Have you ever sat through a meeting and wondered why the loudest voice in the room seems to dominate yet rarely drives any real influence? In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I’ll answer a question that impacts every professional gathering: If it’s not the loudest voice that wins the room, what actually does?

I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and today I’m pulling back the curtain on what really makes someone the most influential person in the room. Spoiler: It’s not volume, and it’s not vocabulary. After years in boardrooms, classrooms, and meetings of every kind, I’ve seen firsthand and struggled through myself the pitfalls of overcomplicating messages, hiding behind jargon, and talking just to fill the silence. The result? You risk becoming background noise, no matter how many slides or big words you pack in.

Today’s episode is all about becoming the person who can say the one thing everyone is thinking but can’t quite put into words. I’ll walk you through research-backed truths on attention spans, the brutal math of memory retention, and the real cost of poor communication in the workplace. We’ll talk about why clarity is the most valuable currency you can bring to a group, and how being a clarifier trumps being the show-off or the non-stop talker every single time. I’m sharing the three habits that will make you the clarifier in any room, and you’ll walk away with tools you can use in your very next meeting.

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

Why the loudest person is rarely the most influential and what actually creates influence

The attention span cliff: what happens at minute 15 and why 18 minutes is a magic number

The science of memory retention and why going long costs you credibility

The “8th grade rule” for simplifying your message

The staggering cost of poor communication in organizations

Three habits to make you the architect of any conversation: the two second pause, the one sentence summary, and the clarifying question

Practical examples and questions you can use to shift from noise-maker to problem-solver instantly

If you’ve ever left a meeting frustrated because you didn’t feel heard or wondered why your great idea didn’t seem to stick, this episode is for you. Join me to learn how being a clarifier, not a commentator, will make you the most influential person in every room you enter. And remember: You don’t need a new personality, just a handful of simple tactical switches to start commanding attention and guiding conversations with confidence.

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Have you ever wondered how some people seem effortlessly articulate, making every word count, while others struggle to get their point across? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I break down exactly what it takes to become that person the one others listen to, respect, and remember by following a simple 21-day system.

I'm Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and I'm on a mission to help you discover the three foundational habits that can transform your speaking skills with no charisma required. Today, I’ll walk you through my step-by-step approach to building articulation as a skill, not a talent. Forget what you think you know about natural-born communicators. Together we’ll prove that anyone can learn to command a room and get results.

We start by facing the real costs of poor communication, not just the $2 trillion it costs US businesses each year, but the quiet daily losses: fumbled meetings, muddled emails, and missed chances to show your worth. Then, I’ll guide you through each week of the system, designed so you can practice, record your progress, and see tangible clarity, confidence, and control develop day by day.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

Why articulation isn’t a talent, but a trainable, measurable skill if you use a structured approach

The silent tax of poor communication in your professional life, and how it shows up in lost opportunities

Week 1: Building clarity through “visual nouns” learning to paint pictures instead of offering empty abstractions

Week 2: Leading with impact by putting your bottom line up front (BLUF), so your audience hears your message first, not buried in context

Week 3: Commanding the room through staccato phrasing and confidence-boosting pauses, so you sound thoughtful, not rushed

Practical, daily exercises for each habit, including rewriting emails, reframing project descriptions, and practicing presence in meetings

Why recording yourself at the beginning and end of this journey is proof of progress, not perfection

The ultimate takeaway: how to reach for concrete words, serve your conclusion before your context, and master the power of the pause

Whether you want to stand out in meetings, make your emails count, or simply stop feeling like you’re speaking “in clouds,” this episode delivers the tools and the mindset you need to level up starting today. Don’t wait to feel ready. Press record, follow the system, and watch your communication transform in just 21 days. And remember: talk like you’re correct, listen like you’re wrong.

For more resources, grab your free eBook “Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them” at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com and check out my Formula for Public Speaking course. Your voice truly can change the world. Let's make sure it gets heard.

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What if the way you sound matters just as much if not more than the words you say? We often believe that effective communication starts and ends with content, but in today’s episode, we dig beneath the surface: how can aligning your voice with your authentic self change the way you connect with others?

