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What’s the real secret to making an introduction that people actually remember—and want to follow up with? If you’ve ever found yourself rattling off your name, job title, and a couple of generic facts only to watch the other person’s eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I break down why most 30-second introductions fall flat, and how to craft one that instantly sets you apart.

Today we’re focusing on one of the most overlooked skills in professional communication: the art (and science) of a memorable introduction. There’s no featured guest this time—it's just me, drawing on my experience as a communication coach and former college professor, to walk you through a research-backed formula that will transform the way you present yourself in every first impression.

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

• Why most standard introductions get ignored (and the science behind first impressions)
• The role of nonverbal communication—what people notice first and why it matters
• The primacy effect and how what you say first shapes how you’re remembered
• Shifting from job titles to value-driven statements
• The three-part Confident Connection Formula: hook, value statement, and conversation starter
• Real-world examples of transforming forgettable intros into memorable ones
• The importance of vocal modulation, body language, and strategic pauses
• Practical steps for refining your own introduction
• Why a great introduction isn’t about perfection—it’s about making progress

Whether you’re networking, interviewing, or just meeting someone new, these skills help you show up with clarity and confidence from your very first word. Don’t forget to grab your free ebook at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com, check out my upcoming course, and keep practicing—because your voice truly has the power to change your world.

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What does it really take to turn your personal struggles and lived experience into authentic confidence when you communicate? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I sit down with Cesar Cardona—public speaker, podcast co-host, and mindfulness educator—to uncover how resilience, mindfulness, and embracing your unique story are foundational not only to personal growth, but also to becoming a powerful communicator.

Cesar’s journey is anything but ordinary. Growing up navigating conflict in a home of deep cultural and political divides, he openly shares how early trauma shaped his perspective but also planted the seeds for resilience. We discuss how he learned to move forward despite adversity, drawing on the strengths of both his parents—combining book smarts and street smarts—and how everyone can find something valuable in their experiences, no matter how tough.

A turning point came for Cesar at a Joseph Campbell roundtable event, when—despite never aspiring to speak publicly—he took a risk, shared his thoughts, and was suddenly handed a life-changing speaking opportunity. This honest look at “accidentally” launching a public speaking career is both inspiring and packed with practical lessons for anyone wanting to share their voice but feeling hesitant or nervous.

We also break down what it’s really like to speak in front of others (hint: nerves are normal and even useful), and why storytelling doesn’t require a big dramatic narrative—just a willingness to share honestly and connect on a human level. Listening, asking questions, leaning on friends for support, and being accountable (while offering grace to ourselves and others) are all covered, along with some thoughts on the role of AI and technology in communication today.

In this conversation, you’ll hear us talk about:

• Using mindfulness and self-awareness to manage nerves and uncertainty
• The importance of moving forward, even when it’s uncomfortable
• Building a supportive network and the courage to ask for help
• Why listening is just as important as speaking
• Embracing storytelling as a simple, daily part of communication—not just a buzzword

If you’ve ever doubted your ability to communicate confidently or wondered if your history is a liability, Cesar’s story will assure you that your best voice comes from embracing the whole of who you are.

For more on Cesar or to hear his music project, check out CaesarCardona.com, and don’t forget to grab your free resources at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com. Your story—and your voice—matter.

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Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “That could’ve gone better…”?

In this solo episode of Speaking With Confidence, host Tim Newman explores how asking better questions can unlock more effective communication, stronger interpersonal skills, and, believe it or not, career-changing opportunities.

Inspired by his conversation with communication coach Michelle Schafer, Tim shares how simple shifts in our approach to networking, interviews, and public presentations can turn small talk into a powerful connection. Spoiler alert: it’s not about having all the right answers, it’s about asking the right questions.

You’ll learn how thoughtful questions like “What energizes you about your work right now?” create deeper and more authentic conversations than the typical “So, what do you do?” You’ll also discover how preparation, just 15-20 minutes of intentional research, can skyrocket your confidence before any public speaking opportunity or job interview.

What You’ll Walk Away With:

• How to use communication skills and curiosity to create meaningful conversations
• Why better questions matter more than polished answers
• Practical ways to prepare with purpose before a public presentation or interview
• Tips for following up in a way that builds strong professional relationships
• Why soft skills like listening and intentional follow-up are your secret career superpowers

Whether you're navigating a job search, trying to overcome imposter syndrome, or simply looking to become a more powerful communicator, this episode is packed with practical tools to help you communicate effectively and with confidence.

