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Speaking With Confidence

Speaking With Confidence

Written by: Tim Newman
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Are you ready to overcome imposter syndrome and become a powerful communicator? Whether you're preparing for a public presentation, sharpening your communication skills, or looking to elevate your personal and professional development, this podcast is your ultimate resource for powerful communication. The Speaking with Confidence podcast will help tackle the real challenges that hold you back, from conquering stage fright to crafting impactful storytelling and building effective communication habits. Every episode is designed to help you communicate effectively, strengthen your soft skills, and connect with any audience. With expert insights, practical strategies, and relatable examples, you’ll learn how to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a professional preparing for a high-stakes presentation, a student navigating a public speaking class, or someone simply looking to enhance their interpersonal skills, this podcast has the tools to empower you, all with a bit of humor. Join us each week as we break down what it takes to inspire and influence through communication. It’s time to speak with confidence, captivate your audience, and make your voice heard! Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/timnewman© 2026 Speaking With Confidence Economics Management Management & Leadership Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • The Three-Second Move That Boosts Confidence and Calms Any Conversation

    The Three-Second Move That Boosts Confidence and Calms Any Conversation
    Jul 23 2026
    Have you ever wondered why absorbing other people’s emotions seems to drain your energy, and yet rarely solves the problem at hand? In today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re diving into the real reason “feeling their pain” might actually be holding you back, and I’m sharing a simple, tactical move that works better and keeps you in control. I’m Tim Newman, your host, a recovering college professor turned communication coach. Through years of working with clients, students, and teams, I used to believe that being a great communicator meant soaking up everyone else’s emotions. I’d match their energy, carry their stress, and walk away completely depleted and still facing the same challenges. Sound familiar? It took me a long time and guidance from negotiation expert Chris Voss to realize that this approach was not only exhausting, it was also ineffective. In this episode, we explore the difference between emotional empathy where you feel what others feel and get swept away by it and tactical empathy, which is all about understanding others’ emotions without losing yourself in them. You’ll hear how Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, used tactical empathy to defuse high-stakes situations by naming the emotion in the room with precision, not by absorbing it. We’ll walk through real examples from my own teaching days and coaching work, breaking down how simply labeling someone’s fear or frustration can disarm tension and open up productive conversations. I also point out the crucial final step that most people miss embracing silence after you drop your “label,” instead of rushing to explain or defend yourself. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: Why emotional empathy depletes your energy but rarely solves the root problem The neuroscience behind why naming an emotion helps people and yourself think more clearly How tactical empathy is different, and why it puts you in control The exact three-second “labeling” move: “It seems like…”, “It sounds like…”, “It looks like…” A breakdown of what makes a label effective versus what falls flat How to handle uncomfortable silences and why they’re key to making this work A simple homework assignment to practice this life-changing skill in your next challenging conversation By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with a powerful new approach for every situation where tension or defensiveness runs high without burning out in the process. Remember, progress, not perfection, is what moves us forward. Try out this tactical empathy tool this week and see how quickly your conversations shift. Your voice truly has the power to change the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 mins
  • Building Bridges Across Generations: Leadership and Communication Skills for Lasting Impact

    Building Bridges Across Generations: Leadership and Communication Skills for Lasting Impact
    Jul 20 2026
    How do we actually bridge the generational gap in communication and empower younger leaders to show up with confidence? That’s exactly what we’re tackling in this episode of Speaking with Confidence. I’m Tim Newman, your host and communication coach, and today we’re diving deep into what it means to lead, learn, and grow not just as professionals, but as people who want to make a positive impact on those around us. With Gen Z and millennials set to dominate the workforce by 2030, most leaders still haven’t cracked the code on how to connect with and motivate them. We’re going to change that. Joining me is Robin Lewis, host of the Big Life podcast, leadership coach, transformational speaker, and business strategist. Robin is all about helping purpose-driven business owners lead with clarity, build with focus, and create organizations that truly last. He brings not just expertise, but real stories and actionable frameworks from his own journey growing, stumbling, and ultimately becoming a leader who helps others do the same. In our conversation, Robin shares powerful analogies drawn from his life as a new grandparent, reminding us how we all start life eager to learn, unafraid to fall, and willing to try again. We explore how that spirit is too often lost as we grow and what it takes to reclaim it as leaders. Together, we break down reasons why young adults sometimes forget how to communicate honestly, how bottling up ideas becomes learned behavior, and what leaders can do to reverse that cycle by making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode: Why reclaiming a childlike hunger for learning and risk-taking matters in leadership The critical role of being seen, heard, and valued in communication, no matter your age How communication breakdowns aren’t always generational they’re often personality-based Robin’s “Lead to Last” framework and how he developed it after hitting a wall in his own business What separates leaders who say they have purpose from those who truly live it The importance of clarity of self, overcoming limiting beliefs, and defining your core values How to mentor the next generation to think introspectively and with intention Strategies for repairing and learning from failure as both leaders and parents The impact of collaborating instead of competing and finding commonality before difference Practical applications of DISC and other personality tools for team growth and better communication Whether you lead a business, a team, or your family, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and actionable steps to help you (and those you serve) become more authentic, resilient, and confident communicators. Thanks for joining us let’s keep building the kind of leadership that truly lasts. Connect with Robin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewisrobin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Robinlewis411/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinlewisteam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • The Four Shifts Every New Manager Must Make to Succeed

    The Four Shifts Every New Manager Must Make to Succeed
    Jul 16 2026
    Ever found yourself promoted to a leadership position and suddenly realizing you have no idea how to build authority without losing the respect of your team? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle one of the most challenging transitions you can face at work: moving from peer to manager. I'm Tim Newmana recovering college professor turned communication coachand today we're diving into what really happens when you go from being "one of the team" to leading the team. There’s no guest joining me this week; it’s just you and me unpacking the real obstacles and actionable solutions for new leaders navigating this tricky shift. We all know that being promoted is exciting but it can also be disorienting. One day, you’re sharing complaints over drinks, the next, you’re the one in charge, trying not to repeat the mistakes of managers you once criticized. I break down the hard truth: many companies get management promotions wrong 82% of the time, leaving you with the title, a small raise, and very little guidance on how to actually manage people without damaging relationships. That tension between being accessible and asserting real authority gets new managers stuck in what I call the “access trap.” In this episode, I share the three pillars of real authority, clarity, consistency, and accountability and explain why they matter more than being liked. I walk through four transformative shifts every new manager must make: setting and respecting boundaries, giving honest and direct feedback, using confident language, and tackling conflict early. Each shift comes with clear examples and advice for how to break out of the habits that quietly erode your credibility and relationships. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why pretending nothing has changed after your promotion only creates confusion The data behind why promoting top performers doesn’t always make sense for leadership roles How to avoid the “access trap” and be more than just a buddy with a title The three foundational elements of real authority (and what it’s not) The four skill shifts every new manager must practice: boundaries, feedback, language, and conflict Practical steps for having honest conversations that set a new tone for your team Why consistency is more important than charisma for building trust How to start small choose one shift and put it into practice this week If you’ve just made the leap into management, or you want to support someone who has, I promise this episode will leave you with clear, actionable steps you can use immediately. Remember, your former peers don’t need a friend wearing a manager’s badge, they need a leader who sets the standard with courage and clarity. Listen in and take the first step toward building authority that truly holds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    15 mins
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