I’m Tim Newman, and this week on Speaking with Confidence, I invited Wolfe Lanier to join me for a truly eye-opening conversation. Wolfe is a Somatic Voice practitioner and researcher, currently completing his MFA in Voice Studies at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. His journey has taken him from the mountains of Appalachia, through New York’s corporate coaching world, into deep somatic practice all fueled by a central, fascinating question: why is there often a gap between who we are and how we come across?

Wolfe shared his own story of performance anxiety, stage fright, and that all-too-relatable feeling of disconnect between inner worth and outward expression. We explored how self-talk, ego, and even physical tension in the body shape the sound of our voice and how often, what’s holding us back in communication is much deeper than we realize.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:

Why your voice often reveals more than your words

Wolfe’s personal journey from stage fright to vocal research

The connection between self-talk, inner worth, and how you sound

The science and experience of “vocal congruence”

How culture, accent, and history influence voice and acceptance

The role of somatic practice and releasing physical tension

Why most people are their own worst critics and how to break the cycle

The interplay between ego, perfectionism, and authentic communication

Generational shifts in communication styles and expectations

Step-by-step advice for building confidence and congruence in your voice

If you’ve ever wished your voice could reflect your real confidence, or you’ve struggled to feel truly comfortable speaking up, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and practical steps to start bridging the gap between who you are and how you come across.

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Are you making your message clear or just making it longer? In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the most common myths in professional communication: that sounding like a CEO means drowning in buzzwords and complex sentences. In reality, the strongest leaders use a different formula: simplicity, conciseness, and real confidence.

I’m Tim Newman, your host for Speaking with Confidence. As a former college professor turned communication coach, I’ve seen firsthand how even the smartest folks can accidentally sound junior not because they lack expertise, but because we’re all trained to value complexity over clarity. In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact framework I use with executives who want to sound like leaders and get results.

It’s just me, Tim Newman, sharing straight talk and some proven strategies you can start applying right now. We’ll look at why so many ambitious professionals default to overwrought, jargon-heavy language, and why that tendency actually undercuts your credibility in the boardroom. I’ll share stories from real pitch meetings, explain the “eighth grade rule” for clarity, and walk through practical techniques for making your message unmistakable. You’ll also hear why brevity is your best friend, how every extra sentence waters down your message, and how CEOs wield silence as a tool for authority.

We’ll explore what true confidence sounds like (hint: it’s not loud or domineering), and I’ll walk you through the “certainty principle” talk like you’re correct, listen like you’re wrong. You’ll learn to spot and banish the hedges and caveats that sneak into everyday speech. I’ll wrap things up with actionable drills and real-world examples, including rewriting an email and running your own words through the simple, concise, and confident filter.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why most people accidentally sound junior at work and how to break the habit

The three-part formula for executive presence: simple, concise, and confident

The “eighth grade rule” for clarity and why it matters

Practical exercises to strip jargon and complexity from your communication

How brevity and silence signal credibility

The difference between true confidence and performance

How to replace hedges with certainty and why vulnerability is part of real confidence

Tools you can start using tomorrow to make every word count

If you’re ready to stop hiding behind big words and long explanations, and start being understood, this episode is your playbook. Remember, your voice has real power when you use it with intention.

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What if the comfort you feel isn’t a sign you’re doing things right, but a warning that you’ve started losing ground? In this week’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dig deep into the real meaning of comfort and the high cost it can carry through the extraordinary journey of my guest, Said Eshaghi. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a rut or held back by a life that feels “just comfortable enough,” this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

I’m Tim Newman, your host, a recovering college professor turned communication coach and today we’re exploring the powerful, and sometimes dangerous, role comfort can play in our personal growth and professional transformation. This isn’t just another episode about communication tactics. Today, we’re talking about the crucial things that happen before you ever open your mouth, moments that shape your confidence, your ability to adapt, and ultimately, your life’s direction.

Said Eshaghi is the founder of Lead Beyond, a Maxwell Leadership certified team member, DISC consultant, and author of the new book Escape from Comfort. Said’s story begins in war-torn Iran, where, as a young teen, he and his brother faced a life-altering decision that would forever change the trajectory of their lives. From a perilous escape across dangerous borders to rebuilding his life in Sweden, rising to become a world-class biochemist, and eventually confronting the pitfalls of unchecked ambition, Said’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and the power of honest reflection.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:

The harrowing journey that took Said Eshaghi from his home in Iran, through Turkey, and finally to Sweden and how the decisions made during that trek shaped his perspective on trust and survival.

Surviving trauma as a child, and why sometimes the things left unsaid are just as important to your survival as what you do say.

How positive thinking and the pressure to excel even in subjects you hate can be both a survival mechanism and a potential weakness.

The life-changing impact of a compassionate teacher, and how that experience informs the way Said Eshaghi now helps others struggling to express themselves.

The challenges of finding your voice in a new country and language, including the role that trust plays in overcoming cultural and communication barriers.

Lessons learned from the world of academia why top performers in STEM and high-pressure fields often fail to communicate outside their technical “bubble,” and the difference a great communicator can make.

The concept of “mind laundering”: how seemingly harmless persuasion, mixed with personal agendas, can manipulate even the most well-intentioned people and how to recognize the signs before it’s too late.

The dangers of unchecked ego and accidental growth, and how losing your sense of purpose can cause even the most successful individuals to go astray.

Said Eshaghi’s proprietary FAR framework and how it helps people navigate transitions (and uncomfortable conversations) to move from survival to leadership and fulfillment.

How to spot the one degree shift that can, over time, take you miles away from your intended path and what to do if you realize you’ve drifted.

Why personal growth, reflection, and a purpose bigger than yourself are critical not just to your own development, but to your capacity to help others in a meaningful way.

You’ll also hear us discuss Said Eshaghi’s new book, Escape from Comfort, and how honest reflection on life’s turning points is the key to escaping the “trap” of a comfortable but unfulfilling existence.

If you’re in your 20s and feeling directionless, or maybe you’re older and questioning whether your comfort is holding you back, this episode will give you the perspective and practical steps you need to start uncomfortable but ultimately transformative conversations with yourself.

Ready to move beyond comfort and toward the life (and impact) you were meant for? Dive into this conversation and let’s start navigating the transitions together.

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Ever walked out of a meeting replaying the moment you got interrupted or worse, wondered if there’s anything you could have done differently? If you’ve ever felt powerless in those situations, you’re not alone, and today’s episode is here to give you specific tools to reset those dynamics immediately.

This week on Speaking with Confidence, I’m tackling a scenario many of us know all too well: a coworker disrespects you in front of the group, and all eyes are on you to see what you’ll do next. Most people default to one of two “losing” moves: shrink away or snap back. Both give control away, and neither actually solves the real problem. What’s really going on isn’t a confidence gap, it’s about perceived cost. In the workplace, disrespect thrives when it’s cheap for the other person. My goal today is to show you how to make sure crossing your boundaries becomes expensive.

I’m breaking down the dynamics we so often encounter but rarely address directly. I’ll walk you through the hidden calculations your coworkers are making, and I’ll share three phrases that shift the power dynamic without turning things into a confrontation.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

Why most responses to workplace disrespect—shrinking away or snapping back—don’t work, and what’s really happening in the silence after you’ve been interrupted

The “perceived cost” principle and how others assess whether it’s worth it to disrespect you

The first phrase: “I’m going to stop you right there,” how and why it works, and the importance of delivering it calmly and without qualifiers

A real-world example of this phrase in action from a sports sponsorship meeting

The second phrase: “That’s not what I said,” is designed to halt sneaky reframes and backhanded dominance moves, and how to effectively use it to reclaim accuracy and credibility

How to prevent diluting your response and exactly what to do after using the phrase

The third phrase: “I’ll need you to handle that differently next time,” for those chronic, ambiguous behaviors that are hard to call out but undermine your authority and effectiveness

The importance of focusing forward, stating expectations, and not getting lured into relitigating old behavior

Why the delivery, calm, flat, matter-of-fact is as important as the words themselves

How all three phrases work as a simple system to block nearly every kind of workplace disrespect

The real driver beneath all three: shifting the math so it’s not worth it for others to cross your boundaries

I wrap up with a practical challenge for you: choose the phrase that fits your life the best, and practice it out loud so you’re ready the moment you need it. Progress, not perfection, is always our goal. Stick around for some free resources if you want to keep leveling up your communication skills!