Listen now and start your journey toward personal development and professional growth—one thoughtful question at a time.

Grab your free resource: timnewmanspeaks.com
Download The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them and register for the Formula for Public Speaking course today!

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What if charisma isn’t about being magnetic... but about being real?

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I sit down with therapist, coach, and leadership expert Richard Reid to explore what truly makes someone a powerful communicator. Spoiler alert: it’s not about being the most dynamic speaker or the loudest voice in the room.

Richard unpacks the difference between charm and charisma and why one builds trust while the other often erodes it. We talk about how presence, authenticity, and curiosity form the foundation of effective communication skills, especially in today’s tech-saturated world.

We also dig into leadership communication, the power of storytelling techniques, and how younger professionals can build public speaking confidence without pretending to be someone they’re not. If you’ve ever wrestled with imposter syndrome, felt drained by Zoom meetings, or thought “I just don’t have that ‘it’ factor,” this one’s for you.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why authentic charisma beats performative charm every time
• The impact of technology on our presence and emotional regulation
• The leadership advantage of storytelling and vulnerability
• How to build connection by listening for emotions, not just facts
• Why confidence in public speaking starts with owning your story
• And Richard’s refreshingly practical advice for anyone looking to grow

Connect with Richard:

http://linkedin/in/richard-reid

www.richard-reid.com

www.pinnacletherapy.co.uk

www.pinnaclewellbeing.co.uk

Ready to unlock your own charisma and become the communicator people remember? Visit timnewmanspeaks.com to grab your free e-book Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them and start transforming your communication today.

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Ever walked out of a feedback session more confused, frustrated, or defensive than when you walked in? You’re not alone, and it’s probably not what was said, but how it was said.

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I break down the real reason most feedback sabotages relationships: it ignores personality. Using the DISC model, I walk through how different communication styles process feedback, and why a “feedback sandwich” just isn’t cutting it anymore.

From understanding the neurological triggers of defensiveness to using the SBI model (Situation, Behavior, Impact) to shape clearer conversations, I’ll show you how to turn your feedback from friction into fuel for real growth. We’ll also talk about why future-focused feedback works better, how to use active listening skills in tough conversations, and what it takes to become a powerful communicator who builds trust, even during hard talks.

This episode is for you if:

• You’re tired of feedback turning into a standoff
• You want to lead with empathy and clarity
• You’re working on your confidence in public speaking, or just in everyday conversations

We don’t get better by sugarcoating. We get better by communicating clearly, confidently, and with intention.

Want more? Download my free eBook The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them and explore more powerful communication resources at TimNewmanSpeaks.com.

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What separates managers who merely delegate from those who transform teams? It's not just strategy, it's communication. In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I sit down with global leadership expert Joanne Merrick to talk about what it really takes to become a powerful communicator in today’s chaotic work world.

With over 25 years of experience across five continents and leadership roles at Amazon, Deloitte, and Juniper Networks, Joanne brings the receipts. She unpacks the neuroscience behind why autonomy fuels creativity, how emotional intelligence can replace micromanagement, and why being understood starts with taking responsibility for how you show up.

We dive into:

• Why communication is a leadership skill, not just a speaking skill
• How to evaluate whether management is the right next step for your career
• The role self-awareness plays in storytelling, feedback, and influence
• How to overcome imposter syndrome and build confidence through connection
• The surprising power of someone believing in you

Whether you're leading engineers, managing meetings, or just trying to make your voice heard without second-guessing yourself, this conversation will give you the mindset, tools, and practical language to communicate with clarity and impact.

Connect with Joanne:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-merrick

Game On! Is Management Your Best Career Play?

Her Free management assessment: theleadershiprecipe.com

Visit TimNewmanSpeaks.com to grab your free eBook, The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them, and start building the confidence you deserve!

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Have you ever watched someone walk into a room and instantly capture attention, without even saying a word? That’s charisma. But here’s the truth: it’s not some mystical, born-with-it energy. It’s a set of communication skills that you can master.

In this solo episode of Speaking with Confidence, I unpack what charisma really is and how it ties directly into being a powerful communicator. Whether you're leading a team, giving a presentation, or just trying not to disappear in a meeting, the balance of warmth and competence is your secret weapon.

