Speaking With Confidence

Send us a textAre 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 influenceA personal leadership mistake that taught me hard lessons about credibilityWhy your behavior communicates more than your words, especially under scrutinyHow accountability—not perfection—accelerates trust and strengthens connectionsThe step-by-step formula for owning and fixing mistakes with clients and teamsA fresh take on vulnerability: how sharing learned wisdom (not present weakness) wins hearts and mindsHow to shift from a transactional to a partnership dynamic in any relationshipThe power of doing a quick “alignment audit” before key meetings to instantly increase impactWhether 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!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.Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

Send us a textWhat if there was a proven way to help kids with dyslexia leap multiple grade levels in reading and writing—using strategies most schools never teach? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dig deep into this question and reveal practical answers with the help of a truly inspiring guest.Today, we’re diving headfirst into the realities of dyslexia—a condition that affects as many as 15 to 20% of learners, yet is still too often met with “let’s wait and see” in schools and by professionals. I have a personal connection to this topic, both as an educator and as someone with ADHD who faced my own hurdles in the traditional education system.Joining me for this conversation is Russel Van Brocklen, known as the “dyslexia professor.” Russel Van Brocklen didn’t just study dyslexia—he lived it, spending his early years reading and writing at a first-grade level, even into college, before finally learning to read fluently in law school. He’s devoted decades to translating structured literacy research into practical, bite-sized strategies families can use at home. His story, and the successes he’s helped engineer for countless kids, provide a roadmap out of what can feel like an endless educational maze.We explored Russel’s personal journey—from academic struggle and institutional roadblocks to academic success and expert status. We talk about the specific-to-general approach that flips how most of us were taught, and why it’s the leverage point for learners with dyslexia, ADHD, and other neurodiverse backgrounds. Russel shares real-life case studies, like Casey, a highly motivated fifth-grader who jumped eight grade levels in reading in just six months by leveraging her passion for Theodore Roosevelt.Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation:The unique brain-based challenges and strengths of learners with dyslexia and ADHDWhy most accommodations don’t go far enough—and what actually worksHow to use a student’s “speciality” or passion as the engine for dramatic growth in reading and writingThe “specific to general” teaching method and why it works where traditional methods failSimple, research-backed home strategies that parents can use tonightThe critical role of writing in organizing thoughts and boosting reading levelsWhy early intervention is key—and how to advocate for your child in a system that may be resistant to changeHow the right support can transform not just academic skills, but confidence and mental healthFree and affordable resources for families (like dyslexiaclasses.com) and how to access expert helpYou’ll also hear about Russel Van Brocklen’s experience working within state governments, pushing for policy change, and training both teachers and parents to make a measurable impact—sometimes in as little as just three hours of training!By the end of this episode, you’ll have concrete steps for helping the neurodiverse students in your life succeed, and a new understanding of just how much potential every struggling reader really has. If you’ve ever felt like the system is stacked against kids who learn differently, this conversation will give you hope, strategies, and a path forward.To dig deeper, get your free guide, or connect directly with Russel Van Brocklen,Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

Send us a textHave you ever wondered why so many presentations lose the audience within the first thirty seconds? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle the critical question: How do you earn an audience’s attention right from the start and keep it?I’m Tim Newman, your host—a recovering college professor who’s now dedicated to helping others become powerful communicators. This week, we’re diving deep into one of the most fundamental but overlooked aspects of public speaking: the opening. Specifically, I reveal why the majority of speakers fail almost immediately by focusing on themselves, their credentials, or their agenda, instead of the needs and interests of their listeners.In today’s episode, I’m walking you step-by-step through a transformative approach to strong openings. I break down the psychology behind audience attention, explaining that your listeners aren’t evaluating you at first; they’re evaluating whether what you’re saying is worth their time. Your goal in those first crucial seconds is not to impress, but to serve, to name a problem your audience is facing, and to offer a quick glimpse of a solution. I outline my favorite tool for this: the pattern interrupt hook.Here’s what you’ll take away from today’s episode:Why focusing on yourself at the start of a talk is a guaranteed way to be ignored.How to use a pattern interrupt hook to break through audience filters and make them want to listen.The specific three-part opening formula: problem statement, immediate consequence, and solution promise.How to structure those opening thirty seconds to create curiosity and relevance.Examples of both weak and strong openings in meetings, networking, and public speaking.Tips on making the formula your own, reading the room, and communicating authentic urgency.The vital mindset shift from seeking validation to serving the audience’s needs.Remember: credibility in communication comes not from listing your achievements, but from immediately solving the audience’s problem. By the end of this show, you’ll know how to grab attention with purpose, set the right tone, and provide value from the very first words.If you want to grab your audience and guarantee your message lands, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to start every conversation strong. Don’t forget to visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com to download your free eBook and learn about upcoming courses. As always, your voice has the power to change—let’s make sure people are listening.Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