Remember, your voice really does have the power to change everything, especially when you use it with clarity and confidence.

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Have you ever wondered if you’re missing the clues that are pointing you to your true purpose? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we tackle one of the most important questions anyone can ask: What if your unique design isn’t something you have to invent, but something that’s already waiting to be discovered in the signals of everyday life?

I’m Tim Newman, and today we dig deep into the art and science of finding and living your purpose, with the help of a truly fascinating guest, Caleb Matthews. Caleb Matthews is the founder of The SeeLink, a renowned speaker in the spiritual strategy space, and the creator of the SSB method (spirit, soul, and body). With two decades of experience helping thousands decode the hidden signals in their dreams, personal history, and daily frustrations, Caleb Matthews brings insight from new age festivals to meeting rooms with government leaders, and his radio broadcasts have reached millions across Africa.

In our conversation, we unpack what it really means to have a “DNA of Design,” why so many people struggle to interpret their own purpose, and the crucial role that our spirit, not just our mind or body, plays in guiding us. Caleb Matthews shares his own remarkable journey from practicing speeches with stuffed animals to speaking at a Kenyan orphanage at 18, which was a life-altering lesson in gratitude and the power of perspective.

We explore why Western culture often sidelines the spiritual side of ourselves, and how reawakening it can be a powerful anchor, especially in times of crisis. We also get very practical: how can you start recognizing everyday signals and “dots” that point toward your calling? Caleb Matthews offers simple strategies, including the importance of writing down and reflecting on your dreams which, he argues, are not just random brain static, but coded messages from your deeper self (or even the divine).

Some of the things we covered in this episode include:

Caleb Matthews’s unique method for discovering purpose through spirit, soul, and body

The transformative experience of speaking in Africa and what it taught about gratitude

How Western society tends to diminish the role of spirit in personal growth and why that matters

The essential practice of recognizing and interpreting dreams as guides for your life

Specific reasons why most people miss the clues to their purpose by rushing from A to Z

The importance of staying connected to awe, wonder, and childlike curiosity in adulthood

The dangers of stuffing down conscience and emotion and how to open up again

How who you surround yourself with (the five people you see most) shapes your identity and fulfillment

The “three Cs” of construct, conform, and contract in self-development

Practical tips on dream journaling and the first question to ask when interpreting your dreams

The significance of safeguarding your senses in a noisy, social media-driven world

Lessons learned from speaking across more than a dozen countries: every audience is different, yet fundamentally the same

If you’ve ever wondered where your purpose is hiding or how to listen to your life for clues you might be missing this episode will give you both inspiration and clear steps to move forward. Plus, Caleb Matthews shares how you can take his free “DNA of Design” quiz at calebmatthews.net to get started on your own journey toward discovering your design type.

I hope this conversation challenges and empowers you to look deeper, listen closer, and take the next step in living out your unique calling.

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Have you ever wondered if the classic “sandwich method” for delivering feedback (compliment, criticism, compliment) actually works, or if it’s causing more harm than good? In today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re tackling a management myth that’s been passed down for generations, but quietly erodes trust and sours relationships in the workplace.

I’m Tim Newman, a former college professor turned communication coach, and I’ve seen countless managers, including myself, reach for this tried-and-true technique in hopes of softening the sting of tough feedback. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: our teams see it coming from a mile away, and the result isn’t motivation or clarity, it's confusion, distrust, and a growing reluctance to believe any positive feedback we share.

