Speaking With Confidence

What’s really holding you back from being a confident, impactful communicator could it be less about your words and more about truly understanding yourself?

Welcome back to Speaking with Confidence! I’m Tim Newman, and in this episode, we dig deep into the heart of communication not just the techniques and the tips, but the self-awareness that’s at the foundation of how you show up and connect with others. Today, I’m joined by Sandy Gerber, a powerhouse communication coach, emotional intelligence trainer, TEDx speaker, and the award-winning author of Emotional Magnetism. Sandy’s journey from outward business success to a reckoning with personal fulfillment will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt their “on paper” life didn’t match up with how things felt inside.

We kicked things off by asking the big question: is it really your communication skills that need fixing, or could it be a lack of self-awareness that’s clouding your conversations with others? Sandy shares a pivotal moment in her life, when, despite all the trappings of success, she felt like a fraud because her personal relationships weren’t thriving. That realization kicked off a decade-long exploration into what makes relationships at home and at work genuinely successful.

We talk about how so many of us are “winging it” when it comes to communication, borrowing strategies from family or the workplace without understanding our own internal dialogue. Sandy opens up about learning from her failures, seeking out wisdom from luminaries like John Maxwell and Wayne Dyer, and ultimately developing her framework of emotional magnetism, the idea that we’re each driven by core emotional needs that shape our decisions and interactions.

Here’s what we covered:

The difference between communication problems and self-awareness problems

Sandy’s journey from outward success to confronting personal dissatisfaction

Why “looking successful” isn’t the same as “feeling successful”
The role of emotional magnetism in shaping our choices and relationships

How to identify and honor your and others’ core emotional motivators

The pitfalls of labeling others (and yourself) by behavior rather than by motivations

Why authentic connection and empathy are built on understanding “why”

Tools for regulating your emotions in high-stress moments (the EQ Switch)

The neuroscience behind naming your emotions and calming your nervous system

Recognizing and addressing emotional disengagement (“quiet cracking”) in the workplace

The fundamental importance of intentional pausing and reflection as a communicator

Actionable body language tips to look more confident and approachable (“the E trick”)

The life-changing impact of choosing your first and last thoughts each day

Why doing the work on yourself is non-negotiable for genuine leadership and influence

This episode is all about moving from surface-level techniques to deep transformation so you can communicate, connect, and lead with real confidence.

Connect with Sandy:

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

Website: https://sandygerber.com

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnectedConversationsSG   

Magnetic Communication podcast: https://sandygerber.com/podcast/

Podcast Award Voting: https://www.womenpodcasters.com/magnetic-communication

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Have you ever wondered how some people seem effortlessly articulate, making every word count, while others struggle to get their point across? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I break down exactly what it takes to become that person the one others listen to, respect, and remember by following a simple 21-day system.

I'm Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and I'm on a mission to help you discover the three foundational habits that can transform your speaking skills with no charisma required. Today, I’ll walk you through my step-by-step approach to building articulation as a skill, not a talent. Forget what you think you know about natural-born communicators. Together we’ll prove that anyone can learn to command a room and get results.

We start by facing the real costs of poor communication, not just the $2 trillion it costs US businesses each year, but the quiet daily losses: fumbled meetings, muddled emails, and missed chances to show your worth. Then, I’ll guide you through each week of the system, designed so you can practice, record your progress, and see tangible clarity, confidence, and control develop day by day.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:


Why articulation isn’t a talent, but a trainable, measurable skill if you use a structured approach


The silent tax of poor communication in your professional life, and how it shows up in lost opportunities


Week 1: Building clarity through “visual nouns” learning to paint pictures instead of offering empty abstractions


Week 2: Leading with impact by putting your bottom line up front (BLUF), so your audience hears your message first, not buried in context


Week 3: Commanding the room through staccato phrasing and confidence-boosting pauses, so you sound thoughtful, not rushed


Practical, daily exercises for each habit, including rewriting emails, reframing project descriptions, and practicing presence in meetings


Why recording yourself at the beginning and end of this journey is proof of progress, not perfection


The ultimate takeaway: how to reach for concrete words, serve your conclusion before your context, and master the power of the pause

Whether you want to stand out in meetings, make your emails count, or simply stop feeling like you’re speaking “in clouds,” this episode delivers the tools and the mindset you need to level up starting today. Don’t wait to feel ready. Press record, follow the system, and watch your communication transform in just 21 days. And remember: talk like you’re correct, listen like you’re wrong.

For more resources, grab your free eBook “Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them” at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com and check out my Formula for Public Speaking course. Your voice truly can change the world. Let's make sure it gets heard.
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What if the way you sound matters just as much if not more than the words you say? We often believe that effective communication starts and ends with content, but in today’s episode, we dig beneath the surface: how can aligning your voice with your authentic self change the way you connect with others?

I’m Tim Newman, and this week on Speaking with Confidence, I invited Wolfe Lanier to join me for a truly eye-opening conversation. Wolfe is a Somatic Voice practitioner and researcher, currently completing his MFA in Voice Studies at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. His journey has taken him from the mountains of Appalachia, through New York’s corporate coaching world, into deep somatic practice all fueled by a central, fascinating question: why is there often a gap between who we are and how we come across?

Wolfe shared his own story of performance anxiety, stage fright, and that all-too-relatable feeling of disconnect between inner worth and outward expression. We explored how self-talk, ego, and even physical tension in the body shape the sound of our voice and how often, what’s holding us back in communication is much deeper than we realize.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:


Why your voice often reveals more than your words


Wolfe’s personal journey from stage fright to vocal research


The connection between self-talk, inner worth, and how you sound


The science and experience of “vocal congruence”


How culture, accent, and history influence voice and acceptance


The role of somatic practice and releasing physical tension


Why most people are their own worst critics and how to break the cycle


The interplay between ego, perfectionism, and authentic communication


Generational shifts in communication styles and expectations


Step-by-step advice for building confidence and congruence in your voice

If you’ve ever wished your voice could reflect your real confidence, or you’ve struggled to feel truly comfortable speaking up, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and practical steps to start bridging the gap between who you are and how you come across.

