Are you an introvert who’s ever felt pressured to be “more outgoing” at work? Maybe you’ve been told to “speak up more” or “just be charismatic”—but trying on someone else’s style feels fake and leaves you burnt out. What if your natural quietness isn’t the obstacle everyone says it is, but actually your biggest professional edge? That’s the question we’re diving into in this episode of Speaking with Confidence.

I’m Tim Newman, your host—a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and today’s episode is all about turning the corporate world’s obsession with extroversion on its head. We’ll explore the evidence that introverts not only belong in high-visibility roles, but often outperform their extroverted colleagues, especially when it comes to leadership and influence.

In this episode, I get real about the exhaustion introverts feel under non-stop pressure to network and perform. I break down research from top journals that shows the loudest voice isn’t necessarily the most influential. Instead, introverted professionals possess some major superpowers: deep listening, keen observation, and a thoughtful approach that builds psychological safety and trust on teams.

Here’s what we cover in this jam-packed episode:

The myth of extroversion as the only model for leadership (and what the latest research says instead)

How introverts’ natural strength as listeners can build powerful trust and influence within teams

A practical explanation of the 80/20 listening rule for meetings, so you can contribute with confidence and precision

Turning your natural tendency to pause before speaking into a deliberate mark of thoughtfulness (not hesitation)

The “pause and pivot” technique: responding to tough questions without panic or filler, and commanding the room when you do speak

A real-life coaching case study to show these strategies in action

The Precision Protocol: a simple, three-step framework for making every contribution count by preparing smarter, bridging smoothly into discussion, and dropping concise, value-packed insights

How using these strengths consistently can build a reputation as the person everyone wants to hear from—no fake charisma required

The unique power of this approach for Gen Z professionals, remote workers, and anyone seeking greater authenticity in the workplace

A quick-start action step so you can begin leveraging your introvert edge for your next big meeting

I wrap up with a reminder: Progress beats perfection, and your voice—used thoughtfully—can transform your entire team, project, or organization.

If you want to go deeper, be sure to check out my conversation with Stacy Chasen from January for even more strategies for quiet communicators. And don’t forget to visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free resources and to sign up for my new course.

Remember, your quiet nature is a strength you just haven’t been shown how to use—until now. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll talk to you next time!

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Have you ever wondered how the world’s top interrogators communicate with calm, confidence, and true connection—even in high-stakes, emotionally charged scenarios? In today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive into this question and so much more with Brad Beeler, a retired United States Secret Service special agent and course manager for interview and interrogation techniques at the National Center for Credibility Assessment. Brad’s career is nothing short of extraordinary: he served 25 years in the Secret Service, spent 17 years as a polygraph examiner, and has conducted more criminal polygraph examinations than anyone else in Secret Service history.

Brad's experience spans thousands of interviews with some of the most difficult individuals—often in cases involving the sexual exploitation of children. What struck me in our conversation is how central communication is, not just for uncovering the truth, but for creating safety, trust, and effectiveness in the most challenging environments. Brad shares why calm leads to calm, and how emotional contagion, body language, and tone shape every interaction—whether you’re in a high-stakes interview or talking with your family.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

Brad Beeler’s career journey and transition to teaching

The power of calm and emotional contagion in communication

The science of body language, tone, and presence

Listening as a full-contact sport and why neutrality matters

Practical strategies for building connections and safe spaces

How to research and prepare for impactful conversations

Safety and privacy in the digital age, especially for children

Insights from Brad’s book, "Tell Me Everything"

Understanding horns and halos and confirmation bias

The difference between ethical influence and manipulation

Treating everyone with respect and the importance of truth-finding

You’ll walk away from this episode inspired to rethink how you show up in every conversation—with strategies and mindsets used by one of the world’s top communicators. If you want to connect with Brad, visit BradleyBeeler.com or find him on LinkedIn or Instagram at BradBeeler1865. Thank you for joining us, and remember: your voice has the power to change the world.

Connect with Brad:

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Have you ever felt guilty saying no, even when your brain screams that you don’t have the time or energy to help? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle one of the most challenging—and universal—skills for communication and leadership: how to set boundaries and say no effectively, without damaging relationships or your credibility.

As I celebrate the podcast’s two-year anniversary, I’m excited to announce a special giveaway for listeners—a free 3-hour one-on-one coaching package for anyone who leaves a review and tags me on social media. But before we dive into the details of the contest, let’s get real about the Gen Z struggle, which honestly affects almost all of us: we want to be helpful, but we desperately need to protect our time and energy. This episode is all about striking that balance, and learning to say a strategic no that actually builds trust and influence.

Today, I’m guiding you through real-world strategies grounded in science and research for better boundary-setting. I start by unpacking why it feels so hard to say no: our brains literally perceive it as a social threat, triggering fight-or-flight mode thanks to the amygdala. Most people fall into two traps when refusing a request—either ghosting (avoiding the person altogether) or becoming a jerk (being overly blunt or aggressive). Both hurt your professional reputation and relationships. Then there’s the spotlight effect, which tricks us into believing everyone will notice and judge our refusal way more harshly than reality suggests.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:

Why saying no feels dangerous, and the neuroscience behind our aversion to refusal

Common failure modes to avoid: ghosting and aggressive rejection

The Value Anchor Method explained and demonstrated with real-world scripts

How to say no to your boss, teammate, or friend without burning bridges

Tips for maintaining professionalism and protecting your reputation

The mindset shift from seeing boundaries as walls to viewing them as foundations for strong partnerships

A practical implementation challenge for listeners to practice the three-part refusal framework

Resources for deeper learning, including my video with the NOPE Coach Suzanne Kolberg and my Formula for Public Speaking course

Details about the two-year anniversary contest and how to enter

If you’re ready to upgrade your communication skills and build lasting influence—plus maybe win some free coaching—this episode gives you everything you need to start saying no with confidence, clarity, and kindness. Let’s turn boundaries into bridges for stronger, healthier connections in both your work and personal life.

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How do you find your true voice and lead with confidence when you’re the only one in the room who’s different? That’s the question at the heart of today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence.

Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with empowerment executive coach Varuschka Nagesar, whose rich and diverse background weaves together corporate law, global commercial leadership, and transformative coaching for high-achieving women. If you’ve ever struggled to speak up, felt like the outsider, or navigated culture clashes at work, this conversation is for you.

We started by diving into Varuschka’s extraordinary journey, from her roots and legal training in post-apartheid South Africa—a world shaped by diversity, multiple languages, and complex cultural nuances—to major commercial leadership roles in the UK, US, the Middle East, and Europe. She shared powerful stories about learning to honor different communication styles, from deciphering idioms in new countries to gaining respect for those doing business in a second or third language. Her insight: real connection starts with meeting people where they are, not just linguistically but culturally and emotionally.

Here’s what we covered in today’s episode:

How global and generational diversity shapes communication and trust at work

Why language and nonverbal cues matter—and how to navigate misunderstandings across cultures

Dealing with being “the only one” in the room and turning that into your strength

The difference between confidence and self-belief—and how to build both

How self-limiting beliefs show up, and simple, real-world strategies to overcome them

The role of core values and intuition in major life and career decisions

Real-life stories and mindset shifts that helped Varuschka stop “swimming upstream” and find alignment

Advice for listeners on taking the first steps toward authenticity, fulfillment, and empowered leadership

If you’re ready to step into your full influence, communicate more powerfully, or simply need inspiration to trust yourself, this episode is a must-listen. Thank you to Varuschka Nagesar for sharing her journey, wisdom, and practical takeaways. And as always, remember: your voice has the power to change the world.

Connect with Varuschka:

Website: varuschkanagesar.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varuschka-nagesar/ 

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Have you ever wrapped up a presentation and just felt like something was off? Maybe you had all the right data, your facts were solid, but somehow, the audience just didn’t connect—or worse, you left the room wondering if your expertise really came through. If you’ve had that lingering doubt, you’re not alone, and in today’s episode, we’re answering the critical question: What are the invisible habits that might be secretly undermining your authority and what can you do to fix them?

Hi, I’m Tim Newman, host of the Speaking with Confidence podcast, and in this episode, I’m sharing the two biggest culprits I see sabotaging even the most brilliant communicators: a subtle vocal pattern that makes you sound like you’re asking for permission, and body language that screams nervousness instead of confidence. Instead of trying to sound perfect or change your personality, we’re getting practical with the “status reset protocol”—an actionable system you can use straight away to project authentic authority when you speak.

It’s just you and me digging deep into the mechanics of presence and authority. You’ll hear real-life examples, simple frameworks, and low-pressure exercises that you can start practicing immediately, whether you’re prepping for a big pitch or just explaining your work to a friend.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

Why up-talking—that rising inflection at the end of statements—can subconsciously make you sound unsure, even when you’re an expert.

The hidden psychological impact of vocal patterns and how your audience’s brains interpret them.

The most common physical habits that undermine your credibility, from “T. Rex arms” to the “fig leaf” and the infamous “windmill.”

Why leaders look comfortable in their own space and how fidgeting or over-controlling your gestures actually backfires.

How to become aware of your invisible communication habits (and why recording yourself is the most powerful tool you have).

The “Punctuate, Don’t Pacify” method for transforming your vocal delivery, making sure your key points land with certainty rather than doubt.

The “Gesture with Intent” framework so your hands support your message instead of highlighting nervous energy—and how to keep movements purposeful, not robotic.

Easy, low-stakes ways to practice these new skills before you’re under pressure in a big presentation.

The status reset protocol: picking one habit to watch for this week, building awareness, and gradually building unshakable authority.

Plus, I share details about our special giveaway to celebrate the podcast’s second anniversary, including how you can win a free, three-hour one-on-one coaching package focused on communication and leadership skills.

If you’re ready to stop unintentionally asking for approval and start commanding the room as a true expert, this episode is packed with practical strategies to make that leap. As always, head to speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for a free eBook, more resources, and info about the Formula for Public Speaking course. Remember—progress, not perfection, and your voice truly can change the world. Let’s build your confidence, one episode at a time.

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What if you could make people say “yes” more often—ethically? On today's episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive deep into the science and art of ethical persuasion. Many of us have wondered, “How do I convince people without feeling pushy or manipulative?” Today, we’re answering that, exploring how understanding human decision-making can massively improve your influence—at work, at home, or on stage.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Patrick Van Der Burght, a founding member of the Cialdini Institute, licensed trainer, and business partner of Dr. Robert Cialdini—the author of the legendary book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. If you’re in the communication or leadership space, you already know Cialdini’s name—so having Patrick Van Der Burght join us is a real treat. Not only does he co-host the podcast Ethical Persuasion Unlocked, but he’s been teaching ethical influence to professionals for over two decades, helping them accelerate toward their personal and professional goals using behavioral science.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

Why “no” usually just means “I don’t know yet”—not outright rejection

How most decisions are made unconsciously, and what that means for communication today

The difference between being liked and being similar, and how to use both

Why giving value first (reciprocity) increases compliance and loyalty

How to use testimonials and social proof for maximum impact

Ways authority can be established ethically on stage or in business, without losing credibility

The surprising power of scarcity and loss framing (“What will it cost you if you don’t act?”)

How getting someone to take a small, public action makes them much more likely to follow through

Why surveys and focus groups can so badly miss the mark on what truly influences behavior

How these principles work not just professionally but in everyday relationships—persuading your kids, family, and friends

This conversation is loaded with actionable insight, memorable stories, and some eye-opening science. Patrick is offering a free ebook and other resources—don’t miss those in the show notes. And if you found this episode valuable, please drop me a comment or review—Patrick and I would love to know your feedback.

Tune in to discover how you can start hearing “yes” more often—without ever sacrificing your ethics!

Connect with Patrick:

Website: https://ethicalpersuasion.com.au/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ethicalpersuasion
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-van-der-burght/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethicalpersuasion/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethical_persuasion/
Twitter: https://x.com/yesmoreoften
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ethicalpersuasion
Book: https://yesmoreoften.com/

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Have you ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of a high-pressure, time-limited public speaking presentation—and how a communication coach turns even his own missteps into teachable moments? In this special episode of Speaking with Confidence, I pull back the curtain on my recent experience presenting a Pecha Kucha at PodFest 2026, while offering you practical coaching advice you can apply to your own speaking journey.

As we celebrate the podcast’s two-year anniversary (with a special giveaway—don't miss the details!), I reflect on what it means to embrace confidence, resilience, and the power of vulnerability on stage. This episode is a bit different: using my own Pecha Kucha talk as a case study, I break down the presentation, highlight what worked, where I stumbled, and how you can learn from real-life examples. If you’ve ever let fear hold you back from speaking up, stepping onto a stage, or pressing “record” on a podcast, this one’s for you.

I’m joined at the top of the show by Roddy Galbra, who introduces me before I launch into my presentation breakdown. From that point, I take you step-by-step through everything: prepping the talk and building slides under a deadline, battling nerves, and the moment-by-moment coaching insights I’ve gained both from experience and good old-fashioned trial and error. Along the way, I share how tools like ChatGPT can be a feedback partner (and sometimes a brutal truth-teller!) when preparing for big moments.

Here’s what you’ll get in this episode:

The inside story of my Pecha Kucha experience with only five minutes and 20 auto-advancing slides

Candid reflections on starting too fast, handling nerves, embracing pauses, and managing mistakes as they happen

Why humor, humility, and authenticity work better than perfection on stage

Recognizing the importance of connecting your story to a clear call to action

The value of critiquing your own performances—and the difference between authority and arrogance in public speaking

Insights into how your fears might be tied up with your identity, and how to use that to fuel growth instead of hesitation

Why your audience doesn’t connect with perfect—they connect with “messy,” real stories

Actionable advice on what to improve in any talk: punching up your openings and closings, planting your feet, letting silence do the heavy lifting, and giving your audience a repeatable mental model they’ll remember

Encouragement to step up, take action, and use your unique voice, regardless of nerves or previous stumbles

If you’re ready to move past fear and into progress—not perfection—this episode will encourage and challenge you to take your next speaking risk. Don’t forget, I’m running a special giveaway: leave a review for Speaking with Confidence, share it on social media and tag me, and you could win a free three-hour coaching package with me focused on communication and leadership skills.

Tune in, learn from my journey, and remember—your voice has the power to change your world.

Talk soon,Tim

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How prepared are today’s students for the realities of the workforce, and what can we do to close the career readiness gap? That’s the big question we tackle in this episode of Speaking with Confidence.

This week, I’m joined by Mike Wysocki, an award-winning author of Careers by the People and a seasoned veteran with over 30 years in tech sales. Mike’s journey is both cautionary and inspiring. After launching a successful career without the tools or guidance he needed, Mike has dedicated his life to helping the next generation develop the soft and professional skills they need to succeed.

We dive deep into the hard truths and realities of career preparation, from what’s missing in both higher education and K12 settings, to the vital importance of communication and other soft skills. We talk about why so many students—especially those who are first-generation and come from working-class backgrounds—are being left behind in a system that focuses more on education as an end in itself, and less on real-world outcomes.

You’ll also hear:

The story behind Careers by the People and why Mike felt compelled to write it

How he gathered authentic stories—from CEOs to actuaries to accountants—to help other students avoid the same pitfalls he encountered

Why soft skills (or what some call “power skills”) like public speaking, communication, teamwork, and writing are more important than ever—and actionable ways for students to develop them, whether through Toastmasters, acting classes, or even stand-up comedy

Practical strategies for career exploration, including talking to those inside—and outside—the industries you’re considering, seeking out summer jobs, volunteering, and joining professional associations

The difference real-world experience makes, and why getting out of your hometown for a first job can open up your world

The importance of follow-up and adding value in networking, not just collecting contacts

Why students need trusted advisors from a range of ages and backgrounds, and why advice from peers isn’t enough

What gives us hope about the next generation, and what still keeps us up at night

You’ll also catch us going back and forth on what colleges and employers could be doing differently, how parents and students can ask the right questions during the college decision process, and what we as educators and mentors can do to make the biggest difference.

