Send us a text

Have you ever felt that sinking feeling during a meeting or conversation when you realize you’re losing the room—people are checking their phones, yawning, or just looking right through you? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle exactly that challenge: how to read the room and respond in real time so you stay connected, engaged, and in control whenever you speak.

As someone who transitioned from being a college professor to a communication coach, I’ve seen firsthand how common these scenarios are—and I know how disheartening it can be when you feel your message isn’t landing. But here’s the good news: reading a room and understanding the invisible feedback loop in every group interaction isn’t an innate superpower. It’s a practical set of observation skills that anyone can learn and refine.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:

• Why reading the room is about observation, not mind-reading—and why anyone can learn it
• The big myth about social intelligence—and how being a better observer is the real secret
• The four universal behavioral cues that signal audience engagement (phone checking, yawning, fidgeting, blank stares)
• Real-world examples: what these cues mean in meetings, networking events, and interviews
• The importance of interpreting cues in context (and the dangers of knee-jerk misinterpretations)
• Easy, low-pressure ways to scan a room and spot behavioral patterns
• How to respond when you see signs of disengagement—without making it awkward or calling people out
• Techniques to shift energy, boost engagement, and reset the group dynamic
• Transitioning from self-consciousness to others-awareness to become a more intentional and confident communicator
• A simple exercise to practice observation skills in your next meeting

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a set of repeatable techniques to help you read any room and respond with confidence—no matter the situation. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection, and every conversation is a chance to build this skill.

If you want to dive deeper, head over to speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com to grab your free eBook on overcoming the top public speaking challenges, and check out the format for the Public Speaking course. Your voice is powerful, and it’s time to use it to change your world.

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
Formula for Public Speaking
Facebook

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered if charisma is something you’re born with, or if it can be built—and more importantly, how it impacts your confidence and effectiveness as a communicator? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I sit down with John Ball, a keynote and presentation coach who’s spent years helping speakers, coaches, and leaders boost their influence from competent to captivating. Today, we dig into the journey of finding your authentic voice as a speaker, the joys and challenges of adding humor to presentations, and the real value of showing up with warmth and confidence, wherever you are in the world.

John Ball brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table—not only as the host of The Present Influence Podcast and co-host of the Coaching Clinic podcast, but also as a professional speaker on topics like personal mastery and leadership communication. His global perspective as someone who’s lived in both the UK and Spain and spent years as a flight attendant puts him in a unique position to discuss connecting with different cultures, and how traveling has shaped his approach to communication and coaching.

In this episode, we cover:

• How traveling and working abroad expands your communication skills and comfort zones
• Using humor and warmth as universal connectors across cultures
• Why every speaker should try stand-up comedy at least once
• The difference between charisma and charm—and how to spot “fake” charisma
• Techniques to build genuine charisma (even if you’re not naturally extroverted)
• The process of testing and refining stories for presentations
• Emotional leadership and the responsibility you hold as a speaker
• Why presence and vulnerability matter more than perfection
• How to avoid charisma killers like overthinking and ego
• The importance of living with intention and making positive choices in how you show up
• Stage time as the single most effective way to improve your communication
• Storytelling tips: focusing on transformation, emotional flow, and audience engagement

If you’re ready to take your communication from competent to captivating—and want to put more humor, warmth, and charisma into every conversation that counts—this episode is packed with stories, strategies, and encouragement to get you started. Ready to step up, lighten up, and speak with more confidence than ever before? Listen now, and let’s grow together.

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
Formula for Public Speaking
Facebook

Send us a text

Do you ever feel like you're doing all the “right” things at networking events, but somehow you still walk away with a stack of business cards—yet none of those connections turn into genuine relationships or career opportunities? If so, this episode is for you.

I'm Tim Newman, host of Speaking with Confidence, and in today’s solo episode, I dig deep into the art (and science) of networking—and why most traditional approaches are holding you back. You’ll hear why so many professionals get stuck in a transactional mindset, treating networking as a numbers game rather than a process of real relationship-building. If you’ve ever wondered why your networking feels hollow (or downright fake), we uncover the gap between “collecting contacts” and creating meaningful professional relationships that truly advance your career.

We start with the classic post-event scenario: you’ve met loads of people, exchanged business cards, but later realize you can barely remember anyone and end up tossing those cards into that infamous desk drawer where connections go to die. I call this “fake networking,” and it’s not just ineffective—it’s potentially damaging to your professional reputation.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Why collecting business cards isn’t the same as building real professional relationships
• The damaging effects of transactional, numbers-based networking mindsets
• The two most common forms of fake networking: “self-serving connections” and “ghost follow-ups”
• The long-term reputational risks of fake networking tactics
• How leadership and influence (not just connections) determine your career potential
• A two-part strategy to shift to authentic, value-driven networking
• How to discover and articulate your unique value before every interaction
• The importance of research and matching your value to others’ real needs
• Why reliable follow-through is the ultimate networking credibility builder
• How to become the kind of connection others seek out—so opportunities come to you

If you want to break out of the cycle of shallow networking and start making connections that truly count, this episode will give you both the insight and the practical steps you need. Remember, your next professional interaction is an opportunity to show up differently, lead with value, and nurture a network that lifts you higher.

Thanks for listening to Speaking with Confidence. Check out speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free eBook, The Top 20 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them, and find details on our Formula for Public Speaking course. Your voice has the power to change it—see you next time!

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
Formula for Public Speaking
Facebook

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to speak confidently in front of any audience—whether it’s a crowded boardroom, a theatre-stage packed with anticipation, or a busy hair salon at age twelve? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I welcome back the incredible Rachael Edmondson-Clarke for her second appearance—a rare privilege on this show! Rachael’s journey from sweeping floors in her mom’s beauty salon to leading professional speakers across the UK and Ireland is more than inspirational—it’s a masterclass in authentic communication, building trust, and continuous growth.

In this episode, we dive deep into how early experiences shape our ability to read nonverbal cues, remain genuine, and adapt our energy to truly connect with others. Rachael shares the story of working reception in her mom’s salon—juggling two telephones, a crowd of clients, and a team of stylists—all before she was sixteen! She reflects on how tuning into body language transformed not only her customer service skills but also her capacity to lead and build trust, skills that have served her throughout her career.

Rachael takes us on a whirlwind tour of her professional journey: from impactful presenting workshops, to drama stages, to corporate boardrooms, and finally to becoming vice president of the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland. She shares candid lessons from competing in the Speaker Factor competition, including her “banana and dark chocolate” ritual, and how even a tough performance can be the launchpad for real growth when you have the right community supporting you.

We talk about the crucial importance of congruence—making sure your words, body language, and tone all align to build trust and credibility. Rachael’s anecdotes highlight that storytelling isn’t just about big, heroic moments; it’s also about the everyday stories (including her infamous toothbrush battery saga!) that make you relatable and memorable to any audience.

Throughout our conversation, we emphasize how practice, resilience, and vulnerability are key to developing as a speaker. Whether it’s learning from an uncomfortable video replay or dusting off your presentation after setbacks, the journey to confident communication is ongoing—and full of opportunities to embrace humor, share truth, and connect authentically.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• How reading body language and energy can elevate your communication—starting at the salon reception desk
• Why being congruent (aligning words and actions) builds trust with any audience
• Rachael’s transition from corporate marketing roles to leading professional speakers—and what she learned along the way
• The value of continuous learning and putting your skills into practice (even if it means watching yourself on video!)
• Behind-the-scenes secrets of the Speaker Factor competition (including performance rituals, nerves, and bouncing back from setbacks)
• The pivotal role of storytelling—why everyday moments matter as much as big, dramatic stories
• Using humor (self-deprecating or otherwise) as a powerful connector and communicator
• Practical advice for anyone looking to build confidence: find your own style, practice, and seek feedback from a supportive community

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
Formula for Public Speaking
Facebook

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered why those first few seconds of a presentation seem to matter so much—and what you can do to make an unforgettable first impression? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence.

