Speaking With Confidence

Have you ever wondered if knowing too much about your subject could actually make you a less effective communicator? I know it sounds counterintuitive, but in this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I dive into why deep expertise might be your biggest liability when presenting and the one simple rule that can turn it all around.

Hi, I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and in this episode, I share my journey from thinking that piling on credentials and information would make me the most persuasive person in the room to realizing that too much expertise can actually get in the way of real communication. I know firsthand how easy it is to fall into “the expert trap,” and today, I want to walk you through the five ways this shows up in our presentations, plus the practical fix that anyone can use immediately.

It’s just me sharing hard-won experience and tools you can apply whether you’re presenting research, delivering a pitch, or leading a team meeting. We start by unpacking the subtle but powerful curse of knowledge, that cognitive bias that makes us forget what it felt like not to know our subject. From there, I break down the other traps that experts stumble into: overloading slides with data, defaulting to lecture mode, relying on jargon to “prove” credibility, and hiding behind an impenetrable expert persona that actually alienates your audience.

We don’t just name the problems, we walk through fixes. I share my go-to strategies, like building presentations that map the audience’s journey rather than just dumping information, making every slide a clear, focused compass rather than a wall of text, and applying what I call the “Gen Z Intern Test” to ensure your language stays human and relatable. Most importantly, I reveal the eighth-grade rule: If a typical eighth grader can’t grasp your main point and its importance after just one hearing, you need to simplify it even further. Clear ideas are your greatest source of authority.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:


The real ways expertise can sabotage your communication and connection


Understanding and overcoming the curse of knowledge


Escaping the trap of data drowning and cluttered slides


Breaking the lecture loop by building real exchanges with your audience


Avoiding jargon overload and speaking so anyone can understand


Letting go of the impenetrable expert persona and embracing authentic authority


The “eighth grade rule” as your universal test for clarity


Why preparing to connect is always more powerful than preparing to impress

If you’re ready to move your presentations from impressive to impactful, and from credible to truly connected, this episode is packed with tools to get you there. Don’t forget to grab your free ebook at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com, and I’ll see you next time as we keep building the soft skills that create real change.
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What does it really take to move from simply having a message to building a message that truly lasts? That’s the question we answer in this episode of Speaking with Confidence.

This week, we dig deep into the art and science behind powerful communication not just what you see on stage, but the systems, preparation, and intentionality that make those moments matter. I’m joined by Jared Cagle, Executive Vice President of Content at Maxwell Leadership. Jared is a master of helping communicators, authors, and thought leaders craft messages that create lasting impact. He’s been directly involved with the development, publishing, and global expansion of John Maxwell’s legendary leadership content, and he shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to influence at scale.

In our conversation, Jared Cagle and I talk about the recent International Maxwell Conference, with Jared offering his highlights and lessons learned from running the show behind the curtain. We discuss the real meaning of connection and community, why the hallway conversations are sometimes more transformative than what happens on stage, and how being genuinely interested in others is foundational to meaningful leadership and influence.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:


Jared’s role at Maxwell Leadership and the intentional system behind crafting memorable messages


Why community and connection matter more than just great content


The power of being interested in others and making them feel valued


Jared’s unique career journey from cold calls to leading content for a global brand


Lessons from getting “in the room” with world-class leaders and how to add value


The relationship between reading, writing, and effective speaking


Practical advice on building messages that last and how the market determines message longevity


The importance of making your message about the audience, not just yourself


Confidence vs. preparedness: what the top speakers and leaders really feel before walking on stage


How to contextualize your message for different audiences and make every moment of interaction count


Why starting small and serving locally can create ripple effects of influence


What’s next for Jared, the legacy work with John Maxwell, and how you can get involved with Maxwell Leadership

Whether you’re an aspiring speaker, established leader, or someone passionate about communicating with more impact, this episode will give you actionable strategies and a fresh perspective on what it takes to build a message and a legacy that lasts.

Connect with Jared:

LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/jared_cagle/   

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

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Have you ever wondered why, despite doing everything right, being considerate, polite, and following all the unspoken rules you still feel overlooked in meetings or conversations? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re diving into the seven subtle "safe habits" that might be sabotaging your presence and making you come across as less confident than you truly are.

I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and I’m here to guide you through the small shifts that turn good communicators into truly compelling ones. Today’s topic grew out of my work with interns, new grads, and young professionals who, without realizing it, train the people around them to see them as unsure or not quite ready to take up space in the room. These aren’t glaring mistakes that most wouldn’t even recognize as confidence killers. But they are quiet habits that slowly erode your authority and can make you feel and look like an imposter.

