Speaking With Confidence

• How to Win Over Any Audience: Lessons in Stage Confidence and Storytelling from Magician Tom Elliott

  Send us a textHave you ever wondered how seasoned performers capture and hold the attention of even the most distracted or reluctant audiences? On today’s episode of Speaking With Confidence, we answer that question and dig deep into what it really takes to build confidence, adapt on the fly, and show up authentically in every speaking situation—whether it’s a children’s birthday party, a raucous holiday park, or a high-stakes corporate keynote.I’m Tim Newman, your host and recovering college professor turned communication coach, and I’m thrilled to share this episode with you because it offers a fresh perspective on stage presence, storytelling, and handling those inevitable moments when things don’t go as planned.Joining me today is Tom Elliott, corporate event host, comedy magician, and storytelling coach, who brings a remarkable blend of entertainment expertise to the world of professional communication. Tom has performed across the UK for audiences that often weren’t there to see him, which has made him a master at winning over even the toughest crowds. His journey from performing magic and ventriloquism at children’s parties, to holiday parks and eventually the corporate world, is not only fascinating but full of practical lessons for anyone looking to build their influence through communication.You’ll also hear us dig into:Tom’s origins in magic, ventriloquism, and the lessons learned from children’s parties and holiday park gigsWhy corporate and holiday park audiences are worlds apart—and how to adjust your approach for eachHow to manage failing moments on stage and use them to grow (including both of our worst stories)The power of practicing in public, trying new material, and being willing to fail to get betterWhat it really takes to grab attention in the first 30 seconds of any talk, meeting, or showHow to dial up your natural personality traits by 10% for stage presence and audience connectionThe difference between internalizing your core message versus memorizing a rigid script, and how this helps you adapt with confidenceWhy personal stories work, even for people who are nervous to use themBuilding confidence through repeated action and practical strategies for anyone starting out (including organizing your own gigs!)Tom also shares a free resource for anyone wanting to create a more engaging keynote, along with actionable tips you can put into practice right away.Whether you’re a business leader, aspiring speaker, or someone who just wants to feel more at ease communicating when it counts, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and the reassurance that failing is not the end—it's part of the path to becoming a powerful, confident communicator.Thanks for joining us on Speaking With Confidence. Remember, your voice has the power to change the world! Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

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• Why You Hate Your Voice and How to Fix It | Tim Newman Speaks

  Send us a textHave you ever listened to a recording of your own voice and thought, “Who is that?” If you’ve ever cringed at the sound of your voice on tape, you’re not alone. In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive into why our own voice sounds so strange to us on a recording—and more importantly, what you can do about it.I’m Tim Newman, your host and a recovering college professor turned communication coach. Today’s episode is all about bridging the gap between the voice you think you have and the one the world actually hears. I’ll show you why you don’t need to “fix” your voice, but understand what’s happening behind the scenes—both physically and psychologically—so you can finally build confidence in how you sound for your presentations, meetings, and important conversations.There’s no guest this week; it's just me, sharing techniques and insights straight from my own coaching experience. If you’ve ever felt hesitant to speak up because you’re self-conscious about your voice, or you want to project more authority and command in your professional life, this episode is for you.Here’s what I cover:Why your voice sounds so different—and often “worse”—when you hear it recorded, thanks to the physics of bone conduction versus air conduction.The phenomenon I call “imposter voice syndrome” and why it fuels self-doubt and anxiety.How exposure therapy can help you get comfortable with the sound of your recorded voice and shift from self-judgment to self-acceptance.Practical, immediately actionable techniques to power up your voice, including diaphragmatic breathing for resonance and steadiness, finding your optimal pitch with safe and easy exercises, and the strategic use of pauses to add authority and presence.Tips for using volume and articulation to ensure your message lands—so you never mumble or fade out at a crucial moment.How the way you use your voice transforms your leadership presence and credibility.Tactics for handling high-pressure situations, reading the room, and dynamically adjusting your delivery for maximum impact.Developing a simple, five-minute pre-speaking vocal warmup routine to make confidence a habit instead of a hope.The mindset shift from self-consciousness to audience focus so you stop apologizing for your sound and start using your voice as a strategic communication asset.By the end of the episode, you’ll realize that your voice is not something to hide or “fix”—it’s your unique communication signature. With some deliberate practice and self-kindness, you’ll be on your way to speaking with authentic confidence, no matter the situation. If you take away only one thing today, let it be this: your voice has the power to change the world, starting with how you think and feel about it.For more resources, remember to grab your free eBook and check out the Formula for Public Speaking rules at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com. Until next time, embrace your voice and keep building that confidence! Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

