Speaking With Confidence

Have you ever wondered why your carefully crafted corporate messaging seems to miss the mark with younger team members? In today's episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackled a question that's baffling managers everywhere: Why does traditional "boss speak" actually kill trust and engagement with Gen Z—and what should you do instead?

I'm Tim Newman, your host and guide on the journey to becoming a powerful communicator. As a recovering college professor turned communication coach, I bring you real stories and actionable insights that help you show up with confidence in every conversation. This episode was inspired by a pivotal moment I experienced in front of a room full of college seniors. Despite years of urging them to network strategically, my "professional" advice fell flat until I delivered the real, relatable truth: It's the people you know, not your GPA, that land you jobs. That shift took me from blank stares to genuine engagement—and it opened my eyes to how language shapes trust.

We dive into the reality that most managers are still speaking a language Gen Z tuned out years ago. Drawing on Tim Elmore's research, I discuss how phrases like "let's circle back," "leverage synergy," and "align our strategic objectives" serve as instant disengagement triggers. Gen Z, raised online as expert BS detectors, spot vague or manipulative language immediately. They crave clarity, directness, and authenticity. This episode explains why polished corporate language doesn't build credibility—it erodes it, and your influence stems from being understood, not from holding a title.

I share the formula for translating leadership principles into plain, human talk—without resorting to awkward slang or forced memes. It's about explaining the "why" first, connecting every task to real purpose and stakes, and operating with high-context brevity. You'll hear practical examples: Instead of "circle back," say "talk about the issue tomorrow at 10." Trade "leverage synergy" for "work together on a project," and replace "align our strategic objectives" with stating clear goals and measures of success.

We explore how adopting this language shift moves you from managing tasks to inspiring belief in a mission. Gen Z values authenticity and purpose above all—if you don't change your communication style, you simply can't lead them effectively. The show walks through actionable steps like the One Meeting Challenge, where you strip away jargon, state the purpose plainly, and invite honest input. When you speak with clarity and listen with curiosity, you build trust and real buy-in.

Here’s what I covered in this episode:


Why Gen Z disconnects from traditional boss speak


The cost of corporate jargon on trust and engagement


Research-backed communication approach for today's teams


The power of radical directness and saying the quiet part out loud


How to translate vague directives into clear, actionable language


Two key principles: Explaining the why first and high-context brevity


Practical phrases that grab Gen Z’s attention—and ones to avoid


Building credibility by dropping the professional façade


How authentic, respectful leadership influences modern teams


The "One Meeting Challenge" to help you put these ideas into practice immediately

If you're ready to ditch the jargon, talk like a person, and lead a team that truly believes in your vision, this episode has your answers. Remember: progress, not perfection, is the goal. Your voice has the power to change the world—let’s make sure it’s heard.
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Do you ever wonder why building confidence feels so challenging and what's the secret to structuring a message that truly connects with an audience? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive deep into practical, actionable steps to transform your communication and your confidence, no matter where you’re starting from.

I’m Tim Newman, your host, and today I’m joined by the incredible Christiane Schroeter, TEDx speaker, professor, business and wellness coach, and creator of the Petite Practice framework. If you haven’t watched her TEDx talk, I can’t recommend it enough. It's hands-down one of the most actionable and inspiring talks I’ve seen. Christiane's specialty is helping professionals align their goals with their values for results that last, and she hosts the top 1% globally ranked podcast, Happy Healthy Hustle. She’s got a wealth of expertise in communication, innovation, and how to show up confidently, and in this conversation, she shares insights that you can put into practice today.

We kick off by unpacking the true power behind a great TEDx talk and, by extension, any impactful presentation. Christiane Schroeter shares her intentional approach, focusing on what you want your audience to feel and do after your talk because structure is everything. We dig into her experience as an immigrant and bilingual educator, revealing how language learning is a metaphor for confident communication and the importance of truly listening first. Christiane and I joke about raising kids with multiple languages and how this shapes empathy and nuanced expression (and, yes, the fun of switching languages in heated family moments!).