In this episode, we’ll unpack the seven most common habits that keep talented people playing small. You’ll hear why polite apologies, upspeak, or the nervous nod aren’t keeping the peace; they’re quietly holding you back. I’ll walk through why these behaviors backfire, what they communicate to your colleagues or audience, and practical ways to break out of them without swinging to the opposite extreme of arrogance or aggression.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:


Why apologizing before speaking (with “sorry to bother you,” “quick question,” or “does that make sense?”) weakens your message, and how a simple confident pause has greater impact


The damage caused by upspeak and “the expert facade,” and how to use clear, simple language that establishes real authority


The body language of submission including the invisible man posture and the nervous nod and how to physically take up space to signal confidence


Why over-editing your thoughts or waiting for the perfect moment keeps your contributions invisible, and how to use “the three second rule” to build confidence in real time


The psychological effect these habits have on listeners, and how breaking even just one can immediately shift how you’re perceived in any room


How to choose just one habit to focus on this week for real, sustainable progress, instead of overwhelming yourself with total transformation

Whether you see yourself playing small with language, posture, or silent self-editing, today’s episode will help you swap safety for real presence one habit at a time. Stick with me to the end for a simple challenge you can use in your next meeting, and remember: your voice has the power to change the world.
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What would happen if you stopped chasing productivity hacks and started embracing simplicity and discipline in your everyday life? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive deep into building habits that stick, mastering boundaries, and simplifying the way you work, communicate, and live.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark Struczewski, better known as Mister Productivity, a Houston-based productivity coach and host of the Mister Productivity podcast. With over 1,350 episodes and an unfiltered, real-world approach, Mark helps professionals conquer overwhelm and bring focus back into their days. After being fired from corporate America, Mark turned his setback into a thriving coaching practice, rooted in daily running discipline, his faith, and powerful, practical systems.

Mark’s journey started unexpectedly, with a hurricane keeping him cooped up at home and an article inspiring him to try running one mile a day. Since then, Mark’s daily running habit has surpassed 3,000 consecutive days, a testament to the transformative power of consistent discipline. We explored how that kind of commitment spills over into every area of life, and why the basics matter more than ever, whether you’re running, building a career, or communicating with confidence.

We dug into why so many people, especially young professionals, are constantly overwhelmed. Spoiler: It isn’t just about time management. Mark unpacks the role of FOMO, people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, and our addiction to technology. Together, we discuss how reclaiming focus and simplifying your approach can lead to more clarity and better results, both at work and at home.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:


Mark’s origin story and how a hurricane and Runner's World article launched an 8+ year daily running habit


Why Mark’s daily discipline matters in fitness, work, and coaching


The link between doing hard things and building confidence


Why young professionals (and all generations) feel overwhelmed, and how FOMO and people-pleasing feed the cycle


The importance of saying “no” and setting unbreakable boundaries


Mark’s “get to the point” email and meeting philosophy, plus why more communication is rarely better


How to command attention in person by putting the phone away and giving people your full presence


Finding simplicity in a world that glorifies complexity and constant busyness


The real impact of taking one day completely off for rest, reflection, and recharging


Why being fired opened the door for Mark’s current calling, and how to view setbacks as setups for something new


How podcasting improves communication and the importance of clarity, preparation, and growth


The most impactful productivity principle you can apply right now taking mindful, technology-free micro breaks

If you’re ready to stop making excuses, cut through the overwhelm, and communicate with real confidence, this episode is for you. Mark brings actionable wisdom, humor, and a no-nonsense approach that will get you thinking and moving toward a simpler, more productive life.

Connect with Mark:

Website: https://misterproductivity.com

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

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

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

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Are your youngest employees just difficult to manage or are they the exact mentors your leadership style needs to survive? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I break down why Gen Z isn’t simply shaking up the workplace; they may be the key to transforming brittle, outdated leadership models into resilient, high-trust teams.

I’m Tim Newman, a communication coach, former college professor, and your guide on the journey toward showing up with confidence in every conversation that counts. Today, we’re tackling a challenge that countless managers face: connecting with and leading Gen Z employees. But instead of focusing on how to manage or mold them into old-school models, I invite you to flip the script. What happens when you let your youngest team members mentor you?

Today I’m digging into some game-changing insights from leadership thinker Tim Elmore. We’ll explore why the modern workplace rewards leaders who are open to learning from every person in the room, not just those with long titles or corner offices. If you’ve ever felt like only “the badge” title, seniority, or status gives you credibility, get ready to challenge that mindset. We’ll talk about how Gen Z’s directness, digital intuition, and bridge-building communication can become your greatest asset.

Here’s what you can expect from our conversation:


How rigid, top-down leadership creates fragile teams and why the old hierarchy has officially collapsed 01:36


Why Gen Z’s demands for transparency and speed act as “sandpaper” for outdated leadership, ultimately making teams more adaptable 02:37


The crucial shift from “badge” confidence to “bridge” confidence and how curiosity, trust, and real connection fuel lasting influence 03:23


A breakdown of Tim Elmore’s “A LEG” framework (Ask, Listen, Empathize, Guide) for transforming feedback into real growth 03:38


Why Gen Z’s “epic” communication style (experiential, participatory, image-rich, connected) is actually a massive leadership advantage 04:47


How to use the “velvet brick” approach to build psychological safety and maintain high standards at the same time 08:21


Simple, practical ways to let Gen Z employees shine as mentors and how doing so sets a new standard for team culture 08:47


How public learning as a leader breaks down hierarchies and inspires your team to take more initiative 09:22


A quick homework assignment: one conversation to help you start building the bridge to the future 11:55

If you want to swap insecurity for resilience, defend your title less, and build true influence with your team, this episode is your roadmap. The future belongs to those who learn the fastest and the strongest leaders are the ones who aren’t afraid to be led. Let’s build progress, not perfection together.
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