Send us a textHave you ever wondered why so many presentations and conversations end up sounding boring, or why teaching communication skills seems stuck in outdated paradigms? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive into exactly that—and explore what it takes not only to end boring communication, but to build genuine connection in every interaction.This week, I'm excited to introduce my guest, Ivan Wanis-Ruiz. Ivan is on a mission to rid the world of boring, whether it's in public speaking, storytelling, or everyday conversations. He's a professional speaker, educator, emcee, and yes—salsa dancer—with a knack for bringing energy and engagement to any room. Ivan brings unique insights from his experience in dance, improv, and hosting live events, showing us how these seemingly unrelated disciplines offer strategies and inspiration for great communication.We kicked off the episode swapping stories about Ivan’s journey from a bored newcomer taking dance classes to becoming a full-on salsa teacher, and how dance became his live laboratory for educational techniques. We explored the key elements of truly effective communication training—getting people actively involved, letting students speak in every session, and making exercises practical and applicable. Ivan described the importance of aligning teaching approach with the skills being taught, urging educators to break free from the “lecture then speak once at the end” model.Here’s what we covered in this episode:How Ivan’s dance teaching doubled as a testing ground for interactive communication techniquesThe impact of engaging introductions and ditching the boring bio in speaking and eventsWhy emotion in storytelling doesn’t have to mean trauma—how humor and uncertainty are just as powerfulOvercoming awkward networking through strategic self-disclosure and volunteeringStrategies for introverts to connect without burnoutWhy communication skills are now the real competitive advantage in a world of abundant knowledgeSugata Mitra’s revolutionary approach to education and learning through challenges and collaborationHow to create engaging workshops with open-ended tasks, timed constraints, and group deliverablesWhy storytelling works best when it’s focused on problems, uncertainty, and emotional ups and downsHow to leverage AI for brainstorming and developing memorable personal pitches using literary devices like tricolon and anaphoraIf you’re ready to break old habits, boost your confidence, and make sure you’re truly engaging your audience—whether it’s on stage, at work, or in any conversation—this episode is packed with practical advice, stories, and straight talk you can use right now.Thanks for listening. Don't forget to check out the free ebook and course at speakwithconfidencepodcast.com, and let us know how these strategies help you show up with confidence wherever you speak.Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

Send us a textHow do truly powerful speakers command authority without relying on sheer volume or aggressive body language? That’s the question we’re answering on today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence.In this episode, I dive deep into the art and science of authentic authority in communication. As someone who’s coached hundreds of professionals—and as a recovering college professor myself—I’ve seen firsthand that the most influential communicators aren’t the ones who try to dominate the room; they’re the ones who remain poised and structured, even under pressure.There’s no guest on this episode; it’s just me, Tim Newman, guiding you through the exact three-step formula I teach my clients to help them show up with quiet confidence rather than performative bravado. We unpack the misconception that authority is about sounding loud or forceful, and replace it with a new paradigm built on control, clarity, and composure.Here’s what we explored together:Why real authority can’t be faked and why it collapses under tough questions if it’s only an act.The first pillar: Structure. Most speakers fail before they begin because they don’t have a clear framework. You’ll learn how the “scaffolding principle” and the rule of three—simplifying your main points—help you build clarity, respect, and influence.The second pillar: Strategic pause. I share why silence is the most powerful tool for authoritative delivery. You’ll discover how replacing commas and periods in your mental script with intentional pauses instantly commands a room, eliminates filler words, and projects composure.Stories from my coaching experiences, including how a client turned a tense Q&A into a moment of control and how Steve Jobs used silence to demonstrate real thinking.The third pillar: The unavoidable verdict. We go beyond just informing audiences to inspiring action, guiding them to a single, compelling conclusion by engineering every aspect of your communication for clarity and impact.A step-by-step example of structuring a pitch and how to use the three pillars to build a winning case.Common pitfalls—like rambling or flooding people with data—and how to avoid them by focusing on simplification, strategic silence, and clarity of purpose.Practical takeaways for you to start practicing right away: from structuring your next team update, to slowing your speech with pauses, or defining your key verdict before preparing a presentation.By the end of the episode, you’ll know how to stop chasing authority and start embodying it—naturally and consistently. If you’re ready to transform the way you communicate, visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free eBook, Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them, and consider registering for the Foreman for Public Speaking.Remember, your voice has the power to change. Progress, not perfection—let’s step confidently into every conversation that counts!Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook