Speaking With Confidence

Send us a textHave you ever left a presentation struggling to remember the speaker’s name, or worse, realized you might be that forgettable speaker yourself? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle the real root of feeling like an imposter on stage and share practical steps to help you transform into the kind of communicator people truly remember.Today, I’m guiding you through a topic that undermines so many presenters, yet rarely gets the attention it deserves: building your speaker identity. We often chase technique, obsessing over posture, gestures, and slide design, but we forget the foundation that makes those techniques powerful—who we are as communicators and what unique perspective we bring.So, what exactly makes up your speaker identity? I outline the three pillars:Your Unique Value Proposition—what only you can say about your topic based on your expertise, experience, and angle.Your Authentic Communication Style—how you naturally connect, whether it’s humor, data, stories, or questions.Your Signature Stories—the pivotal experiences that shaped your understanding and give emotional weight to your message.You’ll walk away from this episode with:A new understanding of why identity—not just technique—makes speakers memorableReal-world examples of transformation through authenticityThe three key pillars of speaker identity and how they work togetherA step-by-step exercise to claim your own speaker identityImmediate actions to align your presentations with your authentic strengthsInsights for tackling imposter syndrome at its rootI close by reminding you—progress, not perfection, is our goal. If you want extra support, check out our free eBook or my full Formula for Public Speaking course at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com. Remember, your voice has the power to change; all you need to do is bring your true self to every conversation that matters.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 what it really takes to become a confident communicator across cultures, generations, and languages? In this episode, I talk with Maria Rincon, a multilingual public speaking coach with roots in Colombia and China, a background in TV hosting, and experience as a communications consultant for the United Nations.We kick things off exploring Maria’s journey—how she transitioned from television to her meaningful work with the UN, and what it’s actually like inside such a global, multicultural organization. Maria shares stories of teamwork across continents, adapting to cultural diversity, and the powerful lessons she learned navigating different communication styles, both professionally and personally.Maria opens up about her move to public speaking coaching, detailing what she’s learned in her first year as an entrepreneur, including marketing challenges, building confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and establishing her unique approach. We discuss working with technical professionals worldwide and dig into foreign language speech anxiety—how it manifests and the practical techniques Maria uses to help clients overcome it, like embracing your accent and slowing down your speech.We also dive into generational communication differences, debunking stereotypes about Gen Z and Millennials, and discussing the importance of empathy and building bridges across age groups. Maria provides a look at how work-life balance differs globally, especially after experiencing the Nordic approach firsthand.Finally, we talk about the power of storytelling for leaders and professionals. Maria provides actionable tips on developing a story “bank,” the importance of practicing stories in different formats, and how to make stories resonate authentically in any setting.In this episode, you’ll hear about:What it’s really like in the UN’s multicultural environmentNavigating direct and indirect communication across culturesThe ups and downs of starting a coaching business—and lessons in marketing and self-confidenceCommon obstacles like imposter syndrome and foreign language speech anxiety (with tips to overcome them)Generational communication differences and how to bridge the gapsCultivating work-life balance across culturesThe crucial role of storytelling in leadership and communicationYou don’t have to be perfect to be an impactful communicator. From personal stories to practical advice, this episode is packed with insights to help you find your unique voice and show up with confidence, no matter the audience.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 textAre you struggling to truly connect with Gen Z team members at work—or maybe you’re a Gen Z professional frustrated by colleagues who don’t seem to get where you’re coming from? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle a challenge that’s becoming more important every day: How can we break down the generational communication barriers at work to build authentic relationships and boost performance for everyone?I’m Tim Newman, a former college professor turned communication coach, and as your host, I’ve spent years watching the dynamics between Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z play out both in classrooms and boardrooms. Today, I unpack what really prevents us from connecting and share practical, powerful strategies you can use to start bridging the gap now—no matter which generation you’re in.In this episode, I share plenty of real-world stories from my own career and consulting experience, plus research insights from leadership expert Dr. Tim Elmore. We dive into why the old “positional authority” model just doesn’t work with Gen Z, who grew up with access to unlimited information and have learned to question everything—including your title! Instead, we explore how building trust and authentic connection is the key to motivating and retaining Gen Z employees, and how these skills make us stronger communicators with everybody.Here’s what we cover in this episode:How making people truly feel heard (not just tolerated) leads to better motivation and resultsThe single biggest communication mistake managers make with Gen Z—and how to fix itWhy authority means nothing if it isn’t backed by trust and demonstrative competenceThree essential pillars for rebuilding your communication style: listening like you could be wrong, radical authenticity, and co-creating clarity with your teamStep-by-step ways to transform feedback meetings from judgmental monologues into collaborative, solution-focused dialoguesSimple, actionable tactics for onboarding new hires so they feel like they belong from day one—starting with relationship building over rules and policiesReal case studies showing how these