Speaking With Confidence

• The Secret to Earning Attention in Your First 30 Seconds | Tim Newman Speaks

  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

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• Why Interaction Is the Secret Weapon for Powerful Public Speaking and Teaching with Ivan Wanis-Ruiz

  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

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• The Three Pillars of Authority for Speakers | Tim Newman Speaks

  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

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• Overcoming Stage Nerves: Practical Confidence Tips for Speakers and Leaders from Alex Sanfilippo

  Send us a textEver wondered why so many high-achieving leaders and communicators struggle to recognize their own value? In our 100th episode of Speaking with Confidence, we tackle this powerful question and much more with a very special guest who’s played a major role in my own podcasting journey—Alex Sanfilippo.I kicked off this milestone episode reflecting on the journey so far and the importance of crafting your communication skills. From day one, Speaking with Confidence has been about helping you show up as your most authentic, impactful self—whether it's in storytelling, leadership, podcasting, or daily conversations. To celebrate our 100th episode, I invited Alex Sanfilippo, founder of PodMatch.com and the host of Podcasting Made Simple, to join me. If you’re not familiar, PodMatch is a brilliant platform that automatically matches podcast hosts and guests, a true game changer for podcasters looking to deliver more value and connect with new audiences.We dove deep into topics that every communicator and leader will relate to—especially if you’ve ever doubted the impact you make. Alex Sanfilippo shared honestly about his own struggle with imposter syndrome, the challenge of recognizing the ripple effects of our work, and why surrounding yourself with the right people is so critical—not only for accountability but for remembering your successes and celebrating your growth. We reminisced about some of Alex’s earliest lessons as a 10-year-old entrepreneur selling golf balls, and how those negotiations with adults laid the foundation for his confidence and communication today.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:Why so many high achievers underestimate their own value and impactHow imposter syndrome shows up (even for seasoned leaders and creators)The importance of community—having people who’ll tell you when you’re doing great and when you need to growHow laughter, play, and fun can transform not just your mood, but your effectiveness as a communicatorLessons from childhood entrepreneurship that still apply to adult leadership and negotiationsHow to reflect on your day and extract lessons that drive growthThe difference between representing yourself as a brand and representing a company—and why authenticity matters more than everA powerful story about vulnerability on stage, and how genuine emotion connects more deeply than perfection ever couldTips for managing nerves before speaking, including “mindset hacks” to recast anxiety as excitementWhy storytelling, not just well-organized points, is at the heart of powerful communicationHow to use your walk-up song or other rituals to channel energy and confidence before you speakWhether you’re a podcaster, leader, or someone simply looking to speak up with more confidence, this 100th episode is packed with honest insights, practical strategies, a few laughs, and plenty of encouragement about the unique value only you can offer.Thank you for being part of this incredible journey to 100 episodes. Tune in to hear my conversation with Alex Sanfilippo—I promise you’ll walk away ready to communicate (and live!) with more 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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• Practical Strategies to Overcome Digital Distractions and Screen Overload | Tim Newman Speaks

  Send us a textHave you ever wondered if your phone habits are actually rewiring your brain—and what you can do to reclaim truly meaningful conversations? In today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive deep into the reality of digital overwhelm, exploring how our constant connectivity shapes not only our attention spans, but also our ability to build real, lasting connections.I’m Tim Newman, your host and a “recovering college professor” turned communication coach. If you caught my earlier conversation with Craig Mattson about digital overwhelm (and if not, be sure to listen!), today I’m taking our discussion one step further. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you break out of the screen-time spiral and nurture richer, more present communication—at work, at home, and everywhere it matters.I unpack just how our devices—and the behaviors they encourage—impact our brains, our relationships, and our emotional well-being. Did you know that our attention span has dropped to less than a goldfish’s, or that checking your phone mid-conversation can physically hurt your relationships? I detail the science behind these findings, walking you through what’s really happening in your brain when you’re glued to your screen.Here’s a sneak peek of what we cover in this episode:How excessive screen time quite literally changes the physical structure of your brain, especially the areas that keep your empathy and emotional processing sharpThe eye-opening comparison between our attention span today and that of a goldfish (spoiler: the fish is winning)Why multitasking is just rapid attention switching, and how every notification derails your focus for as much as 25 minutesHow checking your phone—even for a split second—during meetings or conversations triggers feelings of rejection and erodes trustThe surprising emotional gap in text-based communication vs. phone calls or in-person chats, including why arguments take longer to resolve over text and why emojis don’t always helpThe neuroscience behind why social media may be numbing our real-world empathy, and how dopamine-driven interactions make it harder to form deep, lasting bondsSimple, science-backed strategies to repair your attention span—like the 90/20 rule, tech-free meal times, and delaying morning phone use—and the powerful results you can expect to seeThe truth about “multitasking” in virtual meetings and the dramatic drop in information retention when devices are presentWhy creating analog space and reducing digital distractions leads not only to better memory and increased empathy, but more rewarding, memorable conversationsThroughout the episode, I share practical experiments, easy habits, and real-world stories—along with the latest research—to help you make progress, not seek perfection. You’ll discover small changes that restore focus and connection, proving you don’t have to renounce technology to build your confidence as a communicator. Start with just one device-free meal a day and see just how much deeper your conversations can go.Don’t forget to check out speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free eBook and details on my public speaking course. Your voice matters—and with a bit of intentionality, you can ensure it’s heard, felt, and 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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