As your host, I’m Tim Newman—a recovering college professor turned communication coach—here to help you transform how you show up in critical professional moments. In this solo episode, I dig deep into the pivotal opening seconds of any conversation or presentation, explaining just how quickly our audiences form judgments about us, often before we’ve even said a word. If you’ve ever stumbled over your opening line, tossed out a nervous “um,” or rushed an apology, you’re not alone. But research shows those tiny signals have an outsized impact on how credible and confident we come across.

We kick off this episode looking at the science behind first impressions and what’s actually happening in your audience’s mind before you’ve begun to speak. I break down how nonverbal cues—like body language, eye contact, and breath—are unconsciously evaluated, leading listeners to decide, in milliseconds, whether you’re someone worth tuning into. Whether you’re entering a boardroom or joining a casual conversation, those early moments count more than we often realize.

Here’s the game changer: I introduce a simple, research-backed technique called the “silent transformation.” At its heart, this approach asks you to pause—intentionally—for a few seconds before you speak. What feels awkward from the speaker’s side actually signals steadiness and control to everyone watching. I walk you through why this pause lowers your anxiety, helps focus your thoughts, and sets the stage for a much stronger connection with your audience.

Of course, how you follow that pause is just as important as the pause itself. I share the elements of crafting a memorable first line, offering examples of surprising statistics, bold questions, and vivid short stories that instantly generate curiosity and relevance. You'll hear practical routines to make silence feel natural, concise strategies to build anticipation, and methods to ensure your opening words have real impact.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan for your next presentation:

• The psychological evidence behind snap judgments in opening seconds
• How nervous habits derail your credibility, and what to do instead
• The silent transformation technique: why a deliberate pause works wonders
• How to practice silence so it feels empowering, not awkward
• The three reliable ways to open with impact (statistic, question, or story)
• Connecting your opener to your audience for immediate relevance
• Why concise, rehearsed beginnings make you appear more confident and thoughtful
• A challenge for your next presentation, and a routine for daily practice

This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to move beyond shaky introductions and truly command attention from the moment they step into the room. If you’re ready to transform your presence and make every word count, start with these tools—and don’t forget to visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free eBook and resources to keep building your skills.

Let’s keep progressing together. Your voic

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
Formula for Public Speaking
Facebook

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered why working hard and being excellent isn't always enough to get noticed at work, especially if you're aiming for a leadership role? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we explore why self-advocacy is the secret ingredient to career advancement—and how not speaking up can leave you overlooked, no matter your achievements.

In today's show, I’m joined by Rosie Zilinskas, a certified high performance coach, Colby consultant, and former Fortune 500 executive vice president. Rosie’s own journey through the corporate ranks brought her face to face with the reality so many mid-career women encounter: results and dedication alone don’t guarantee recognition or promotion. After enduring a difficult divorce and becoming the sole provider for her young children, Rosie doubled down on her work ethic—only to watch others move ahead while she waited to be noticed. The breakthrough came when a senior executive told her, “You never said anything,” and this sparked a powerful realization about the importance of communicating your ambitions.

This episode is packed with insights and stories about:

• Why excellence alone isn’t enough for career advancement
• The necessity of vocalizing your ambitions and goals at work
• Key strategies to self-advocate and communicate your value
• How generational and gender differences affect workplace perceptions
• Handling feedback: turning criticism into growth fuel
• The four main barriers women face when seeking promotion (worthiness, popularity, skills, visibility)
• Actionable preparation tips for meetings, interviews, and networking events
• Overcoming emotional inhibitors and reframing limiting beliefs
• The role of self-awareness in building confidence and driving your career forward

Rosie delivers practical advice for anyone wanting to take ownership of their professional development, push past self-imposed obstacles, and show up confidently—no matter where you are in your journey. If you’re ready to stop waiting to be chosen and start actively building a career you love, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts you need.

Tune in now and discover how speaking up for yourself truly changes your journey.

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
Formula for Public Speaking
Facebook

Send us a text

What would you do if you were asked to give a speech on the spot—with zero time to prepare? That’s the question we’re tackling in today’s episode, and if you’ve ever felt your heart drop when called on unexpectedly, this one’s for you.

Welcome back to Speaking with Confidence—I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach. Today, we’re diving into the “emergency kit” that pros use when they have to speak without warning. If you’ve ever found yourself in a meeting, tasked to cover for a colleague who didn’t show up, or asked for a project update out of the blue, you know the stress of thinking on your feet. While nothing replaces thoughtful preparation, everyone needs a go-to strategy for those moments when life throws curveballs.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How to use the PREP method for instant structure
• The power and practicality of the Rule of Three
• The “ten second trick” for gaining time and composure
• Why stories and examples beat theories every time
• Real-life scripts for handling pressure in meetings and presentations
• How to combine these techniques for a clear, confident 5-minute presentation—even when you’re put on the spot

Thanks for tuning in to Speaking with Confidence. Until next time—keep practicing, keep growing, and keep letting your voice be heard.

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
Formula for Public Speaking
Facebook

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered why empathy is often considered a “soft skill,” and whether it truly has a place in driving real results within leadership, organizations, and communication? On this week’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle this question head-on with my guest, Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, an expert in empathy, emotional intelligence, and visionary leadership.

I’m Tim Newman, your host–a recovering college professor turned communication coach. Every week, I help listeners build the skills and confidence they need to show up powerfully in every conversation. Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Winemiller, whose mission is to help leaders become future visionaries by making empathy skills-based, data-driven, and results-oriented. Melissa brings a rich background as both a world-traveling musician and a former academic who has dedicated her life to understanding and teaching empathy for profit, productivity, and innovation.

Our conversation kicks off with Melissa’s fascinating backstory: how a lifelong passion for music took her across the globe, on tours and prestigious stages, and even saw her playing French horn alongside legends like Ray Charles and conversing with David Ogden Steers (MAS*H’s Winchester). As Melissa shares, her journey from the world of performance to academia—and ultimately to empathy research—was shaped by witnessing both the highs of artistic connection and the lows of broken, unempathetic systems.

Here's what we covered:

• Melissa’s journey from international touring musician to empathy expert and academic
• Life and communication lessons from the world of music performance
• The vulnerability of public speaking versus musical performance
• Teaching and connecting with students through listening and individualized communication
• The real impact of empathy (and lack thereof) in education and business
• Why empathy is undervalued—and how research supports its ROI
• Strategies for leaders to foster trust, engagement, and innovation through empathy
• The Johari Window model for communication and self-awareness
• The difference between kindness and niceness in leadership and business
• Practical ways to build empathy in teams and organizations (plus when real change requires a leadership overhaul)
• The case for embedding empathy in educational systems from an early age
• Real world examples from Melissa’s book about the financial and human costs of broken organizations
• Where to find Melissa’s book, connect online, and catch her TEDx talk (soon to be released!)

Melissa’s insights go far beyond theory—they’re deeply rooted in lived experience, rigorous research, and a powerful vision for future-forward leadership. Don’t miss this episode if you want to learn how to use empathy not just to “feel good,” but to drive lasting, meaningful results in your work and life.

Thanks for joining me—Tim Newman—on this journey to speaking with confidence. Be sure to check out speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free eBook, “Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them,” and stay tuned for our next episode!

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
Formula for Public Speaking
Facebook

Send us a text

Have you ever walked out of an interview thinking you nailed it, only to get that dreaded rejection email? If you’ve ever wondered why your answers weren’t as memorable as you hoped, you’re definitely not alone—and this episode of Speaking with Confidence is for you.

I’m Tim Newman, your host and communication coach, and today we’re diving deep into a question that can make all the difference between being passed over and landing the job: How do you turn routine interview answers into momentum-packed stories that recruiters remember?

In this solo episode, we explore the power of storytelling in interviews—specifically, how moving away from bland job description recaps and instead zeroing in on moments when you made a real difference can set you apart from the crowd. We’ll unpack the biggest mistake most candidates make: defaulting to flat, activity-based responses that tell interviewers what you did, but not how you moved the needle.

You’ll hear why showing measurable progress is so powerful, both for impressing human hiring managers and even AI-driven applicant tracking systems. We’ll dig into the neuroscience behind why stories that highlight change and results are 22 times more memorable than plain lists of tasks. Most importantly, I’ll arm you with my Momentum Story Blueprint—a repeatable, actionable formula based on the STAR method that will help you frame your contributions in ways that recruiters will notice (and remember).

In today’s episode, we cover:

• The real reason so many candidates blend together in interviews—and how you can stand out
• How to move beyond listing job duties and instead showcase your impact, growth, and results
• The science behind why outcome-focused stories stick with interviewers
• How John Maxwell’s Momentum Principle applies to interviews (and why “the law of the big Mo” is your secret weapon)
• Why skill-based hiring trends and even AI screening tools favor momentum-driven answers
• A step-by-step breakdown of the Momentum Story Blueprint: how to define the situation, detail actions, and cement your results with metrics
• Real-life examples that show you how to transform your raw experiences into compelling evidence of future potential
• Practical tips for sharpening your stories, practicing them for video or audio interviews, and ensuring every answer packs a punch

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to show—clearly and confidently—not just what you’ve done, but the visible difference you can make. Whether you’re preparing for your next big interview or just want to get better at communicating your value, this episode gives you the tools to prove you’re the candidate who brings momentum wherever you go.

Ready to move your career story forward? Hit play and let’s get started. And don’t forget—after you listen, head over to speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free eBook and more resources to help you become a memorable, confident communicator.

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
Formula for Public Speaking
Facebook

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to lead with clarity, courage, and impact, without burning out or losing yourself in the process? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive deep into that question and explore the real-life challenges and mindset shifts required to build a fulfilling, sustainable leadership journey.

I’m Tim Newman, your host and a recovering college professor turned communication coach. Today, I’m joined by an inspiring guest: Rachael Edmondson-Clarke. Rachael brings an extraordinary wealth of experience from her years as a senior corporate leader to her current role running Elevar, her own leadership consultancy. Over the past decade, she's helped countless high-performing leaders and teams show up bravely, with clarity and authenticity, even in challenging environments. Rachael is also a former regional Vice President and President of the Professional Speaking Association in the UK and Ireland, and a sought-after speaker, coach, and consultant. She’s the perfect person to help us unpack the realities of leadership, personal growth, and balance in a fast-paced world.

In our conversation, Rachael opens up about what it was like climbing the corporate ladder before facing a sudden, life-changing wake-up call—a moment that forced her to reevaluate everything she thought she wanted. She describes the intense pressure of trying to “push through,” the toll it took on her health and relationships, and how it ultimately led to her collapsing in her office. Most importantly, she shares how she rebuilt her life and career from that moment of crisis, moving from survival mode to creating a business that aligns with her values, energy, and mission.

Other highlights include:

• The hidden costs of always being “on” and why biology can’t be outsmarted by mindset alone
• Practical approaches for restoring your energy and avoiding the traps of toxic productivity culture
• How organizational culture and unaddressed emotional needs impact team engagement, trust, and retention
• Tips for effective boundary-setting, especially in meeting-heavy, high-pressure environments
• The importance of honest, direct feedback from mentors and creating an inner circle that pushes you to grow—and how “fierce empathy” is the balance between tough love and real support
• A free tool from Rachael (The Pause) to cut through overwhelm and help you lead from truth, not fear
• Why the real value of personal development isn’t just your own growth, but how you show up as the leader the world needs

If you’re ready to step out of survival mode and into leadership that’s both impactful and sustainable—whether in your organization, your community, or your own household—this episode is packed with insights you’ll want to put into action right away.

As always, you can find resources and Rachael’s free download in the show notes. And don’t forget to grab your free copy of my Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers, or check out our public speaking course at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com.

Remember, your voice has power. Use it well, and you can change the world.

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
Formula for Public Speaking
Facebook