Connect with Wolfe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfe-lanier-1186a61b/

Website: https://www.wolfelanier.com  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfe.lanier/

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Are you making your message clear or just making it longer? In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the most common myths in professional communication: that sounding like a CEO means drowning in buzzwords and complex sentences. In reality, the strongest leaders use a different formula: simplicity, conciseness, and real confidence.

I’m Tim Newman, your host for Speaking with Confidence. As a former college professor turned communication coach, I’ve seen firsthand how even the smartest folks can accidentally sound junior not because they lack expertise, but because we’re all trained to value complexity over clarity. In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact framework I use with executives who want to sound like leaders and get results.

It’s just me, Tim Newman, sharing straight talk and some proven strategies you can start applying right now. We’ll look at why so many ambitious professionals default to overwrought, jargon-heavy language, and why that tendency actually undercuts your credibility in the boardroom. I’ll share stories from real pitch meetings, explain the “eighth grade rule” for clarity, and walk through practical techniques for making your message unmistakable. You’ll also hear why brevity is your best friend, how every extra sentence waters down your message, and how CEOs wield silence as a tool for authority.

We’ll explore what true confidence sounds like (hint: it’s not loud or domineering), and I’ll walk you through the “certainty principle” talk like you’re correct, listen like you’re wrong. You’ll learn to spot and banish the hedges and caveats that sneak into everyday speech. I’ll wrap things up with actionable drills and real-world examples, including rewriting an email and running your own words through the simple, concise, and confident filter.

In this episode, you’ll discover:


Why most people accidentally sound junior at work and how to break the habit


The three-part formula for executive presence: simple, concise, and confident


The “eighth grade rule” for clarity and why it matters


Practical exercises to strip jargon and complexity from your communication


How brevity and silence signal credibility


The difference between true confidence and performance


How to replace hedges with certainty and why vulnerability is part of real confidence


Tools you can start using tomorrow to make every word count

If you’re ready to stop hiding behind big words and long explanations, and start being understood, this episode is your playbook. Remember, your voice has real power when you use it with intention.
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What if the comfort you feel isn’t a sign you’re doing things right, but a warning that you’ve started losing ground? In this week’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dig deep into the real meaning of comfort and the high cost it can carry through the extraordinary journey of my guest, Said Eshaghi. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a rut or held back by a life that feels “just comfortable enough,” this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

I’m Tim Newman, your host, a recovering college professor turned communication coach and today we’re exploring the powerful, and sometimes dangerous, role comfort can play in our personal growth and professional transformation. This isn’t just another episode about communication tactics. Today, we’re talking about the crucial things that happen before you ever open your mouth, moments that shape your confidence, your ability to adapt, and ultimately, your life’s direction.

Said Eshaghi is the founder of Lead Beyond, a Maxwell Leadership certified team member, DISC consultant, and author of the new book Escape from Comfort. Said’s story begins in war-torn Iran, where, as a young teen, he and his brother faced a life-altering decision that would forever change the trajectory of their lives. From a perilous escape across dangerous borders to rebuilding his life in Sweden, rising to become a world-class biochemist, and eventually confronting the pitfalls of unchecked ambition, Said’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and the power of honest reflection.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:


The harrowing journey that took Said Eshaghi from his home in Iran, through Turkey, and finally to Sweden and how the decisions made during that trek shaped his perspective on trust and survival.


Surviving trauma as a child, and why sometimes the things left unsaid are just as important to your survival as what you do say.


How positive thinking and the pressure to excel even in subjects you hate can be both a survival mechanism and a potential weakness.


The life-changing impact of a compassionate teacher, and how that experience informs the way Said Eshaghi now helps others struggling to express themselves.


The challenges of finding your voice in a new country and language, including the role that trust plays in overcoming cultural and communication barriers.


Lessons learned from the world of academia why top performers in STEM and high-pressure fields often fail to communicate outside their technical “bubble,” and the difference a great communicator can make.


The concept of “mind laundering”: how seemingly harmless persuasion, mixed with personal agendas, can manipulate even the most well-intentioned people and how to recognize the signs before it’s too late.


The dangers of unchecked ego and accidental growth, and how losing your sense of purpose can cause even the most successful individuals to go astray.


Said Eshaghi’s proprietary FAR framework and how it helps people navigate transitions (and uncomfortable conversations) to move from survival to leadership and fulfillment.


How to spot the one degree shift that can, over time, take you miles away from your intended path and what to do if you realize you’ve drifted.


Why personal growth, reflection, and a purpose bigger than yourself are critical not just to your own development, but to your capacity to help others in a meaningful way.

You’ll also hear us discuss Said Eshaghi’s new book, Escape from Comfort, and how honest reflection on life’s turning points is the key to escaping the “trap” of a comfortable but unfulfilling existence.

If you’re in your 20s and feeling directionless, or maybe you’re older and questioning whether your comfort is holding you back, this episode will give you the perspective and practical steps you need to start uncomfortable but ultimately transformative conversations with yourself.

Ready to move beyond comfort and toward the life (and impact) you were meant for? Dive into this conversation and let’s start navigating the transitions together.

Connect with Said:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/said-eshaghi/

Website: https://saideshaghi.com    

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/said.eshaghi.9

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