you noticed in leadership roles
The 8th grader test: why your message must be clear enough for a middle schooler to understand
John Maxwell’s three mandates for powerful communication clarity, brevity, and focus and how to apply them to all your messages
Simple steps you can use to audit and improve your own communication before any meeting or presentation
The real mindset shift: moving from ego-driven to audience-first
How these principles not only change how others perceive you, but directly impact your career progress
By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with a practical framework to strip away confusion, communicate with true confidence, and make sure your message always lands. Remember, leadership starts with the ability to make the complex clear. I hope you enjoy the episode and start putting these mandates into practice right away because your voice really does have the power to change you.
Building Executive Presence: Communication Habits Every Leader Needs to Unlearn and Master with Michael de Lisser
What separates a good communicator from a truly exceptional one and how can you ensure you’re not holding yourself back from the career you want? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re diving into the core of leadership communication, self-awareness, and the ever-changing landscape of workplace communication especially as technology like AI becomes more prominent.
I’m Tim Newman, your host and a recovering college professor turned communication coach. Today, I’m joined by leadership consultant, seasoned executive educator, and author, Michael de Lisser. With over 25 years of experience creating customized leadership development programs, coaching 500+ executives, and shaping the next generation of leaders at the University of Utah, Michael de Lisser brings wisdom, practical insights, and real stories to every answer.
Here’s what we cover in this jam-packed episode:
The pivotal reasons leaders get fired and how communication is often at the root
Michael de Lisser’s go-to method for transforming communication habits, from videofeedback to new behaviors
The power of self-awareness and catching your “blind spots” early
Recording yourself: why it's uncomfortable, but vital for growth
Filler words, over-explaining, and other common bad habits and how to fix them
Why trying to be “perfect” or someone else sabotages both your executive presence and credibility
The unique challenges (and strengths) of younger generations in communication
How AI is reshaping workplace communication, and why delivery still matters most
The case for always customizing your message to your audience (with real boardroom examples)
Building relationships to increase your influence and message “stickiness”
Developing a pre-presentation ritual to manage nerves and “get in the zone”
What executive presence really means and why authenticity wins over style every time
How to use your strengths and shore up weaknesses to captivate any room
Claiming Your Speaking Identity for Connection and Credibility | Tim Newman Speaks
Have you ever left a presentation struggling to remember the speaker’s name, or worse, realized you might be that forgettable speaker yourself? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle the real root of feeling like an imposter on stage and share practical steps to help you transform into the kind of communicator people truly remember.
Today, I’m guiding you through a topic that undermines so many presenters, yet rarely gets the attention it deserves: building your speaker identity. We often chase technique, obsessing over posture, gestures, and slide design, but we forget the foundation that makes those techniques powerful—who we are as communicators and what unique perspective we bring.
So, what exactly makes up your speaker identity? I outline the three pillars:
Your Unique Value Proposition—what only you can say about your topic based on your expertise, experience, and angle.
Your Authentic Communication Style—how you naturally connect, whether it’s humor, data, stories, or questions.
Your Signature Stories—the pivotal experiences that shaped your understanding and give emotional weight to your message.
You’ll walk away from this episode with:
A new understanding of why identity—not just technique—makes speakers memorable
Real-world examples of transformation through authenticity
The three key pillars of speaker identity and how they work together
A step-by-step exercise to claim your own speaker identity
Immediate actions to align your presentations with your authentic strengths
Insights for tackling imposter syndrome at its root
I close by reminding you—progress, not perfection, is our goal. If you want extra support, check out our free eBook or my full Formula for Public Speaking course at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com. Remember, your voice has the power to change; all you need to do is bring your true self to every conversation that matters.
Building Confidence and Communication Skills in a Multicultural World with Maria Rincon
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to become a confident communicator across cultures, generations, and languages? In this episode, I talk with Maria Rincon, a multilingual public speaking coach with roots in Colombia and China, a background in TV hosting, and experience as a communications consultant for the United Nations.
We kick things off exploring Maria’s journey—how she transitioned from television to her meaningful work with the UN, and what it’s actually like inside such a global, multicultural organization. Maria shares stories of teamwork across continents, adapting to cultural diversity, and the powerful lessons she learned navigating different communication styles, both professionally and personally.
Maria opens up about her move to public speaking coaching, detailing what she’s learned in her first year as an entrepreneur, including marketing challenges, building confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and establishing her unique approach. We discuss working with technical professionals worldwide and dig into foreign language speech anxiety—how it manifests and the practical techniques Maria uses to help clients overcome it, like embracing your accent and slowing down your speech.
We also dive into generational communication differences, debunking stereotypes about Gen Z and Millennials, and discussing the importance of empathy and building bridges across age groups. Maria provides a look at how work-life balance differs globally, especially after experiencing the Nordic approach firsthand.
Finally, we talk about the power of storytelling for leaders and professionals. Maria provides actionable tips on developing a story “bank,” the importance of practicing stories in different formats, and how to make stories resonate authentically in any setting.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
What it’s really like in the UN’s multicultural environment
Navigating direct and indirect communication across cultures
How to Motivate and Communicate Effectively with Gen Z at Work | Tim Newman Speaks
Are you struggling to truly connect with Gen Z team members at work—or maybe you’re a Gen Z professional frustrated by colleagues who don’t seem to get where you’re coming from? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle a challenge that’s becoming more important every day: How can we break down the generational communication barriers at work to build authentic relationships and boost performance for everyone?
I’m Tim Newman, a former college professor turned communication coach, and as your host, I’ve spent years watching the dynamics between Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z play out both in classrooms and boardrooms. Today, I unpack what really prevents us from connecting and share practical, powerful strategies you can use to start bridging the gap now—no matter which generation you’re in.
In this episode, I share plenty of real-world stories from my own career and consulting experience, plus research insights from leadership expert Dr. Tim Elmore. We dive into why the old “positional authority” model just doesn’t work with Gen Z, who grew up with access to unlimited information and have learned to question everything—including your title! Instead, we explore how building trust and authentic connection is the key to motivating and retaining Gen Z employees, and how these skills make us stronger communicators with everybody.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
How making people truly feel heard (not just tolerated) leads to better motivation and results
The single biggest communication mistake managers make with Gen Z—and how to fix it
Why authority means nothing if it isn’t backed by trust and demonstrative competence
Three essential pillars for rebuilding your communication style: listening like you could be wrong, radical authenticity, and co-creating clarity with your team
Step-by-step ways to transform feedback meetings from judgmental monologues into collaborative, solution-focused dialogues
Simple, actionable tactics for onboarding new hires so they feel like they belong from day one—starting with relationship building over rules and policies
Rewiring Fear: Hypnotherapy Tools for Confident Speaking and Leadership Success
Have you ever wondered if it’s truly possible to rewire your brain for confidence—and finally break free from fears that hold you back? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive into the powerful world of hypnosis with certified hypnotherapist, speaker, and bestselling author Amy Koford. Together, we unravel what hypnosis really is, how it works, and ways it can transform not only our communication with others, but also the way we talk to ourselves.
We explore what led Amy Koford to hypnosis, including the pivotal moments and the “inner voice” that told her she was meant to help others in this way. Amy discusses how hypnosis goes far beyond the stereotypical portrayals in movies and television. She unpacks the science of trance states, theta brain waves, and how the subconscious mind can be retrained for breakthrough results. Whether it’s breaking a bad habit, boosting performance as an athlete, or conquering the fear of public speaking, Amy’s method emphasizes releasing limiting beliefs and replacing them with empowering ones.
I ask Amy about how hypnosis applies to speakers, communicators, and leaders. She draws a direct line between optimal athletic performance and high-impact communication, illustrating how both require clearing out fear, rewriting mental scripts, and visualizing success. We also touch on the challenges faced by self-proclaimed “control freaks” and how hypnosis can help uncover and heal the root causes of that need for control.
Here’s what we covered in our conversation:
Amy’s path from personal struggles with depression to becoming a hypnotherapist
What hypnosis actually is (and isn’t), debunking myths from pop culture
How theta brainwaves allow for direct subconscious reprogramming
The role of hypnosis in changing habits (like quitting sugar or smoking)
How Amy helps athletes “clear the garbage” of past mistakes and perform with confidence—and how this same approach empowers public speakers and communicators
The release-and-replace method for eliminating internal blocks and installing new, confidence-boosting beliefs
How Coaching and Honest Feedback Elevate Your Speaking Game | Tim Newman Speaks
Have you ever wondered what it actually takes to grow as a speaker—beyond just practicing your presentation in front of the mirror? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive deep into the lessons I've learned on my own personal journey, including some pretty humbling moments and a behind-the-scenes look at how coaching and mentorship can truly elevate your skills.
This week, I’m sharing the story of how I went from a nervous college student—literally the guy who puked in speech class—to a certified, confident speaker and coach. It’s not just about getting over nerves; it’s about shifting your mindset, investing in lifelong learning, and realizing that vulnerability (not perfection) is what really connects us with our audience.
I also introduce Roddy Galbraith, John Maxwell’s own speaking coach, who played a pivotal role in helping me shape my story for the International Maxwell Conference’s three-minute speech contest. Roddy’s feedback pushed me to dig deeper, refine my delivery, and focus the message for real impact. If you’ve ever questioned whether coaching is worth the investment, wait until you hear the difference it made—and the advice Roddy gives.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
How joining the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team revolutionized my approach to speaking and coaching others
What it’s like to compete in a high-stakes, three-minute speech contest—including the importance of timing and preparation, whether you’re speaking to 3,000 or just five people
Why I believe coaching is essential for everyone (even John Maxwell gets coached!)
A raw story from my past: the first time I had to speak in public—and why it ended with me throwing up in class
The critical shift from perfectionism to authenticity, and the power of making your message about serving others
Roddy’s actionable feedback: how to tighten your speech, amp up your delivery, and draw out the message that matters
A side-by-side comparison of my first version and my final speech—showing exactly how much a story and performance can evolve with the right support
Navigating Generational Differences: The Power of Relationship-Based Leadership with Gen Z Teams
What does it really take to lead and communicate with Generation Z in today’s workplace? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I sit down with Dr. Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders, bestselling author, and expert in multi-generational leadership. Dr. Elmore has spent decades developing emerging leaders—including an impressive 20 years by the side of John C. Maxwell—and he’s written extensively on what makes great leadership tick, especially in our rapidly evolving culture. If you’ve ever struggled to connect with Gen Z professionals or wondered why their anxiety levels seem so high, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
I’ve long believed that Gen Z is smarter and more entrepreneurial than previous generations, and finally, Dr. Elmore’s new book, The Future Begins with Z, delivers the data to back it up. In our conversation, we explore the shifts in social and technological dynamics that have shaped Gen Z, especially how anxiety (now at levels comparable to psychiatric patients in the 1950s) has become a natural outgrowth of the overwhelming flood of information they face daily. We dig into the critical distinction between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth—how leaders and educators can help foster resilience instead of victimhood.
Here’s what we cover in the episode:
The roots of Gen Z’s high anxiety and how social media amplifies it
Coaching young professionals through stress and building grit with empathy and compassion
Key differences between post-traumatic growth and stress, and how to foster resilience
How educators and employers can prepare Gen Z for professional success—through realistic expectations and reframing self-talk
The “Stockdale Paradox” and the difference between hope and optimism in leadership
The misconception that Gen Z doesn’t want to work, and data from real-world focus groups that prove otherwise
The necessity of building trust and relationships before offering feedback or correction (“Connect before you correct”), and the ALEG feedback process
Teaching and modeling soft skills that Gen Z may be missing due to pandemic-era screen life
Closing the Gap Between What You Say and Do for Real Influence | Tim Newman Speaks
Are your words truly building the influence you want, or is there a hidden gap between what you say and how you act that's silently killing your credibility? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive deep into the powerful truth that your real message isn’t just what comes out of your mouth—it’s what people see in your behavior, especially when no one’s watching.
I open with a personal story about a tough leadership lesson: the painful disconnect between preaching innovation and risk-taking, and then acting in a way that totally undermined those values. Admitting that I was the one who once made this mistake sets the tone for radical authenticity and accountability—qualities I argue are essential if you want genuine influence.
Drawing on insights from John Maxwell's Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, I explain why your PowerPoint slides and pitch-perfect scripts are just window dressing. The heart of true connection and lasting influence is living out what you communicate. I tackle the myth that communication is all about how you craft your message and show why, instead, behavior is your primary message. Your team and clients have real-time “credibility audits” running in their heads, always weighing your actions far more than your words.
Here’s what I cover in this episode:
The invisible gap between values and behavior that sabotages your influence
A personal leadership mistake that taught me hard lessons about credibility
Why your behavior communicates more than your words, especially under scrutiny
How accountability—not perfection—accelerates trust and strengthens connections
The step-by-step formula for owning and fixing mistakes with clients and teams
A fresh take on vulnerability: how sharing learned wisdom (not present weakness) wins hearts and minds
How to shift from a transactional to a partnership dynamic in any relationship
The power of doing a quick “alignment audit” before key meetings to instantly increase impact
Whether you’re a leader, communicator, or entrepreneur, this episode arms you with actionable tools to make your influence grow—by living your message with confidence, accountability, and authentic vulnerability. And remember, we’re always chasing progress, not perfection!
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to Speaking With Confidence, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
Tips for practicing under pressure, bouncing back from mistakes, and celebrating wins on your communication journey
By the end of this episode, you'll have a toolkit of actionable steps to raise your self-awareness, break through old communication patterns, and show up with confidence no matter the audience or setting. If you’re ready to take your communication skills from good to great (and beyond), this one’s packed with insights you’ll want to revisit again and again.
The ups and downs of starting a coaching business—and lessons in marketing and self-confidence
Common obstacles like imposter syndrome and foreign language speech anxiety (with tips to overcome them)
Generational communication differences and how to bridge the gaps
Cultivating work-life balance across cultures
The crucial role of storytelling in leadership and communication
You don’t have to be perfect to be an impactful communicator. From personal stories to practical advice, this episode is packed with insights to help you find your unique voice and show up with confidence, no matter the audience.
Real case studies showing how these changes boost performance, deepen psychological safety, and drastically improve retention
The difference between high accountability and strong connection—and why you don’t have to choose between the two
A practical behavior change you can implement this week: brief, consistent, agenda-free check-ins that help you solve problems before they become resignations
Whether you’re a manager trying to motivate your Gen Z talent or a Gen Z professional craving genuine dialogue, this episode will arm you with strategies that work. Join me as we move beyond outdated authority models and start building the trust, clarity, and connection our workplaces—and our world—sorely need.
Thanks for listening and don’t forget to check out the free resources and courses at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com. Let's make your voice—and your conversations—powerful enough to change your world.
Why we care what others think and strategies to overcome insecurity in high-stakes moments
The importance of self-talk and the transformative power of the words “I am”
A behind-the-scenes look at Amy’s bestselling book, Hardwired to Rise, and why tackling fear is at the core of healing and communication
Practical exercises for taking out the “mental trash” and refocusing on what you truly want
Whether you’re looking to overcome stage fright, let go of self-doubt, or simply get out of your own way, this episode is packed with wisdom, real-world examples, and actionable steps you can use to build rock-solid confidence.
If you’re ready to take that next step, check out Amy’s resources at amykofoard.com and don’t miss her book, Hardwired to Rise, for deeper strategies on tackling fear and unlocking your most confident self. And as always, visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free eBook and more resources to help your voice make an impact. Your confidence is closer than you think—sometimes, it just takes the right mindset shift.
My reminders about progress over perfection and the importance of chasing your potential, not letting self-doubt or others keep you from taking the next step
If you’re looking for inspiration, practical takeaways, and an honest look behind the curtain, this episode is for you. Plus, I’ll tell you how to grab your free ebook and register for upcoming speaking courses. Your voice truly has the power to change the world—but only if you use it. Thanks for listening and for being part of this journey with me!
Why authentic, frequent, and brief communication trumps lengthy, infrequent updates—and why daily check-ins matter
How leaders can admit mistakes openly to build trust and model real communication
The velvet-covered brick as a metaphor for leadership: balancing empathy with accountability
Recognizing and responding appropriately to practical, social, and emotional conversations—especially when leading younger team members
We wrap up with actionable steps for leading Gen Z better, starting right now—not tomorrow. If you want practical strategies, stories, and a hopeful look at how Gen Z can make us stronger leaders when we rise to the occasion, you’ll find gold in this episode. I’m grateful to Dr. Tim Elmore for joining the conversation and sharing his wisdom. For everyone ready to adapt, lead, and have more confident conversations with the next generation, this episode is for you.
As a quick update, next week’s schedule features a special guest and a holiday replay, so stay tuned. Don’t forget to grab your free eBook and check out my new book for even deeper strategies on turning your connections into true career growth. Thanks for joining me—your voice really can change your world.