changes boost performance, deepen psychological safety, and drastically improve retentionThe difference between high accountability and strong connection—and why you don’t have to choose between the twoA practical behavior change you can implement this week: brief, consistent, agenda-free check-ins that help you solve problems before they become resignationsWhether you’re a manager trying to motivate your Gen Z talent or a Gen Z professional craving genuine dialogue, this episode will arm you with strategies that work. Join me as we move beyond outdated authority models and start building the trust, clarity, and connection our workplaces—and our world—sorely need.Thanks for listening and don’t forget to check out the free resources and courses at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com. Let's make your voice—and your conversations—powerful enough to 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 textHave you ever wondered if it’s truly possible to rewire your brain for confidence—and finally break free from fears that hold you back? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive into the powerful world of hypnosis with certified hypnotherapist, speaker, and bestselling author Amy Koford. Together, we unravel what hypnosis really is, how it works, and ways it can transform not only our communication with others, but also the way we talk to ourselves.We explore what led Amy Koford to hypnosis, including the pivotal moments and the “inner voice” that told her she was meant to help others in this way. Amy discusses how hypnosis goes far beyond the stereotypical portrayals in movies and television. She unpacks the science of trance states, theta brain waves, and how the subconscious mind can be retrained for breakthrough results. Whether it’s breaking a bad habit, boosting performance as an athlete, or conquering the fear of public speaking, Amy’s method emphasizes releasing limiting beliefs and replacing them with empowering ones.I ask Amy about how hypnosis applies to speakers, communicators, and leaders. She draws a direct line between optimal athletic performance and high-impact communication, illustrating how both require clearing out fear, rewriting mental scripts, and visualizing success. We also touch on the challenges faced by self-proclaimed “control freaks” and how hypnosis can help uncover and heal the root causes of that need for control.Here’s what we covered in our conversation:Amy’s path from personal struggles with depression to becoming a hypnotherapistWhat hypnosis actually is (and isn’t), debunking myths from pop cultureHow theta brainwaves allow for direct subconscious reprogrammingThe role of hypnosis in changing habits (like quitting sugar or smoking)How Amy helps athletes “clear the garbage” of past mistakes and perform with confidence—and how this same approach empowers public speakers and communicatorsThe release-and-replace method for eliminating internal blocks and installing new, confidence-boosting beliefsWhy we care what others think and strategies to overcome insecurity in high-stakes momentsThe importance of self-talk and the transformative power of the words “I am”A behind-the-scenes look at Amy’s bestselling book, Hardwired to Rise, and why tackling fear is at the core of healing and communicationPractical exercises for taking out the “mental trash” and refocusing on what you truly wantWhether you’re looking to overcome stage fright, let go of self-doubt, or simply get out of your own way, this episode is packed with wisdom, real-world examples, and actionable steps you can use to build rock-solid confidence.If you’re ready to take that next step, check out Amy’s resources at amykofoard.com and don’t miss her book, Hardwired to Rise, for deeper strategies on tackling fear and unlocking your most confident self. And as always, visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free eBook and more resources to help your voice make an impact. Your confidence is closer than you think—sometimes, it just takes the right mindset shift.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 what it actually takes to grow as a speaker—beyond just practicing your presentation in front of the mirror? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive deep into the lessons I've learned on my own personal journey, including some pretty humbling moments and a behind-the-scenes look at how coaching and mentorship can truly elevate your skills.This week, I’m sharing the story of how I went from a nervous college student—literally the guy who puked in speech class—to a certified, confident speaker and coach. It’s not just about getting over nerves; it’s about shifting your mindset, investing in lifelong learning, and realizing that vulnerability (not perfection) is what really connects us with our audience.I also introduce Roddy Galbraith, John Maxwell’s own speaking coach, who played a pivotal role in helping me shape my story for the International Maxwell Conference’s three-minute speech contest. Roddy’s feedback pushed me to dig deeper, refine my delivery, and focus the message for real impact. If you’ve ever questioned whether coaching is worth the investment, wait until you hear the difference it made—and the advice Roddy gives.Here’s what we cover in this episode:How joining the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team revolutionized my approach to speaking and coaching othersWhat it’s like to compete in a high-stakes, three-minute speech contest—including the importance of timing and preparation, whether you’re speaking to 3,000 or just five peopleWhy I believe coaching is essential for everyone (even John Maxwell gets coached!)A raw story from my past: the first time I had to speak in public—and why it ended with me throwing up in classThe critical shift from perfectionism to authenticity, and the power of making your message about serving othersRoddy’s actionable feedback: how to tighten your speech, amp up your delivery, and draw out the message that mattersA side-by-side comparison of my first version and my final speech—showing exactly how much a story and performance can evolve with the right supportMy reminders about progress over perfection and the importance of chasing your potential, not letting self-doubt or others keep you from taking the next stepIf you’re looking for inspiration, practical takeaways, and an honest look behind the curtain, this episode is for you. Plus, I’ll tell you how to grab your free ebook and register for upcoming speaking courses. Your voice truly has the power to change the world—but only if you use it. Thanks for listening and for being part of this journey with me!Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook