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Have 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 environment
• Navigating direct and indirect communication across cultures
• The ups and downs of starting a coaching business—and lessons in marketing and self-confidence
• Common obstacles like imposter syndrome and foreign language speech anxiety (with tips to overcome them)
• Generational communication differences and how to bridge the gaps
• Cultivating work-life balance across cultures
• The crucial role of storytelling in leadership and communication

You 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.

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Are 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 results
• The single biggest communication mistake managers make with Gen Z—and how to fix it
• Why authority means nothing if it isn’t backed by trust and demonstrative competence
• Three essential pillars for rebuilding your communication style: listening like you could be wrong, radical authenticity, and co-creating clarity with your team
• Step-by-step ways to transform feedback meetings from judgmental monologues into collaborative, solution-focused dialogues
• Simple, actionable tactics for onboarding new hires so they feel like they belong from day one—starting with relationship building over rules and policies
• Real case studies showing how these changes boost performance, deepen psychological safety, and drastically improve retention
• The difference between high accountability and strong connection—and why you don’t have to choose between the two
• A practical behavior change you can implement this week: brief, consistent, agenda-free check-ins that help you solve problems before they become resignations

Whether 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.

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Have 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 hypnotherapist
• What hypnosis actually is (and isn’t), debunking myths from pop culture
• How theta brainwaves allow for direct subconscious reprogramming
• The 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 communicators
• The release-and-replace method for eliminating internal blocks and installing new, confidence-boosting beliefs
• Why we care what others think and strategies to overcome insecurity in high-stakes moments
• The 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 communication
• Practical exercises for taking out the “mental trash” and refocusing on what you truly want

Whether 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.

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Have 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 others
• What 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 people
• Why 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 class
• The critical shift from perfectionism to authenticity, and the power of making your message about serving others
• Roddy’s actionable feedback: how to tighten your speech, amp up your delivery, and draw out the message that matters
• A 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 support
• My reminders about progress over perfection and the importance of chasing your potential, not letting self-doubt or others keep you from taking the next step

If 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!

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What does it really take to lead and communicate with Generation Z in today’s workplace? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I sit down with Dr. Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders, bestselling author, and expert in multi-generational leadership. Dr. Elmore has spent decades developing emerging leaders—including an impressive 20 years by the side of John C. Maxwell—and he’s written extensively on what makes great leadership tick, especially in our rapidly evolving culture. If you’ve ever struggled to connect with Gen Z professionals or wondered why their anxiety levels seem so high, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

I’ve long believed that Gen Z is smarter and more entrepreneurial than previous generations, and finally, Dr. Elmore’s new book, The Future Begins with Z, delivers the data to back it up. In our conversation, we explore the shifts in social and technological dynamics that have shaped Gen Z, especially how anxiety (now at levels comparable to psychiatric patients in the 1950s) has become a natural outgrowth of the overwhelming flood of information they face daily. We dig into the critical distinction between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth—how leaders and educators can help foster resilience instead of victimhood.

Here’s what we cover in the episode:

• The roots of Gen Z’s high anxiety and how social media amplifies it
• Coaching young professionals through stress and building grit with empathy and compassion
• Key differences between post-traumatic growth and stress, and how to foster resilience
• How educators and employers can prepare Gen Z for professional success—through realistic expectations and reframing self-talk
• The “Stockdale Paradox” and the difference between hope and optimism in leadership
• The misconception that Gen Z doesn’t want to work, and data from real-world focus groups that prove otherwise
• The necessity of building trust and relationships before offering feedback or correction (“Connect before you correct”), and the ALEG feedback process
• Teaching and modeling soft skills that Gen Z may be missing due to pandemic-era screen life
• Why authentic, frequent, and brief communication trumps lengthy, infrequent updates—and why daily check-ins matter
• How leaders can admit mistakes openly to build trust and model real communication
• The velvet-covered brick as a metaphor for leadership: balancing empathy with accountability
• Recognizing and responding appropriately to practical, social, and emotional conversations—especially when leading younger team members

We wrap up with actionable steps for leading Gen Z better, starting right now—not tomorrow. If you want practical strategies, stories, and a hopeful look at how Gen Z can make us stronger leaders when we rise to the occasion, you’ll find gold in this episode. I’m grateful to Dr. Tim Elmore for joining the conversation and sharing his wisdom. For everyone ready to adapt, lead, and have more confident conversations with the next generation, this episode is for you.

Connect with Tim:

Website: https://growingleaders.com
Website: https://www.timelmore.com

LinkedIn:

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Are your words truly building the influence you want, or is there a hidden gap between what you say and how you act that's silently killing your credibility? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive deep into the powerful truth that your real message isn’t just what comes out of your mouth—it’s what people see in your behavior, especially when no one’s watching.

I open with a personal story about a tough leadership lesson: the painful disconnect between preaching innovation and risk-taking, and then acting in a way that totally undermined those values. Admitting that I was the one who once made this mistake sets the tone for radical authenticity and accountability—qualities I argue are essential if you want genuine influence.

Drawing on insights from John Maxwell's Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, I explain why your PowerPoint slides and pitch-perfect scripts are just window dressing. The heart of true connection and lasting influence is living out what you communicate. I tackle the myth that communication is all about how you craft your message and show why, instead, behavior is your primary message. Your team and clients have real-time “credibility audits” running in their heads, always weighing your actions far more than your words.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

• The invisible gap between values and behavior that sabotages your influence
• A personal leadership mistake that taught me hard lessons about credibility
• Why your behavior communicates more than your words, especially under scrutiny
• How accountability—not perfection—accelerates trust and strengthens connections
• The step-by-step formula for owning and fixing mistakes with clients and teams
• A fresh take on vulnerability: how sharing learned wisdom (not present weakness) wins hearts and minds
• How to shift from a transactional to a partnership dynamic in any relationship
• The power of doing a quick “alignment audit” before key meetings to instantly increase impact

Whether you’re a leader, communicator, or entrepreneur, this episode arms you with actionable tools to make your influence grow—by living your message with confidence, accountability, and authentic vulnerability. And remember, we’re always chasing progress, not perfection!

As a quick update, next week’s schedule features a special guest and a holiday replay, so stay tuned. Don’t forget to grab your free eBook and check out my new book for even deeper strategies on turning your connections into true career growth. Thanks for joining me—your voice really can change your world.

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What if there was a proven way to help kids with dyslexia leap multiple grade levels in reading and writing—using strategies most schools never teach? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dig deep into this question and reveal practical answers with the help of a truly inspiring guest.

Today, we’re diving headfirst into the realities of dyslexia—a condition that affects as many as 15 to 20% of learners, yet is still too often met with “let’s wait and see” in schools and by professionals. I have a personal connection to this topic, both as an educator and as someone with ADHD who faced my own hurdles in the traditional education system.

Joining me for this conversation is Russel Van Brocklen, known as the “dyslexia professor.” Russel Van Brocklen didn’t just study dyslexia—he lived it, spending his early years reading and writing at a first-grade level, even into college, before finally learning to read fluently in law school. He’s devoted decades to translating structured literacy research into practical, bite-sized strategies families can use at home. His story, and the successes he’s helped engineer for countless kids, provide a roadmap out of what can feel like an endless educational maze.

We explored Russel’s personal journey—from academic struggle and institutional roadblocks to academic success and expert status. We talk about the specific-to-general approach that flips how most of us were taught, and why it’s the leverage point for learners with dyslexia, ADHD, and other neurodiverse backgrounds. Russel shares real-life case studies, like Casey, a highly motivated fifth-grader who jumped eight grade levels in reading in just six months by leveraging her passion for Theodore Roosevelt.

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

• The unique brain-based challenges and strengths of learners with dyslexia and ADHD
• Why most accommodations don’t go far enough—and what actually works
• How to use a student’s “speciality” or passion as the engine for dramatic growth in reading and writing
• The “specific to general” teaching method and why it works where traditional methods fail
• Simple, research-backed home strategies that parents can use tonight
• The critical role of writing in organizing thoughts and boosting reading levels
• Why early intervention is key—and how to advocate for your child in a system that may be resistant to change
• How the right support can transform not just academic skills, but confidence and mental health
• Free and affordable resources for families (like dyslexiaclasses.com) and how to access expert help

You’ll also hear about Russel Van Brocklen’s experience working within state governments, pushing for policy change, and training both teachers and parents to make a measurable impact—sometimes in as little as just three hours of training!

By the end of this episode, you’ll have concrete steps for helping the neurodiverse students in your life succeed, and a new understanding of just how much potential every struggling reader really has. If you’ve ever felt like the system is stacked against kids who learn differently, this conversation will give you hope, strategies, and a path forward.

To dig deeper, get your free guide, or connect directly with Russel Van Brocklen,

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Have you ever wondered why so many presentations lose the audience within the first thirty seconds? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle the critical question: How do you earn an audience’s attention right from the start and keep it?

I’m Tim Newman, your host—a recovering college professor who’s now dedicated to helping others become powerful communicators. This week, we’re diving deep into one of the most fundamental but overlooked aspects of public speaking: the opening. Specifically, I reveal why the majority of speakers fail almost immediately by focusing on themselves, their credentials, or their agenda, instead of the needs and interests of their listeners.

In today’s episode, I’m walking you step-by-step through a transformative approach to strong openings. I break down the psychology behind audience attention, explaining that your listeners aren’t evaluating you at first; they’re evaluating whether what you’re saying is worth their time. Your goal in those first crucial seconds is not to impress, but to serve, to name a problem your audience is facing, and to offer a quick glimpse of a solution. I outline my favorite tool for this: the pattern interrupt hook.

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

• Why focusing on yourself at the start of a talk is a guaranteed way to be ignored.
• How to use a pattern interrupt hook to break through audience filters and make them want to listen.
• The specific three-part opening formula: problem statement, immediate consequence, and solution promise.
• How to structure those opening thirty seconds to create curiosity and relevance.
• Examples of both weak and strong openings in meetings, networking, and public speaking.
• Tips on making the formula your own, reading the room, and communicating authentic urgency.
• The vital mindset shift from seeking validation to serving the audience’s needs.

Remember: credibility in communication comes not from listing your achievements, but from immediately solving the audience’s problem. By the end of this show, you’ll know how to grab attention with purpose, set the right tone, and provide value from the very first words.

If you want to grab your audience and guarantee your message lands, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to start every conversation strong. Don’t forget to visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com to download your free eBook and learn about upcoming courses. As always, your voice has the power to change—let’s make sure people are listening.

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Have you ever wondered why so many presentations and conversations end up sounding boring, or why teaching communication skills seems stuck in outdated paradigms? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive into exactly that—and explore what it takes not only to end boring communication, but to build genuine connection in every interaction.

This week, I'm excited to introduce my guest, Ivan Wanis-Ruiz. Ivan is on a mission to rid the world of boring, whether it's in public speaking, storytelling, or everyday conversations. He's a professional speaker, educator, emcee, and yes—salsa dancer—with a knack for bringing energy and engagement to any room. Ivan brings unique insights from his experience in dance, improv, and hosting live events, showing us how these seemingly unrelated disciplines offer strategies and inspiration for great communication.

We kicked off the episode swapping stories about Ivan’s journey from a bored newcomer taking dance classes to becoming a full-on salsa teacher, and how dance became his live laboratory for educational techniques. We explored the key elements of truly effective communication training—getting people actively involved, letting students speak in every session, and making exercises practical and applicable. Ivan described the importance of aligning teaching approach with the skills being taught, urging educators to break free from the “lecture then speak once at the end” model.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:

• How Ivan’s dance teaching doubled as a testing ground for interactive communication techniques
• The impact of engaging introductions and ditching the boring bio in speaking and events
• Why emotion in storytelling doesn’t have to mean trauma—how humor and uncertainty are just as powerful
• Overcoming awkward networking through strategic self-disclosure and volunteering
• Strategies for introverts to connect without burnout
• Why communication skills are now the real competitive advantage in a world of abundant knowledge
• Sugata Mitra’s revolutionary approach to education and learning through challenges and collaboration
• How to create engaging workshops with open-ended tasks, timed constraints, and group deliverables
• Why storytelling works best when it’s focused on problems, uncertainty, and emotional ups and downs
• How to leverage AI for brainstorming and developing memorable personal pitches using literary devices like tricolon and anaphora

If you’re ready to break old habits, boost your confidence, and make sure you’re truly engaging your audience—whether it’s on stage, at work, or in any conversation—this episode is packed with practical advice, stories, and straight talk you can use right now.

Thanks for listening. Don't forget to check out the free ebook and course at speakwithconfidencepodcast.com, and let us know how these strategies help you show up with confidence wherever you speak.

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How do truly powerful speakers command authority without relying on sheer volume or aggressive body language? That’s the question we’re answering on today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence.

In this episode, I dive deep into the art and science of authentic authority in communication. As someone who’s coached hundreds of professionals—and as a recovering college professor myself—I’ve seen firsthand that the most influential communicators aren’t the ones who try to dominate the room; they’re the ones who remain poised and structured, even under pressure.

There’s no guest on this episode; it’s just me, Tim Newman, guiding you through the exact three-step formula I teach my clients to help them show up with quiet confidence rather than performative bravado. We unpack the misconception that authority is about sounding loud or forceful, and replace it with a new paradigm built on control, clarity, and composure.

Here’s what we explored together:

• Why real authority can’t be faked and why it collapses under tough questions if it’s only an act.
• The first pillar: Structure. Most speakers fail before they begin because they don’t have a clear framework. You’ll learn how the “scaffolding principle” and the rule of three—simplifying your main points—help you build clarity, respect, and influence.
• The second pillar: Strategic pause. I share why silence is the most powerful tool for authoritative delivery. You’ll discover how replacing commas and periods in your mental script with intentional pauses instantly commands a room, eliminates filler words, and projects composure.
• Stories from my coaching experiences, including how a client turned a tense Q&A into a moment of control and how Steve Jobs used silence to demonstrate real thinking.
• The third pillar: The unavoidable verdict. We go beyond just informing audiences to inspiring action, guiding them to a single, compelling conclusion by engineering every aspect of your communication for clarity and impact.
• A step-by-step example of structuring a pitch and how to use the three pillars to build a winning case.
• Common pitfalls—like rambling or flooding people with data—and how to avoid them by focusing on simplification, strategic silence, and clarity of purpose.
• Practical takeaways for you to start practicing right away: from structuring your next team update, to slowing your speech with pauses, or defining your key verdict before preparing a presentation.

By the end of the episode, you’ll know how to stop chasing authority and start embodying it—naturally and consistently. If you’re ready to transform the way you communicate, visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free eBook, Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them, and consider registering for the Foreman for Public Speaking.

Remember, your voice has the power to change. Progress, not perfection—let’s step confidently into every conversation that counts!

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