We’ll explore how your body language can speak volumes before your voice does, how simple adjustments can shift how people perceive you, and how your mindset may be the biggest block to developing your presence.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The science-backed truth: charisma is a learnable behavior
• Why presence, power, and warmth matter more than your title
• Body language habits that increase your impact
• How to project confidence and still be approachable
• Tools to boost public speaking confidence and fight imposter syndrome

Resources mentioned:

Get the free guide: The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers (and How to Overcome Them)

Register for The Formula for Public Speaking course

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
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Formula for Public Speaking
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What if your biggest personal crisis turned out to be your greatest professional breakthrough?

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I sit down with Jenny Alday Townsend, an award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and Amazon bestselling author, for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the communication tools that helped her rebuild her life from the ground up.

Jenny opens up about the moment her marriage was rocked by infidelity and how it forced her to rediscover who she was outside of her business. She shares how stepping back from micromanagement actually helped her team thrive, and how mastering powerful communication, through storytelling, active listening, and emotional honesty, became her secret to success both at work and at home.

We also dig into her “Stroke It” framework: a practical, heartfelt guide for making others feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Whether you're navigating tough conversations at work, trying to reconnect with your partner, or simply looking to boost your public speaking confidence, Jenny brings the kind of real talk and actionable insights you’ll want to revisit again and again.

In this episode, we cover:

• How ego and fear of vulnerability stifle effective leadership
• Why storytelling isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifeline
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and speaking anxiety after public failure
• What Jenny learned about communication by working herself out of a job
• Setting boundaries, building trust, and showing appreciation through language

Ready to level up your relationships and communication skills on stage, in your marriage, or in your own head? This episode is your permission slip to show up, speak honestly, and lead with intention.

Connect with Jenny:

Website: Jennyaldaytownsend.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JennyTownsend
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennyaldaytownsend/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyaldaytownsend
Podcast: Jennyaldaytownsend.com/podcast

Visit TimNewmanSpeaks.com to grab your free eBook, The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them, and start building the confidence you deserve!

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Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
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Forget everything you thought you knew about effective communication. It’s not the stats, not the slides, and definitely not the script that makes people lean in, it’s the story.

In this solo episode, I break down the neuroscience behind why storytelling is one of the most powerful communication tools we have. When you tell a real story, especially the messy, imperfect ones, you create a shared experience with your audience that facts alone can’t touch.

I walk through the 3-part storytelling framework I use with every keynote: Struggle, Strategy, and Transformation. Skip the struggle and you skip the connection. But when you open up about the nights you almost quit, the awkward stumbles, the trial-and-error moments, your audience doesn’t just hear you, they feel you.

I also share a personal moment where a story completely shifted the room, and how I discovered that vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s credibility.

If you’ve ever wondered how to connect faster, lead stronger, or speak with more confidence, the answer might be hiding in the story you haven’t told yet.

Want to practice? Try this: Spend 30 seconds describing a challenge you faced, and 30 seconds on how you got through it. That unfiltered version might just be your next standing ovation.

Resources mentioned:

Get the free guide: The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers (and How to Overcome Them)

Register for The Formula for Public Speaking course

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
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What do boxing, public speaking, and personal transformation have in common? For Cam F. Awesome, everything.

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I sit down with Cam, a 12-time national boxing champion, motivational speaker, and self-described “motivational vegan,” to talk about the mindset behind powerful communication and unstoppable resilience.

Cam doesn’t just tell a comeback story, he lives one. Bullied as a kid and cut from every team he tried out for, Cam found boxing not as a passion, but as the only option left. He turned that into a decorated amateur career and a life dedicated to helping others reframe their inner narratives.

From the ring to the stage, Cam reveals the mental techniques that helped him dominate in the ring and how they can help you dominate your self-doubt. Whether you're battling imposter syndrome, speaking anxiety, or just trying to show up more authentically, this conversation offers a no-fluff roadmap to lasting confidence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why confidence starts with your internal dialogue, not applause or approval
• Cam’s daily “gratitude reps” that help him stay mentally strong and emotionally grounded
• How to win conversations (and audiences) using storytelling techniques from the boxing ring
• Why imposter syndrome is often just your brain trying to protect you—and how to punch back
• The simple formula: belief + action = inevitable results

If you’ve ever felt like your fear of failing is louder than your voice, Cam’s philosophy will rewire the way you think. Because, as he says, “If you can fail without being discouraged, success becomes inevitable.”

Connect with Cam:

https://www.camfawesome.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/camfawesome/

https://www.facebook.com/CamFAwesome

https://www.instagram.com/camfawesome/

http://www.youtube.com/@CamFAwesome

Visit TimNewmanSpeaks.com to grab your free eBook, The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them, and start building the confidence you deserve!

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Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
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