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What if the key to your next career move isn’t on a job board, but in a conversation you haven’t had yet?

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I sit down with career coach and author Michelle Schafer to explore how powerful communication, genuine curiosity, and intentional relationship-building can unlock career growth. Whether you're navigating a job search, considering a transition, or mentoring young professionals, this conversation will shift how you think about networking.

Michelle opens up about her own career journey—leaving behind 18 years in financial services and finding her most fulfilling role not through applications, but through a bold conversation she almost didn’t have. Her story speaks to anyone who’s ever let imposter syndrome hold them back from reaching out.

We dive deep into the mindset behind effective communication and what it means to approach conversations with confidence and purpose. This isn’t about “selling yourself”—it’s about creating meaningful interactions built on curiosity, follow-up, and being genuinely interested in others. From preparing for a networking event to turning everyday chats into career opportunities, Michelle offers strategies that turn soft skills into superpowers.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Reframe networking as connection, not a transaction
• Communicate effectively by asking better questions
• Turn conversations into career breakthroughs
• Overcome limiting beliefs that block outreach
• Build confidence through preparation and follow-up
• Tap into the “hidden job market” where 80% of opportunities live
• Embrace interpersonal skills as key tools for professional development

If you're ready to ditch the script, speak with confidence, and build relationships that move your career forward this episode is for you.

Download a free chapter of Michelle’s book, Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with a Purpose at mschafercoaching.ca

For more episodes that help you become a powerful communicator, visit timnewmanspeaks.com and explore tools and free resources to level up your communication skills.

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What if your greatest strength as a leader wasn’t how well you speak, but how well you listen?

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, Tim sits down with leadership development expert and executive coach Therese Miclot for a powerful conversation about the kind of communication skills that truly set great leaders apart. With over 25 years of experience coaching global tech executives and co-authoring The Facilitation Advantage, Therese brings a fresh, human-centered approach to what it means to lead and communicate effectively.

They dive deep into the art of “deep dive listening”, a next-level skill that helps you understand not just what’s being said, but the motivations and unspoken needs behind it. Whether you’re in a high-stakes public presentation or a one-on-one with a team member, Therese shares how intentional listening can shift everything.

You’ll also hear why your self-talk is more visible than you think, how to replace awkward meeting questions with ones that spark real engagement, and why vulnerability isn’t a weakness, it’s your leadership superpower.

If you're ready to future-proof your career, connect more meaningfully, and develop the soft skills that actually drive results, this episode is your roadmap to becoming a more powerful communicator.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why “Any questions?” is the worst way to end a meeting—and what to say instead
• The real reason your communication might be falling flat (hint: it’s about mindset)
• How to keep the attention of neurodiverse teams and foster better engagement
• The link between imposter syndrome, self-talk, and leadership presence
• Why public speaking is about connection, not perfection
• How soft skills like listening and facilitation yield massive ROI in business
• The secret to making people feel safe, seen, and ready to contribute
• Why networking and internships matter more than GPA
• How to develop interpersonal skills that boost both personal and professional development

Key Quote:
"Your thoughts are like a billboard on your forehead, people can read them, even when you think they’re hidden." – Therese Miclot

Connect with Therese
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresemiclot/
https://www.thefacilitationadvantage.com/

Resources & Links:
Get your FREE ebook: Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them
Visit timnewmanspeaks.com for coaching, resources, and to book a call with Tim

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What happens when entrepreneurship, parenthood, and powerful communication collide?

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, Tim sits down with Devan Gonzalez, fitness industry leader, coach, and proud girl dad, to explore how mastering communication skills can transform not just your business, but every relationship in your life.

Devan shares how he stopped compartmentalizing his life and started blending his roles as a father, husband, and entrepreneur, using communication as the bridge between personal fulfillment and professional development. From navigating the emotional terrain of family dynamics to building a thriving team at Strive 11 Fitness, Devan reveals how communication shapes success on every level.

You’ll hear:

• Why vulnerability is a strength in both business and parenting
• How understanding different communication styles leads to deeper connection
• Devan’s unique multi-step hiring process that evaluates interpersonal skills—not just résumés
• The real talk about imposter syndrome and how Devan pushes past fear using the five-second rule
• How storytelling, especially the "ordinary" kind, can be your most powerful public speaking tool
• Why gratitude communicates more effectively than apology

Whether you're leading a team, raising a family, or learning to speak up in a room full of strangers, this episode will equip you with tools to become a more powerful communicator and break through the barriers holding you back.

Tune in to discover how effective communication isn’t just a soft skill—it’s your superpower.

Takeaways:

• Public speaking starts with personal storytelling
• Vulnerability deepens trust—professionally and personally
• Communication styles differ, and adapting is key
• Imposter syndrome is real—but action beats fear
• Coaching and leadership require both confidence and compassion
• Sharing your story helps others find their voice
• You can't inspire others if you stay silent

Connect with Devan 

📘 Grab your free copy of The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them at TimNewmanSpeaks.com and take the first step toward becoming a more confident communicator.

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What if the key to powerful communication started with a better understanding of numbers?

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, Tim sits down with Dr. Craig "Dell" Hane—math innovator, NASCAR engineer, and education reformer—to explore how practical math isn't just about numbers... it's about building confidence, developing communication skills, and unlocking real-world opportunities.

Dr. Hane's story begins with a near-failure in high school algebra—and a principal who told him he’d never go to college. But thanks to a few great teachers and a belief in his own potential, Craig earned a PhD in algebraic number theory, launched a career of innovation, and created a revolutionary approach to math education.

From developing racing technologies for legends like Dale Earnhardt to founding a self-paced math program that teaches real-world skills in weeks, Dr. Hane shows us how effective communication—even through something as simple as a scientific calculator—can change lives.

You’ll hear how:

• Practical math builds powerful communication and soft skills
• Technology like the HP-35 calculator changed the game (and still does!)
• Math anxiety can be overcome with confidence and the right method
• Storytelling and belief systems shape how we learn and lead
• Public education might be failing students—and what we can do about it

This conversation isn’t just about math. It’s about personal development, interpersonal skills, and becoming a more powerful communicator by mastering something many people fear. And if you’ve ever doubted your abilities in math—or anywhere else—Dr. Hane's story will inspire you to rethink what's possible. 

Resources & Links 

Grab Dr. Hane’s free book, How and Why Public School Math is Destroying the USA: CraigHane.com 

Want to become a more confident and impactful communicator? Visit TimNewmanSpeaks.com for free resources and coaching opportunities!

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What’s it like when your business partner is also your spouse? Tim Newman sits down with his wife, Jennifer, for a candid conversation about the challenges and rewards of working together as a couple.  

With nearly three decades of marriage and experience running multiple businesses—including their work with the Golfweek Amateur Tour—Tim and Jennifer share how they navigate communication challenges, decision-making conflicts, and role transitions in both their personal and professional lives.  

This episode dives into: 

• How to communicate effectively when switching between personal and business roles
• The impact of different communication styles on teamwork and conflict resolution
• Why defining clear roles helps prevent tension and micromanagement
• Managing high-pressure decisions when you and your partner don’t transition at the same speed
• The power of self-reflection and continuous growth in strengthening both relationships and leadership
• Why giving each other grace is essential for long-term success  

 Takeaways:

• Balancing Personal & Professional Roles Is a Constant Adjustment
• Different Communication Styles Can Create Both Strength and Struggle
• Decision-Making Under Pressure Exposes Communication Gaps 
• Defining Clear Roles Prevents Micromanagement & Builds Trust
• Giving Each Other Grace & Space Is Essential for Long-Term Success 

Whether you’re building a business with your significant other or just looking to strengthen your interpersonal skills, this episode is packed with insights on becoming a powerful communicator in any partnership.  Have you ever worked with your partner? What’s been your biggest challenge? Drop us a message or share this episode with someone who needs it!

Tune in now to learn how to balance business, relationships, and communication with confidence!

Want to become a more confident and impactful communicator? Visit TimNewmanSpeaks.com for free resources and coaching opportunities!

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Get ready for an incredible conversation with Juanita Wheeler, a powerhouse in public speaking coaching and the CEO of TEDx Brisbane. With over 100 TEDx speakers coached, Juanita has mastered the art of helping speakers communicate effectively and own their awesome on stage.  

In this episode, we dive deep into:  

• Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking – Why fear of judgment holds us back and how to shift your mindset. 
• The Neuroscience of Persuasion – How behavioral science shapes effective communication. 
• Preparation & Practice – Why stagecraft is the last five meters of a hundred-meter race.
• Authenticity Over Performance – Why outdated presentation techniques fail and how to engage your audience naturally.  
• Tailoring Your Message – Content is king, but it must be audience-specific and strategically crafted. 
• Owning Your Unique Voice – The power of being direct, honest, and confident when speaking. 

Juanita shares hard-hitting advice on how to turn speaking anxiety into a strength and how strategic objectives—not just awareness—drive real impact. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting, this episode will transform how you see public speaking!

📣 Ready to become a more powerful communicator? Tune in now!

Resources & Links: 

Website - http://fullandfrank.com/tools
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanitawheeler/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fullandfrank
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fullandfrank/

🚀 Want to become a more confident and impactful communicator? Visit TimNewmanSpeaks.com for free resources and coaching opportunities!

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If you've ever hesitated to step onto a stage or doubted the power of your voice, this episode is for you. Today, we’re joined by Bobbie Carlton, founder of Innovation Women, a game-changer in the world of public speaking. Bobbie shares her personal journey from being a nervous speaker to becoming a sought-after expert on stages worldwide.

We’re tackling some big topics today, why visibility equals opportunity, how women can break into the public speaking space, and the systemic barriers that still keep too many voices unheard. Whether you’re an introvert, a seasoned speaker, or just starting to explore public speaking, Bobbie’s insights will help you take the stage with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The biggest public speaking challenges and how to overcome them
✅ Why practice and preparation are the key to confidence
✅ How to handle interruptions and take control of the stage
✅ The power of diverse voices in public speaking
✅ How women can gain visibility and recognition in leadership
✅ The impact of virtual events and how they’ve changed speaking opportunities
✅ Why saying “yes” to speaking opportunities can unlock career growth

Key Takeaways:
🎤 Public speaking is a skill anyone can develop with the right mindset and practice.
🎤 Visibility leads to opportunities—speaking on stage can open doors in your career.
🎤 Introverts can be incredible speakers with preparation and confidence-building strategies.
🎤 Women are still underrepresented in speaking roles—it's time to change that!
🎤 Diversity on panels matters—it leads to richer conversations and better solutions.
🎤 Men can be allies in promoting gender diversity in speaking events.
🎤 Virtual events have created more speaking opportunities than ever before.

Whether you're looking to level up your communication skills, gain credibility, or step into leadership, this conversation with Bobbie Carlton will inspire you to take action.

📣 Ready to become a more powerful communicator? Tune in now!

Resources & Links: 

Website - https://innovationwomen.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiecarlton
X - https://twitter.com/WomenInno
TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@womeninno

🚀 Want to become a more confident and impactful communicator? Visit TimNewmanSpeaks.com for free resources and coaching opportunities!

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What can climbing a mountain teach you about becoming a powerful communicator? In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, Tim Newman sits down with Vesela Mantegna, a business coach and corporate finance expert, to explore how preparation, adaptability, and authenticity shape how we connect with others.  

Vesela shares how her experience scaling Mount Fuji mirrors the challenges of effective communication, navigating unexpected obstacles, pushing past self-doubt, and learning to trust the process. Whether in boardrooms, networking events, or personal conversations, confidence isn’t about perfection, it’s about being prepared, present, and real.  

This conversation goes beyond the mechanics of public speaking to explore how self-awareness, feedback, and storytelling transform everyday interactions. Vesela unpacks the four communication archetypes and how understanding them can help you engage, influence, and inspire any audience. If you've ever struggled with imposter syndrome, fear of speaking up, or feeling like your message isn’t landing, this episode is packed with insights to help you communicate with impact.  

 Key Takeaways:  

✅ Preparation builds confidence – The more prepared you are, the more naturally you can adapt in conversations.  

✅ Authenticity is your superpower – People connect with real, not perfect.  

✅ Fear fades with action – Confidence is built by showing up, speaking up, and learning from experience.  

✅ Feedback accelerates growth – Seeking input from others sharpens your ability to communicate effectively.  

✅ Know your communication archetype – Understanding your natural style helps you connect with different audiences.  

✅ Engagement is everything – Powerful communication isn’t about what you say—it’s about how you make people feel.  

✅ Every conversation is an opportunity – Whether in meetings, networking, or everyday interactions, your words have impact. 

Tune in now and take your communication skills to the next level!  

Resources & Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vesela-mangeyna-fcca-a54058b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EMTVeselaMangeyna/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vmangeyna/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@veselamangeyna

Want more resources on public speaking? Visit TimNewmanSpeaks.com to grab free tips and book a call with me.

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What if your biggest public speaking blunder could become your greatest lesson? In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I’m joined by the incredible Vicki Noethling, a speaker, coach, and master storyteller who knows firsthand that confidence isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, practice, and having fun along the way.

From her infamous "pee-pee" incident on live TV to a less-than-graceful fall in church, Vicki shares some of her most humbling (and hilarious) public speaking moments. But more importantly, she reveals how those experiences helped her become a more resilient, authentic, and engaging communicator. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  

• Why public speaking is just a conversation, not a performance
• How to embrace mistakes as part of your growth journey
• The secret to engaging younger generations and teaching eye contact
• Practical strategies to elevate your virtual presence (lighting, sound, and more!)
• How storytelling can capture your legacy and impact future generations  

Key Takeaways:

• Mistakes are part of the learning process—embrace them!
• Confidence comes from knowing your material and being yourself
• Public speaking requires continuous improvement and practice
• Effective communication can open doors for leadership and career growth
• Expressiveness helps you connect and engage with your audience
• A strong virtual presence (lighting, sound, and setup) makes a difference
• Every story matters—your experiences are worth sharing  

Vicki’s wisdom reminds us that confidence comes from practice, preparation, and most importantly, being yourself. Whether you're refining your public speaking skills, improving your virtual presence, or simply looking to communicate more effectively, this episode is packed with insights that will help you grow.  

Tune in now and take your communication skills to the next level!  

Want more resources on public speaking? Visit TimNewmanSpeaks.com to grab free tips and book a call with me.

Support the show

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Ever felt like your shyness is holding you back from becoming a confident speaker? This episode is for you! Host Tim Newman sits down with Philip Sessions, a public speaking coach who transformed from a shy child into a powerful communicator.  

Philip shares his personal journey and the lessons he learned along the way, from the power of storytelling to the role of self-development in building confidence. They explore how effective communication can enhance personal and professional success, why listening is key to better conversations, and how networking can help unlock new opportunities.  

Philip also discusses the unexpected connection between engineering and coaching, emphasizing that structured thinking and problem-solving skills can help anyone become a more effective speaker. He highlights the importance of practice, preparation, and mindset in overcoming fear and delivering impactful messages.  

Key Takeaways:  

• Confidence is built through action – Start speaking, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.  
• Storytelling is a superpower – It helps make your message more engaging and memorable. 
• Listening is just as important as speaking – Understanding your audience makes your message more impactful.  
• Networking and personal connections matter – Building genuine relationships can open doors in ways you never imagined.  
• Silence is powerful – Learn to embrace pauses instead of filling them with “um” and “ah.” 
• Engineers can make great coaches – Their problem-solving mindset translates well into communication coaching.

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