Here's what we covered in this value-packed episode:


The importance of clear structure and audience-centered messaging in public speaking


Why learning and using different languages builds empathy and expressive power


Tips for practicing talks in the “real world” and why mirror practice isn’t enough


How to use peer feedback and self-reflection to grow as a communicator


The true benefit of failure (and why “failure” is your First Attempt In Learning)


Overcoming perfectionism and embracing gritty persistence


The impact of small, consistent actions (Petite Practice) on building lasting confidence


Real-life stories from academia, startup life, and the TEDx stage


Why your journey to confidence is unique and how to make it sustainable


Insights on publishing, self-talk, resilience, and celebrating progress


Where to find more from Christiane Schroeter and her frameworks for lasting growth

Connect with Christiane:

Website: https://doctorchristiane.com

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/christianeschroeter/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/@doctor.christiane

Facebook: https://facebook.com/doctorchristiane

X: https://x.com/Christiane_711  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doctor.christiane

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hello.happy.nest

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/doctor.christiane/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@doctor.christiane

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Have you ever felt invisible on a Zoom call, like your presence barely registers with the group no matter how hard you try? In today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive into the real problem behind our digital disconnect and it’s not your lighting or camera quality. I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and I’m here to help you transform from a digital ghost into someone who truly commands attention in any virtual room.

In this solo episode, I unpack the secret sauce that the top 1% of virtual communicators use to create genuine psychological presence. Forget about buying new gear, the real difference lies in how you structure your message, how you engage with others, and the micro-moves you use to project true authority online. I introduce my SyncLink System, a practical framework built around three pillars: clarity, curiosity, and connection.

We start by exploring the Clarity Filter, why simplicity is the new authority and how complexity kills engagement in a virtual setting. I share a powerful technique from John Maxwell called the 8th Grade Rule, and give you a three-step process to make sure your ideas land perfectly every time. You’ll hear how this has helped my executive clients go from being ignored to truly leading their meetings.

Next, I reveal the Curiosity Protocol: a game-changing mindset shift inspired by Tim Elmore’s ‘Listen Like You’re Wrong’ approach. I walk you through how to lower tension, earn the right to be heard, and transform conflict into connection all while strengthening long-term relationships instead of just “winning” arguments.

Finally, I get tactical with the Connection Catalyst the deliberate micro-moves that signal your presence and build digital gravitas, such as mastering camera contact instead of mere eye contact, using intentional pauses for authority, and deploying name anchors and micro-validations to keep your audience truly engaged. I explain exactly how these small behaviors add up to massive results over the course of a typical meeting.

In this episode, you’ll learn:


Why psychological presence outweighs technical upgrades for digital influence


The three pillars of the SyncLink System: clarity, curiosity, and connection


How to pass the “8th Grade Rule” and make your message instantly understandable


Strategies for winning allies instead of just points in a debate


The power of “Listen Like You’re Wrong” and the 10% truth principle


Why and how you need to combine camera contact with intentional pauses


Tools for name anchoring and micro-validation to make people feel truly seen


A simple, step-by-step action plan to build new habits without feeling awkward or forced

If you’re tired of dull virtual meetings and want to make your presence felt on every call, this is the episode you don’t want to miss. I also share how to get your hands on my ebook, The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them, plus details on joining the Formula for Public Speaking course.

Remember, your voice has the power to change the world. Let’s bridge the digital gap and help you connect, lead, and be understood no matter where you are.
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Have you ever wondered what it really takes to capture an audience—whether you're on stage, in front of a camera, or just showing up in a pivotal conversation? Today, we're answering exactly that. In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I'm diving deep with Cam Beaudoin, a video agency founder who specializes in helping speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs get noticed, trusted, and booked through powerful, story-driven video content.

Cam brings all kinds of energy and insight, and we quickly get into the heart of what it means to project confidence—especially when working with video. We talk about the challenge of connecting through the lens, why you might need to raise your energy even more than you would in a live audience, and how the right tactics can turn your videos from boring to brilliant.

