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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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Ever wondered why so many high-achieving leaders and communicators struggle to recognize their own value? In our 100th episode of Speaking with Confidence, we tackle this powerful question and much more with a very special guest who’s played a major role in my own podcasting journey—Alex Sanfilippo.

I kicked off this milestone episode reflecting on the journey so far and the importance of crafting your communication skills. From day one, Speaking with Confidence has been about helping you show up as your most authentic, impactful self—whether it's in storytelling, leadership, podcasting, or daily conversations. To celebrate our 100th episode, I invited Alex Sanfilippo, founder of PodMatch.com and the host of Podcasting Made Simple, to join me. If you’re not familiar, PodMatch is a brilliant platform that automatically matches podcast hosts and guests, a true game changer for podcasters looking to deliver more value and connect with new audiences.

We dove deep into topics that every communicator and leader will relate to—especially if you’ve ever doubted the impact you make. Alex Sanfilippo shared honestly about his own struggle with imposter syndrome, the challenge of recognizing the ripple effects of our work, and why surrounding yourself with the right people is so critical—not only for accountability but for remembering your successes and celebrating your growth. We reminisced about some of Alex’s earliest lessons as a 10-year-old entrepreneur selling golf balls, and how those negotiations with adults laid the foundation for his confidence and communication today.

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

• Why so many high achievers underestimate their own value and impact
• How imposter syndrome shows up (even for seasoned leaders and creators)
• The importance of community—having people who’ll tell you when you’re doing great and when you need to grow
• How laughter, play, and fun can transform not just your mood, but your effectiveness as a communicator
• Lessons from childhood entrepreneurship that still apply to adult leadership and negotiations
• How to reflect on your day and extract lessons that drive growth
• The difference between representing yourself as a brand and representing a company—and why authenticity matters more than ever
• A powerful story about vulnerability on stage, and how genuine emotion connects more deeply than perfection ever could
• Tips for managing nerves before speaking, including “mindset hacks” to recast anxiety as excitement
• Why storytelling, not just well-organized points, is at the heart of powerful communication
• How to use your walk-up song or other rituals to channel energy and confidence before you speak

Whether you’re a podcaster, leader, or someone simply looking to speak up with more confidence, this 100th episode is packed with honest insights, practical strategies, a few laughs, and plenty of encouragement about the unique value only you can offer.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey to 100 episodes. Tune in to hear my conversation with Alex Sanfilippo—I promise you’ll walk away ready to communicate (and live!) with more confidence.

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Have you ever wondered if your phone habits are actually rewiring your brain—and what you can do to reclaim truly meaningful conversations? In today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive deep into the reality of digital overwhelm, exploring how our constant connectivity shapes not only our attention spans, but also our ability to build real, lasting connections.

I’m Tim Newman, your host and a “recovering college professor” turned communication coach. If you caught my earlier conversation with Craig Mattson about digital overwhelm (and if not, be sure to listen!), today I’m taking our discussion one step further. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you break out of the screen-time spiral and nurture richer, more present communication—at work, at home, and everywhere it matters.

I unpack just how our devices—and the behaviors they encourage—impact our brains, our relationships, and our emotional well-being. Did you know that our attention span has dropped to less than a goldfish’s, or that checking your phone mid-conversation can physically hurt your relationships? I detail the science behind these findings, walking you through what’s really happening in your brain when you’re glued to your screen.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we cover in this episode:

• How excessive screen time quite literally changes the physical structure of your brain, especially the areas that keep your empathy and emotional processing sharp
• The eye-opening comparison between our attention span today and that of a goldfish (spoiler: the fish is winning)
• Why multitasking is just rapid attention switching, and how every notification derails your focus for as much as 25 minutes
• How checking your phone—even for a split second—during meetings or conversations triggers feelings of rejection and erodes trust
• The surprising emotional gap in text-based communication vs. phone calls or in-person chats, including why arguments take longer to resolve over text and why emojis don’t always help
• The neuroscience behind why social media may be numbing our real-world empathy, and how dopamine-driven interactions make it harder to form deep, lasting bonds
• Simple, science-backed strategies to repair your attention span—like the 90/20 rule, tech-free meal times, and delaying morning phone use—and the powerful results you can expect to see
• The truth about “multitasking” in virtual meetings and the dramatic drop in information retention when devices are present
• Why creating analog space and reducing digital distractions leads not only to better memory and increased empathy, but more rewarding, memorable conversations

Throughout the episode, I share practical experiments, easy habits, and real-world stories—along with the latest research—to help you make progress, not seek perfection. You’ll discover small changes that restore focus and connection, proving you don’t have to renounce technology to build your confidence as a communicator. Start with just one device-free meal a day and see just how much deeper your conversations can go.

Don’t forget to check out speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free eBook and details on my public speaking course. Your voice matters—and with a bit of intentionality, you can ensure it’s heard, felt, and

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Have you ever wondered how introverts can thrive on stage and conquer self-doubt, even when anxiety and imposter syndrome are in the way? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive deep into the journeys, frameworks, and behind-the-scenes realities of overcoming hesitation so you can step up and speak out—no matter how nervous you may feel.

Today, I’m excited to welcome my friend Michael Pope: an international keynote speaker, leadership coach, and author of Doers Win the Day. Known as the Hesitation Breaker, Michael Pope brings over two decades of IT and leadership experience, having transformed software developers into adept people developers. His expertise centers on productivity, overcoming hesitation, and equipping high achievers and introverted professionals with the tools they need to succeed.

We explore the unique challenges introverts face when the spotlight is on. Michael Pope opens up about his process for “recharging on demand” after high-energy engagements and the importance of being present and available to audience members after events—even if it feels uncomfortable at first. We also discuss practical networking strategies, like attending events with a purpose-driven list of connections, and why you must add value to others before asking anything in return.

A major highlight of our conversation is imposter syndrome and the excuses that creep in. We talk candidly about those moments of hesitation—like almost inviting a dream guest on the show but never quite hitting send. 

We unpack Michael Pope’s signature DOER framework (Discipline, Opportunity, Eliminate Excuses, Responsibility) and how it applies not just to speaking, but to every area of personal and professional growth. He gives real-life examples of stretching outside your comfort zone, preparing for high-stakes talks (and recovering when things go wrong), and the importance of coaching and mentorship—no matter how seasoned you become.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Why sharing personal stories (especially about family) builds trust and relatability
• Strategies for introverts to thrive on stage and in back-to-back networking environments
• The necessity of approaching events and networking with a clear, value-driven purpose
• The DOER framework and how to use it to push through hesitation, excuses, and fear
• Real talk on imposter syndrome and actionable ways to move past it
• How joining Toastmasters and investing in coaching can fast track your progress
• Surprising lessons from sharing the stage with legends like Les Brown and learning from mentors like Roddy Galbraith
• The process of preparing for a major keynote event—from understanding the client’s goals to practicing with intention
• When technology fails: staying cool, calm, and professional under pressure
• The power of recording yourself and constructive self-feedback for brand-new speakers
• Why celebrating small wins every day fuels growth and momentum for the long haul

If you want to find your authentic voice, build rock-solid speaking habits, and finally stop holding yourself back, you’ll want to listen to every minute of this episode. Tune in, take notes, and remember: your voice has the power to change the world—but only if you’re brave enough to use it.

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Are you building a network that looks impressive on paper, but feels hollow in practice? Are you craving genuine professional relationships that help you grow, not just fill your contact list? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle the paradox facing modern professionals: staying "connected" but still feeling isolated. If you’ve ever wondered why your networking efforts haven’t translated into real momentum or meaningful relationships, this episode is for you.

I dive deep into the concept of what I call the Connector Climber—a mindset and system that blends authentic relationship-building with purposeful career growth. Drawing from years as a college professor and coach, I share hard-earned insights and a practical framework designed to help you move beyond the two most common personality traps: the Connector (the selfless but stagnant giver) and the Climber (the ambitious but isolated achiever). I reveal how recognizing which type you tend toward is the first step to transforming how you build your network.

In this episode, I unpack the reasons why simply "knowing everyone" isn’t enough, and why climbing the career ladder solo leaves you stranded. You’ll hear personal stories, including my own aha moment in academia and a powerful example from a client who broke out of the connector rut to lead strategic projects.

Here’s what I covered:

• Why most professionals fall into the Connector or Climber category, and why both approaches are incomplete
• The essential mindset shift: moving from being useful to being collaborative, and the role vulnerability plays in building lasting relationships
• How to define your personal “mountain”—the specific goal that catalyzes intentional connections
• The three non-negotiable rules for becoming a Connector Climber: knowing your mountain, auditing your circle for growth-minded influences, and creating value instead of trading favors
• Practical, real-world examples of what value creation looks like, and how to frame networking conversations as mutual exchanges rather than asks
• A step-by-step challenge to help you reconnect with someone in your network with clarity and intention
• The differences between transactional and transformational relationships, and how to build a team—not just a contact list—that supports your professional climb
• Resources for further growth, including my book Connections That Count and free guides for public speakers

By the end of the episode, you’ll be equipped with a system that transforms your approach to networking—from checking boxes to sowing the seeds of true collaboration and mutual momentum. If you’re ready to build connections that actually count, this episode is your roadmap to becoming a confident Connector Climber. Thanks for listening and being part of the Speaking with Confidence community!

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Have you ever wondered how seasoned performers capture and hold the attention of even the most distracted or reluctant audiences? On today’s episode of Speaking With Confidence, we answer that question and dig deep into what it really takes to build confidence, adapt on the fly, and show up authentically in every speaking situation—whether it’s a children’s birthday party, a raucous holiday park, or a high-stakes corporate keynote.

I’m Tim Newman, your host and recovering college professor turned communication coach, and I’m thrilled to share this episode with you because it offers a fresh perspective on stage presence, storytelling, and handling those inevitable moments when things don’t go as planned.

Joining me today is Tom Elliott, corporate event host, comedy magician, and storytelling coach, who brings a remarkable blend of entertainment expertise to the world of professional communication. Tom has performed across the UK for audiences that often weren’t there to see him, which has made him a master at winning over even the toughest crowds. His journey from performing magic and ventriloquism at children’s parties, to holiday parks and eventually the corporate world, is not only fascinating but full of practical lessons for anyone looking to build their influence through communication.

You’ll also hear us dig into:

• Tom’s origins in magic, ventriloquism, and the lessons learned from children’s parties and holiday park gigs
• Why corporate and holiday park audiences are worlds apart—and how to adjust your approach for each
• How to manage failing moments on stage and use them to grow (including both of our worst stories)
• The power of practicing in public, trying new material, and being willing to fail to get better
• What it really takes to grab attention in the first 30 seconds of any talk, meeting, or show
• How to dial up your natural personality traits by 10% for stage presence and audience connection
• The difference between internalizing your core message versus memorizing a rigid script, and how this helps you adapt with confidence
• Why personal stories work, even for people who are nervous to use them
• Building confidence through repeated action and practical strategies for anyone starting out (including organizing your own gigs!)

Tom also shares a free resource for anyone wanting to create a more engaging keynote, along with actionable tips you can put into practice right away.

Whether you’re a business leader, aspiring speaker, or someone who just wants to feel more at ease communicating when it counts, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and the reassurance that failing is not the end—it's part of the path to becoming a powerful, confident communicator.

Thanks for joining us on Speaking With Confidence. Remember, your voice has the power to change the world!

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Have you ever listened to a recording of your own voice and thought, “Who is that?” If you’ve ever cringed at the sound of your voice on tape, you’re not alone. In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive into why our own voice sounds so strange to us on a recording—and more importantly, what you can do about it.

I’m Tim Newman, your host and a recovering college professor turned communication coach. Today’s episode is all about bridging the gap between the voice you think you have and the one the world actually hears. I’ll show you why you don’t need to “fix” your voice, but understand what’s happening behind the scenes—both physically and psychologically—so you can finally build confidence in how you sound for your presentations, meetings, and important conversations.

There’s no guest this week; it's just me, sharing techniques and insights straight from my own coaching experience. If you’ve ever felt hesitant to speak up because you’re self-conscious about your voice, or you want to project more authority and command in your professional life, this episode is for you.

Here’s what I cover:

• Why your voice sounds so different—and often “worse”—when you hear it recorded, thanks to the physics of bone conduction versus air conduction.
• The phenomenon I call “imposter voice syndrome” and why it fuels self-doubt and anxiety.
• How exposure therapy can help you get comfortable with the sound of your recorded voice and shift from self-judgment to self-acceptance.
• Practical, immediately actionable techniques to power up your voice, including diaphragmatic breathing for resonance and steadiness, finding your optimal pitch with safe and easy exercises, and the strategic use of pauses to add authority and presence.
• Tips for using volume and articulation to ensure your message lands—so you never mumble or fade out at a crucial moment.
• How the way you use your voice transforms your leadership presence and credibility.
• Tactics for handling high-pressure situations, reading the room, and dynamically adjusting your delivery for maximum impact.
• Developing a simple, five-minute pre-speaking vocal warmup routine to make confidence a habit instead of a hope.
• The mindset shift from self-consciousness to audience focus so you stop apologizing for your sound and start using your voice as a strategic communication asset.

By the end of the episode, you’ll realize that your voice is not something to hide or “fix”—it’s your unique communication signature. With some deliberate practice and self-kindness, you’ll be on your way to speaking with authentic confidence, no matter the situation. If you take away only one thing today, let it be this: your voice has the power to change the world, starting with how you think and feel about it.

For more resources, remember to grab your free eBook and check out the Formula for Public Speaking rules at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com. Until next time, embrace your voice and keep building that confidence!

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Have you ever wondered how your written communication—resumes, LinkedIn profiles, career documents—can truly reflect who you are and ensure you're projecting the same confidence and authenticity in person as you do on paper? If you’ve found yourself stuck, unsure how to craft your professional story, or if you want your talents and personality to leap off the page and into your interviews, this episode is for you.

Welcome back to Speaking with Confidence! Today, I dive into the art and science of translating your professional story onto paper, a skill just as essential as public speaking. I’m joined by Amy Adler, a nationally recognized career strategist and founder of Five Strengths Career Transition Experts. Amy is an expert in coaching executives and professionals to tell their stories in amazing, impactful ways—helping them shine in written formats and feel truly confident when meeting hiring teams.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:

• How life experiences and regional culture shape communication, both written and spoken
• Why adapting your style to meet people where they are (“The Platinum Rule”) builds trust and connection
• Listening as a superpower for introverts—and transforming introversion into powerful coaching and storytelling
• Building confidence by reframing your career journey as a forward-thinking, impactful story
• Techniques for career transition: defining strategy, setting attainable goals, and building momentum
• The power of authenticity and congruence between your written documents and your real self in interviews
• Advice for young professionals and higher education: letting students tell their whole story, not just check boxes
• Breaking through fear and vulnerability in the job search by seeking expert help—and why it’s a sign of strength, not weakness
• How collaborative coaching and resume writing can transform personal narratives, boost self-belief, and elevate career outcomes

If you’re ready to bridge the gap between your resume and your real, confident self—and learn strategies that make your written communication truly impactful—give this episode a listen. Huge thanks to Amy Adler for sharing her wisdom and experience with such empathy and clarity. And thank you for tuning in to Speaking with Confidence!

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