Speaking With Confidence

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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How do you respond with confidence when an uncomfortable question tests your composure, especially in a professional setting?

In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive into visibility, courage, and the power of showing up authentically even when the circumstances are less than ideal. Whether you're getting asked, "Who's watching your kids?" at a conference (when your male colleagues never are), or struggling to find your voice in team meetings, today’s conversation will help you find practical ways to stand tall and speak up no matter the situation.

I'm thrilled to be joined by Sabine Hutchison, the CEO, author, and founder of the Ripple Network. Sabine is a powerhouse leader whose work focuses on helping others cut through the noise, trust their own voice, and intentionally shape their careers. Sabine’s own journey began when she moved to Germany with just two suitcases and no plan, which led her to reinvent her life by listening to her intuition rather than following a rigid blueprint.

In our discussion, Sabine and I unpack why taking action without a perfect plan is often the best route for personal and professional growth. We reflect on generational differences in communication, visibility, and work ethic from the "just do it" attitude of Gen X to the entrepreneurial but differently structured approach of Gen Z and millennials. We also talk about the critical importance of stages big and small in building influence and accessing opportunities, and why visibility isn’t just about being seen, but about connecting through stories.

Sabine shares stories and strategies from her own experience, including how she coaches leaders to take microsteps that build lasting confidence. We explore what it takes to speak up in meetings, especially if you’re hesitant or the only one in the room who looks like you. We get honest about self-doubt, the paralyzing fear of judgment (especially for younger generations), and why embracing feedback even when it stings is a crucial part of improvement.

We also discuss real-life examples of handling outrageous or inappropriate questions with composure instead of emotion, reinforcing how practice and intentional actions like enlisting accountability partners or preparing for meetings in advance make a world of difference.

Here’s what we covered in this lively and deeply practical episode:


Sabine’s move to Germany and how intuition shaped her courage and reinvention 01:41


Taking action without a full plan and overcoming “analysis paralysis” 05:21


Generational differences in communication, risk-taking, and adapting to structure 09:15


The critical role of visibility and “stages” (of all sizes) for influence and opportunity 15:01


Microsteps, storytelling, and building self-trust and confidence in professional settings 19:00


Creative strategies for speaking up in meetings, even when it feels intimidating 26:32


The power of accountability groups and intentional practice for growth 29:04


Responding to gendered, biased, and outrageous questions in the workplace with composure 31:49


The origin and mission of the Ripple Network and how it empowers women to speak up, practice, and lead 38:07


How feedback, repetition, and a supportive network drive communication growth at any stage of your career 40:15


The importance of being coachable and open to feedback plus, honest anecdotes about learning from our own slip-ups 46:16

If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself or wondered how to boldly own your perspective, today’s episode will inspire you to take action no matter where you are on your journey. Tune in and join us as we explore what it really means to speak with confidence.

Connect with Sabine:

Website: https://sabinehutchison.com   

Website: https://www.theripplenetwork.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabine.hutchison/

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

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Have you ever wondered why you sound so smart in your emails and texts, but when it’s time to speak up in meetings or on Zoom, your voice just doesn’t match the conviction in your head? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we're diving deep into the “digital vocal gap”—the disconnect between the confident communicator you are online and the hesitant speaker you might become out loud.

I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and today I’m guiding you step-by-step through bridging that gap. If you’ve ever felt your voice come out sounding thin or uncertain, even as you felt completely sure of your ideas, you’re not alone. The truth is, it's not about lacking confidence—it's about not using the full physical power of your voice. And I’m here to show you that it’s a tool you can learn to wield.

In this solo episode, I introduce the critical concepts of chest resonance and vocal authority—how the physical place your voice originates from impacts your credibility long before the words you say even land with your audience. I’ll walk you through a practical exercise to literally feel the difference between speaking from your head versus your chest, and you’ll discover why so many of us accidentally default to what I call “horizontal speech,” keeping our voices small and tight, perfect for text but ineffective in person.

I unpack the mechanics of grounded, vertical speech: how to open your vocal tract, drop your jaw, and use your chest to create sound that is full, resonant, and impossible to tune out. We practice together with simple, actionable exercises—like the sigh-of-relief technique and my “eighth grade rule,” a filter that will help you command attention even from the toughest, most skeptical audience.

Here’s what I cover in today’s episode:


The real reason your voice doesn’t always match your conviction in professional conversations


The concept of the digital vocal gap and why most people have it


Why people decide what to believe based on how you sound, not just what you say


How to physically find and use your chest resonance for more authority


The difference between horizontal (text bubble) and vertical (grounded, open) speech


Guided voice exercises to feel and hear the difference in resonance and authority


How creating vertical space in your sound makes you more compelling and less apologetic


The “eighth grade rule” for instantly making your speaking voice more engaging and credible


Connecting your inner clarity to your outer voice so your ideas always land


A simple 60-second physical rehearsal routine to unlock your best, most confident spoken self before every call or meeting

You’ll leave this episode with the tools, awareness, and practical steps to transform your presence in any conversation—no matter how nervous you used to feel. Let’s move your voice out of the cramped text bubble and into the room where your authority belongs. Your ideas deserve to be heard with the same certainty with which you write them.

As always, progress, not perfection. Don’t forget to grab your free eBook, the Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them, or register for my Formula for Public Speaking course. Your voice truly does have the power to change the world—let’s make sure everyone hears it.
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