You'll learn Cam’s journey from speaking about disability inclusion for IBM to finding a critical pain point in speakers who were overwhelmed or embarrassed by creating demo reels. We explore the myth of thinking you’ve “arrived” as a speaker and the real value of practicing, watching yourself on video, and continually improving your craft. Cam shares practical strategies to critique your own video performances, emphasizing the importance of focusing on both visual and audio aspects separately, and matching your emotional tone to your message.

We also tackle the branding dilemma, how to become the go-to expert in your field instead of jumping from topic to topic, and why true authority takes effort, focus, and some soul-searching. Cam shares anecdotes about speakers who struggle to maintain brand consistency, and we discuss how testimonials and real transformations anchor your brand in the minds of event planners and clients.

Here's what you'll hear covered in the episode:


Projecting energy and connecting with audiences on camera versus in-person


Cam’s transition from disability inclusion speaker to video expert for speakers


The power of watching your own videos (and using mute/audio to analyze yourself)


The opportunity cost of mediocre video and practicing to maximize impact


Branding: how to narrow your focus, build authority, and be remembered for one thing


The journey and challenges of pivoting within a brand or niche


Getting known, getting hired, and why self-promotion matters (even for seasoned pros)


Using YouTube as a video showcase for event planners and clients


Crafting irresistible hooks for videos with practical examples


TEDx and The Moth as storytelling formats—what they teach about engagement and structure


Rethinking origin stories, using client success as compelling narratives, and making any story relatable


Essential communication skills that cross all formats: empathy, understanding pain vs. pleasure, and focusing on the listener’s needs


Defining authenticity, professionalism, and how to dress and act for credibility


The role of feedback, openness to critique, and the realities of expert status

If you're ready to level up your speaking and video presence, build a resilient brand, and confidently show up in every conversation, this episode has the tools and the real talk you need. Don’t miss my chat with Cam Beaudoin, it’s packed with actionable insights and a few laughs along the way.

Connect with Cam:

Website: https://www.thefrequentspeaker.com/speaker-booking-agency-landing  

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

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

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

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Have you ever felt like a total fraud, trying to perform as an expert instead of actually becoming one? In this episode, I dig into one of the biggest traps communicators face: the expert facade and the fear of failure that keeps us stuck. I'm Tim Newman, former college professor turned communication coach, and today on “Speaking with Confidence,” we're tackling the myth that failure is the enemy of success especially for Gen Z, where every misstep can feel like it's broadcast to the world on a permanent record.

We often think that to be taken seriously, we need to show up perfectly, but that mindset actually blocks progress. I share two personal stories the first from my college days where I was so nervous during my first speech that I literally threw up in class, and a second, more recent example where I blanked and spelled my own name wrong in front of a nurse. These moments were embarrassing, but they weren’t endpoints. They were powerful pivots that taught me vital lessons about authenticity and human connection.

In this episode, I walk you through my simple, three-part Pivot Protocol designed to transform every failure into a strategic advantage: no toxic positivity here, just practical, clear communication strategy. You’ll learn the difference between “tuition payments” (failures that teach you something) and “tragic errors” (ones you repeat without learning). We dive into why hiding mistakes actually creates communication breakdowns, blocking help and trust from your team or boss.

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


The truth about why holding up a perfect expert image is a trap that shuts down learning


How to reframe failures as essential data instead of identity-defining flaws


Step-by-step instructions for using the Pivot Protocol:


The Autopsy: A cold, emotion-free look at what went wrong and what it revealed


The Extraction: Finding the strategic insight that only failure could give you


The Leap: Turning your new insight into a confident, public move forward


How I personally moved from being the most nervous speaker in class to a coach who builds real connection through vulnerability


Practical questions for breaking down your mistakes, so you stop letting embarrassment run the show


Why communicating your learned insights, instead of just the mistake, builds stronger trust and credibility


How to shift your team dynamic from defensive and blame-focused to curious and innovative

If you’re ready to stop protecting your image and start protecting the lesson, this episode is for you. Progress not perfection is the goal. Try applying the Pivot Protocol to a small failure this week and watch how your communication clarity and confidence grow. And don’t forget to grab your free ebook, The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them, at SpeakingWithConfidencePodcast.com or register for the Formulas for Public Speaking course. Remember: your voice has the power to change the world. See you next time!
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