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Ever been told you’re “too serious” or “intimidating” before you even open your mouth? What if that exact energy could make you one of the most magnetic communicators in the room?

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I break down the science and strategy behind using humor, not to be the funniest person in the room, but to be the most impactful. From defusing tension in high-stakes meetings to building trust through shared imperfections, you’ll learn how humor unlocks deeper connection, boosts your credibility, and strengthens your leadership communication.

I share storytelling techniques, insights on the “Pratfall Effect,” and real-world tips for using situational and self-deprecating humor effectively. Whether you’re trying to overcome speaking anxiety, improve your presentation skills, or just not dread your next team meeting, this episode offers practical, powerful tools to help you connect with confidence.

In this episode:

• Why reserved or intense personalities actually amplify the power of humor
• How humor creates instant rapport and lowers communication barriers
• The psychology of shared laughter and how it signals connection
• When self-deprecating humor works, and when it backfires
• How to use humor to handle awkward silences and reset tense moments
• Why icebreakers usually fail (and what actually works)

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

Want to level up your speaking skills? Register for the Forum for Public Speaking course at FormulaForPublicSpeaking.com

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