In this episode, I dig into why the sandwich method fails everyone involved, and introduce you to Tim Elmore’s ALAG framework, a modern, honest, and far more effective way to have those hard conversations without burning trust in the process. While there’s no guest today, I’ll share a real-world story from my own experience to show you how this framework works in practice.

We’ll talk about why the sandwich method was created to protect managers’ comfort more than employees’ growth, and how it ends up poisoning praise, confusing communication, and eroding the very trust managers hope to build. Then, I’ll walk you step-by-step through the ALAG framework: Ask, Listen, Empathize, and Guide. Each step is designed to break the pattern of defensiveness, invite genuine conversation, and move your team forward with both compassion and clarity.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

A breakdown of what actually happens inside a “sandwich” feedback conversation—and why it so often backfires

The invisible ways trust is eroded conversation by conversation, even if you don’t see it happening

Why opening with curiosity instead of conclusions instantly changes the tone and outcome

How to practice genuine active listening instead of debating or rehearsing your next response

The critical but overlooked role of empathy why it’s not agreement, and how to avoid compassion fatigue as a manager

The power of the word “and” in balancing empathy with accountability

How to gently guide toward action and clarity instead of shoving someone toward your standards

A real-life example of helping a student navigate a tough decision with grace, using ALAG instead of empty praise

Why being a better leader is about building character, not just managing discomfort

Finally, I’ll challenge you to try the ALAG approach the next time you need to have a difficult conversation, and explain why real growth happens when you risk showing up with presence and honesty. Remember, we’re not aiming for perfection; we’re aiming for progress, every single day.

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How can technically brilliant professionals turn their expertise into influence and success in the workplace? That's the question we dive into on this episode of Speaking with Confidence. I’m Tim Newman, a former college professor who’s become a communication coach, and I know from experience that technical skills will get you hired, but communication is what gets you noticed and promoted. We see too many talented people missing out on opportunities because they haven’t developed the soft skills that build trust and win work. That's why I sat down with Ken Harms, an advisor, speaker, and author of "Building Trust, Winning Work," to unpack exactly why soft skills are the critical difference maker.

Ken brings over 40 years of experience observing technically skilled folks stumble not because of lack of knowledge, but because of an inability to connect, communicate, and build authentic relationships. In our discussion, we tackle the persistent gap in our education system that leaves graduates with excellent technical training but few tools for powerful interaction. Ken shares research from the Carnegie Institute: a staggering 85% of future earnings stem from your ability to communicate and lead rather than strictly from technical know-how.

We go deep on the root causes of this soft skills gap, from education to workplace culture, and why so many people resist improvement, even when feedback could dramatically accelerate their careers. Ken talks through his experience with "doer-seller" models in industries like construction explaining why public speaking, storytelling, and, importantly, listening with confidence must be learned and practiced intentionally, not left to chance. We cover actionable ways to prepare for meetings and interviews, showing that confidence is really about preparation and client focus, not just charisma.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:

Why technical skills alone aren’t enough to succeed and get promoted

The education system’s failure to teach communication, public speaking, or relationship-building

Doer-seller dynamics in architecture, engineering, and construction fields

The difference between speaking with confidence and listening with confidence, including Ken’s WAIT (Why Am I Talking?) framework

How to prepare for meetings and client interactions by researching and planning thoughtful questions

Reframing sales as service and why this matters to younger generations

The enduring power of face-to-face meetings and practical ways to create trust digitally

Likability, Competence, and Trust: the three professional hurdles and why likability is often the biggest obstacle for new grads

The intersection (and collision) between authenticity and professionalism

Real talk about workplace attire, first impressions, and why they still matter

The importance of teamwork, collaboration, and how group skills learned in sports or competitions apply to the workplace

Why mentorship matters and how both young professionals and seasoned leaders must meet each other halfway

Ken’s actionable advice for technically brilliant but invisible young professionals: get training, practice relentlessly, and seek out opportunities to shine

By the end of this conversation, you’ll have a full picture of how soft skills can elevate your technical expertise so you can speak, serve, sell, and lead with real impact.

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