Whether you’re a student, a parent, an educator, or someone thinking about your next step, this episode gives you the tools and real talk you need to move forward with clarity, courage, and confidence.

Tune in to hear the full conversation with Mike Wysocki—and stay with us till the end for his tips on making the most of every career opportunity and how to get in touch with him for more insights.

Connect with Mike:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-wysocki/

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

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Have you ever found yourself stuck in a conversation with a complicated coworker, wondering, “How do I actually communicate with this person to get things moving forward?” In today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive right into the core question: How can you effectively communicate with complicated people—especially when, let’s be honest, we’re all complicated in our own unique ways?

Hi, I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and I’m excited to guide you through practical strategies for navigating communication challenges at work. In today’s episode, I reference Ryan Leak’s insightful book, How to Work with Complicated People, which inspired much of the approach I share.

We kick things off with an all-too-familiar workplace scenario: a colleague agrees to a deadline with smiles and nods, only to send a passive aggressive note a few days later that derails the project. Your instinct may be to fire back or just give up, but I explain why that reaction rarely solves the underlying problem—because the real issue is how complicated humans communicate with each other.

Here’s what we covered:

Why communicating with complicated people is a universal challenge

The importance of translating your message for different audiences

How workplace communication direction changes your approach (up, across, and down)

Strategies for communicating up: focusing on outcomes and impact with leadership

How to handle peer-to-peer conflict through respect, questions, and common ground

Four keys for giving clear, motivating direction to your team

The difference between tactical fixes and building a true communication system

The foundational skill of knowing your audience and message, and why it’s essential for every workplace conversation

Whether you’re reporting to a boss, negotiating with coworkers, or leading a team, you’ll leave this episode with actionable techniques to stop the cycle of miscommunication and start showing up—every single time—with clarity and confidence. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistent progress.

Before I sign off, don’t forget to grab your free eBook, “The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them,” at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com, and check out our Formula for Public Speaking course. Thanks for listening and always remember: your voice has the power to change the world.

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Have you ever found yourself stuck in a conversation with a complicated coworker, wondering, “How do I actually communicate with this person to get things moving forward?” In today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive right into the core question: How can you effectively communicate with complicated people—especially when, let’s be honest, we’re all complicated in our own unique ways?

Hi, I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and I’m excited to guide you through practical strategies for navigating communication challenges at work. In today’s episode, I reference Ryan Leak’s insightful book, How to Work with Complicated People, which inspired much of the approach I share.

We kick things off with an all-too-familiar workplace scenario: a colleague agrees to a deadline with smiles and nods, only to send a passive aggressive note a few days later that derails the project. Your instinct may be to fire back or just give up, but I explain why that reaction rarely solves the underlying problem—because the real issue is how complicated humans communicate with each other.

Here’s what we covered:

• Why communicating with complicated people is a universal challenge
• The importance of translating your message for different audiences
• How workplace communication direction changes your approach (up, across, and down)
• Strategies for communicating up: focusing on outcomes and impact with leadership
• How to handle peer-to-peer conflict through respect, questions, and common ground
• Four keys for giving clear, motivating direction to your team
• The difference between tactical fixes and building a true communication system
• The foundational skill of knowing your audience and message, and why it’s essential for every workplace conversation

Whether you’re reporting to a boss, negotiating with coworkers, or leading a team, you’ll leave this episode with actionable techniques to stop the cycle of miscommunication and start showing up—every single time—with clarity and confidence. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistent progress.

Before I sign off, don’t forget to grab your free eBook, “The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them,” at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com, and check out our Formula for Public Speaking course. Thanks for listening and always remember: your voice has the power to change the world.

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