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• The Power of Written Communication in Unlocking Career Confidence with Amy Adler

  Send us a textHave you ever wondered how your written communication—resumes, LinkedIn profiles, career documents—can truly reflect who you are and ensure you're projecting the same confidence and authenticity in person as you do on paper? If you’ve found yourself stuck, unsure how to craft your professional story, or if you want your talents and personality to leap off the page and into your interviews, this episode is for you.Welcome back to Speaking with Confidence! Today, I dive into the art and science of translating your professional story onto paper, a skill just as essential as public speaking. I’m joined by Amy Adler, a nationally recognized career strategist and founder of Five Strengths Career Transition Experts. Amy is an expert in coaching executives and professionals to tell their stories in amazing, impactful ways—helping them shine in written formats and feel truly confident when meeting hiring teams.Here’s what we covered in this episode:How life experiences and regional culture shape communication, both written and spokenWhy adapting your style to meet people where they are (“The Platinum Rule”) builds trust and connectionListening as a superpower for introverts—and transforming introversion into powerful coaching and storytellingBuilding confidence by reframing your career journey as a forward-thinking, impactful storyTechniques for career transition: defining strategy, setting attainable goals, and building momentumThe power of authenticity and congruence between your written documents and your real self in interviewsAdvice for young professionals and higher education: letting students tell their whole story, not just check boxesBreaking through fear and vulnerability in the job search by seeking expert help—and why it’s a sign of strength, not weaknessHow collaborative coaching and resume writing can transform personal narratives, boost self-belief, and elevate career outcomesIf you’re ready to bridge the gap between your resume and your real, confident self—and learn strategies that make your written communication truly impactful—give this episode a listen. Huge thanks to Amy Adler for sharing her wisdom and experience with such empathy and clarity. And thank you for tuning in to Speaking with Confidence! Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

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• How to Read a Room as a Speaker | Tim Newman Speaks

  Send us a textHave 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 itThe big myth about social intelligence—and how being a better observer is the real secretThe 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 interviewsThe importance of interpreting cues in context (and the dangers of knee-jerk misinterpretations)Easy, low-pressure ways to scan a room and spot behavioral patternsHow to respond when you see signs of disengagement—without making it awkward or calling people outTechniques to shift energy, boost engagement, and reset the group dynamicTransitioning from self-consciousness to others-awareness to become a more intentional and confident communicatorA simple exercise to practice observation skills in your next meetingBy 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. Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

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• Overcoming Fear on Stage: Why Every Speaker Should Try Stand-Up Comedy with John Ball

  Send us a textHave 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 zonesUsing humor and warmth as universal connectors across culturesWhy every speaker should try stand-up comedy at least onceThe difference between charisma and charm—and how to spot “fake” charismaTechniques to build genuine charisma (even if you’re not naturally extroverted)The process of testing and refining stories for presentationsEmotional leadership and the responsibility you hold as a speakerWhy presence and vulnerability matter more than perfectionHow to avoid charisma killers like overthinking and egoThe importance of living with intention and making positive choices in how you show upStage time as the single most effective way to improve your communicationStorytelling tips: focusing on transformation, emotional flow, and audience engagementIf 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. Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

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