Speaking With Confidence

Have you ever wondered why so many virtual presentations feel flat or why “death by PowerPoint” is still so common, even with all the tools and technology we have? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dig into what it really takes to connect with an audience, both in-person and online, and how you can turn your presentations from forgettable to impactful right from the very first minute.

My guest for this episode is Rick Altman, a presentation industry veteran with over two decades of experience, host of the world-renowned Presentation Summit, and author of the new book "Crush Your Next Virtual Presentation." Rick Altman has worked with hundreds of companies, been heard by tens of thousands of professionals, and read by millions looking for better results with their presentations. His expertise spans message crafting, design, software technique, and live delivery.

We kick things off by addressing a frustration many of us share: If your audience can read your slides without you, why are you even there? Rick Altman dives into why content-heavy slides rob presentations of real human connection, especially in the virtual world. We talk about how easy-to-use technology can lead to bad habits like putting everything on a slide, using distracting animations, or letting AI do the creative thinking for you.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:

Why most presentations miss the mark and how to fix yours from minute one

My journey from transparencies to podcasts, and Rick Altman’s background in publishing and presentations

How advances in technology like PowerPoint and AI make bad presentations easier and how to resist the temptation

Why slides should never serve as your handout and how to separate the two for real impact

The value of simplicity in slides and notes less really is more

How to practice and prepare so you stay present and connected, not glued to your script or slides

The vital role of audio, camera connection, and grace in virtual presentations

Tips for managing your attention and leveraging moderators or help during live web events

Responsible and efficient uses of AI for research, handouts, and presentation prep

Rick Altman’s behind-the-scenes look at the Presentation Summit, including its evolution, content, and how virtual events create new opportunities

If you’re looking to up your game as a communicator whether on stage, in the boardroom, or over Zoom this episode will give you practical, battle-tested strategies to present with more confidence and real connection.
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Have you ever walked out of a meeting or conversation certain you nailed your message only to discover later that almost no one actually understood or embraced what you said? In today’s episode, we’re exploring why being technically right or well-prepared isn’t always enough to truly connect, and unlocking the four-letter fix that can flip your communication from performance into genuine connection.

I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and on Speaking with Confidence I’m dedicated to helping you develop the real-world soft skills like storytelling, public speaking, and authentic conversation that turn opportunity into results. In this solo episode, I dig deep into one of the distinctions that changed my approach to teaching, coaching, and communicating: the difference between broadcasting and connecting.

Drawing from my personal journey and experiences in academic and corporate settings, I introduce a key framework that’s transformed my conversations: understanding why our confident delivery can often lead to missed messages, misunderstood intentions, and polite agreement with zero real impact.

Today is all about sharing actionable insights drawn from countless coaching sessions, classroom stumbles, and the wisdom of leaders like John Maxwell.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

The pitfalls of “broadcasting” your message, and why head-nods don’t always equal understanding or agreement 00:09

The four connection failures that sabotage effective communication: assumption, arrogance, indifference, and control 02:31

How seemingly innocuous behaviors, like assuming you know what people want or racing to fill gaps in conversation, prevent real connection 03:18

A mindset shift talk like you’re correct, but listen like you’re wrong that creates true bridges between perspectives 05:14

The FORM framework (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Message): how it breaks through small talk and builds authentic relationships 05:55

Real-life examples of what it looks like to match your pace to someone else’s world, instead of demanding they enter yours 07:18

An assignment for you to practice in your very next conversation, so connection becomes a consistent part of your communication toolkit 07:59

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a concrete script and mindset shift to help you move from being someone the room politely tolerates to someone people actually want around. Progress, not perfection, is the goal and every conversation is your chance to practice. Thanks for tuning in, and remember your voice has the power to change the world.
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Have you ever wondered what it really takes to reinvent yourself in a brand-new culture, and how that experience can transform your confidence and communication? This week on Speaking with Confidence, I dive deep into this question with our incredible guest, Ana Denis, a public speaking and communication coach, TEDx organizer, and the brilliant author behind “Reinvento.”

This episode is all about starting over, building your identity from the ground up, and the hidden challenges and surprising rewards of trying to fit in while staying authentically you. I had the privilege of speaking with Ana Denis, who shares her personal story of moving from Russia to the Netherlands, tackling cultural differences, and what it’s like learning to communicate sometimes literally in a whole new language and set of values.

We dug into Ana Denis’s journey as both an entrepreneur and a newcomer, where she had to face the reality of feeling like a “professional idiot” (her words!), admitting you don’t know anything, and letting go of the ego to start learning from scratch. We talk about how language and cultural differences aren’t just logistical challenges they hit at the core of your sense of belonging and your identity. Ana Denis has been there, felt the friction between collectivist and individualist cultures, and had to let go of the comfort of the familiar to build a new home, both personally and professionally.

Some of what we cover in this episode:

The shock of cultural differences even within Europe and how they challenge your worldview

Why learning the local language goes far beyond practicality and is a gateway to true connection and trust

Ana Denis’s personal journey of losing her safety net, building from scratch, and finding belonging in the expat community

The role of asking questions, embracing not knowing, and letting go of ego when starting over

Gendered societal messages and their impact on women’s confidence and willingness to speak up at work

The danger of labels cultural, political, and personal and how they limit genuine human connection

How to build real influence and trust, both as a speaker and as a newcomer in a different country

The power of directness, consensus, and open dialogue in Dutch culture, and what we can learn from it

The importance of active listening, curiosity, and putting relationships first regardless of status or background

This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone facing a big transition, working across cultures, or just wanting to show up with more clarity and confidence in their communication. If you’re ready to stop playing small, question the narratives you’ve been told, and actually reinvent how you show up, this episode is for you.

We also talk about where you can find Ana Denis’s work, including her book “Reinvento” and the Reinvento Club for those ready to build communication skills or begin again in a new place.

Tune in for heartfelt stories, actionable advice, and maybe a little push to take your own next bold step. Your voice matters and so does how you reinvent it.

Connect with Ana:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-denis/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIAZJzumdHkVbD5913kBQDA

Website: https://anadenis.com

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Have you ever wondered why absorbing other people’s emotions seems to drain your energy, and yet rarely solves the problem at hand? In today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re diving into the real reason “feeling their pain” might actually be holding you back, and I’m sharing a simple, tactical move that works better and keeps you in control.

I’m Tim Newman, your host, a recovering college professor turned communication coach. Through years of working with clients, students, and teams, I used to believe that being a great communicator meant soaking up everyone else’s emotions. I’d match their energy, carry their stress, and walk away completely depleted and still facing the same challenges. Sound familiar? It took me a long time and guidance from negotiation expert Chris Voss to realize that this approach was not only exhausting, it was also ineffective.

In this episode, we explore the difference between emotional empathy where you feel what others feel and get swept away by it and tactical empathy, which is all about understanding others’ emotions without losing yourself in them. You’ll hear how Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, used tactical empathy to defuse high-stakes situations by naming the emotion in the room with precision, not by absorbing it.

We’ll walk through real examples from my own teaching days and coaching work, breaking down how simply labeling someone’s fear or frustration can disarm tension and open up productive conversations. I also point out the crucial final step that most people miss embracing silence after you drop your “label,” instead of rushing to explain or defend yourself.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

Why emotional empathy depletes your energy but rarely solves the root problem

The neuroscience behind why naming an emotion helps people and yourself think more clearly

How tactical empathy is different, and why it puts you in control

The exact three-second “labeling” move: “It seems like…”, “It sounds like…”, “It looks like…”

A breakdown of what makes a label effective versus what falls flat

How to handle uncomfortable silences and why they’re key to making this work

A simple homework assignment to practice this life-changing skill in your next challenging conversation

By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with a powerful new approach for every situation where tension or defensiveness runs high without burning out in the process. Remember, progress, not perfection, is what moves us forward. Try out this tactical empathy tool this week and see how quickly your conversations shift. Your voice truly has the power to change the world.
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How do we actually bridge the generational gap in communication and empower younger leaders to show up with confidence? That’s exactly what we’re tackling in this episode of Speaking with Confidence.

I’m Tim Newman, your host and communication coach, and today we’re diving deep into what it means to lead, learn, and grow not just as professionals, but as people who want to make a positive impact on those around us. With Gen Z and millennials set to dominate the workforce by 2030, most leaders still haven’t cracked the code on how to connect with and motivate them. We’re going to change that.

Joining me is Robin Lewis, host of the Big Life podcast, leadership coach, transformational speaker, and business strategist. Robin is all about helping purpose-driven business owners lead with clarity, build with focus, and create organizations that truly last. He brings not just expertise, but real stories and actionable frameworks from his own journey growing, stumbling, and ultimately becoming a leader who helps others do the same.

In our conversation, Robin shares powerful analogies drawn from his life as a new grandparent, reminding us how we all start life eager to learn, unafraid to fall, and willing to try again. We explore how that spirit is too often lost as we grow and what it takes to reclaim it as leaders. Together, we break down reasons why young adults sometimes forget how to communicate honestly, how bottling up ideas becomes learned behavior, and what leaders can do to reverse that cycle by making people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

Why reclaiming a childlike hunger for learning and risk-taking matters in leadership

The critical role of being seen, heard, and valued in communication, no matter your age

How communication breakdowns aren’t always generational they’re often personality-based

Robin’s “Lead to Last” framework and how he developed it after hitting a wall in his own business

What separates leaders who say they have purpose from those who truly live it

The importance of clarity of self, overcoming limiting beliefs, and defining your core values

How to mentor the next generation to think introspectively and with intention

Strategies for repairing and learning from failure as both leaders and parents

The impact of collaborating instead of competing and finding commonality before difference

Practical applications of DISC and other personality tools for team growth and better communication

Whether you lead a business, a team, or your family, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and actionable steps to help you (and those you serve) become more authentic, resilient, and confident communicators. Thanks for joining us let’s keep building the kind of leadership that truly lasts.

Connect with Robin:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewisrobin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Robinlewis411/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewisteam

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