Episodi

  • How to Hook and Hold Attention: Clarity and Curiosity in Speaking
    Aug 24 2026
    What truly makes persuasion effective convincing arguments, or the power of storytelling? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dive deep into the difference between being merely heard and genuinely remembered. I’m Tim Newman, your guide on this journey to mastering powerful communication. Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Stockham, a powerhouse in the legal world, a bestselling novelist, and an electrifying speaker who commanded attention in courtrooms and captured imaginations on the page. With over two decades of high-stakes litigation experience and a series of acclaimed legal thrillers under his belt, Michael Stockham brings a unique perspective on how story, clarity, and curiosity not just bravado build real confidence and persuasion. Our conversation explores the vital importance of earning your audience’s attention in those crucial first thirty seconds and why brevity and preparation are more persuasive than simply saying more. Michael Stockham unpacks what he’s learned from years persuading judges, juries, and now readers, revealing how mistakes and even “wrecking” your perfect material can make you more relatable and impactful. We explore practical ways lawyers pare down complex arguments for juries, how to hook attention with a strong opening, and the similarities between the courtroom, the boardroom, and fiction writing when it comes to keeping your listener engaged. Here’s what we covered in this episode: Why persuasion starts with storytelling, not just facts or volume How to earn attention in the first 30 seconds of any interaction Techniques for streamlining complex arguments into memorable, persuasive messages The balance between preparation and improvisation in public speaking Practical advice for reading nonverbal cues and adapting in real time even with a silent audience The value of candid, actionable feedback and how to give (and receive) it for growth Building connections across generations, especially with young professionals hungry for honest input Why entertainment value matters in any form of communication—be it a trial, a sale, or a novel How writing fiction sharpens clarity, brevity, and impact in professional communication Actionable tips for practicing conversation skills in everyday life to become a more confident speaker Whether you’re in the courtroom, a meeting, the classroom, or just trying to make a memorable impression, this episode is your guide to showing up with clarity, confidence, and the kind of compelling story that moves people to action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 min
  • The 5-Second Rule for Responding to Challenging Questions With Poise
    Aug 20 2026
    What if those five seconds of awkward silence after a tough question aren’t your enemy, but your superpower? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I’m diving straight into one of the most nerve-wracking moments in any presentation: the Q&A. We rehearse our slides, perfect our transitions, and smooth out our closing lines, but when the floor opens up for questions, everything can change in an instant especially when you feel you’ve lost control. I know that feeling all too well, both as a former college professor and now as a communication coach. As I guide you through, I’ll show you how these moments of silence, those pauses where your heart is pounding and your mind goes blank, can actually be your secret weapon rather than your biggest fear. In this solo episode, there’s no guest just me and decades of experience with Q&A sessions that taught me the hard way: confidence isn’t about never freezing or panicking, it’s about having a system you can rely on when the pressure hits. I share the “5-Second Rule” I discovered after years in the classroom, and I’ll show you why your audience sees these pauses as thoughtful, even when they feel endless to you. Today, I break down the three greatest anxiety spikes that sabotage Q&As losing control of the room, getting a curveball or even hostile question, and the nightmare of complete silence. I’ll walk you through handling tough questions you never prepared for, responding calmly when you’re challenged, and, most importantly, holding the silence confidently when nobody jumps in right away. We’ll go step-by-step through: The science behind why your heart spikes and your brain blanks during Q&A Why silence after a question is not a sign you’re failing The “5-Second Rule” and exactly how to use it feel your feet, exhale, and repeat the question How to handle curveball questions without rambling or bluffing What to do when you’re faced with a hostile challenge and how acknowledging, not attacking, is your best move The power of holding silence and letting your audience process, rather than rushing to fill the gap Why over-rehearsing answers can actually hurt you and how to draft a “response shape” instead A concrete prep move: spending just one hour drafting answers to the three questions that scare you most Simple ways to manage your energy so you’re ready for anything the Q&A throws at you Your challenge this week: write down the question that scares you most before your next presentation and draft the shape of your answer. Trust in the pause, and let your newfound confidence grow from the silence. Remember, progress always beats perfection, and your voice has the power to change the world. Let’s make your next Q&A your greatest strength! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    17 min
  • Why Self-Leadership Matters More Than Communication Skills Alone
    Aug 17 2026
    How do you actually lead yourself before you can lead others, and what does self-leadership have to do with confidence and authentic communication? In today’s episode, we’re digging deep into the idea that most of us don’t really have a communication problem — we have a self-leadership problem. You can’t speak with confidence if you don’t trust your own voice, and you’ll never lead a team until you can lead yourself. I’m Tim Newman, your host, and today I’m joined by the insightful Chip Scholz. Chip is a man of stories and craft, a long-time business and leadership coach, and the author of Every Dog Has Its Day. He’s a guy who has found lessons in everything from family conversations to unexpected detours, shaping pieces of maple in his woodshop, and recovering from major life challenges like a stroke. His reflections on craft and life show us how small, quiet moments can fundamentally change who we become and what we’re willing to let go of. In our conversation, Chip Scholz brings a wealth of experience, not only from decades of coaching top executives but also from a journey of personal transformation. We talk about the lessons he learned at the lathe, the dangers of “forcing the cut” both with wood and with people, and why being authentic is at the heart of real leadership. We go beyond the clichés why “being authentic” is so much more than a buzzword, and how most people actually get this concept wrong. Chip Scholz unpacks why most folks struggle to articulate what they truly want, and how getting honest feedback is a critical first step in transformation. We dig into some of the tough stuff like navigating 360 evaluations without spiraling into self-doubt, and recognizing the difference between companies that “weaponize” feedback versus those that use it for real growth. We walk through the kind of accountability that separates real leaders from those just going through the motions, and why actions always speak louder than words. We also hit on the transition from doing to being as you move into leadership roles, and the pitfalls of believing your own PR at the top. We also talk about the importance of reading and lifelong learning, why so many people stop reading books after college and what they’re missing by doing so. Chip Scholz shares his framework built around the 5 Cs: context, clarity, conditioning, choice, and character. We discuss generational differences, social skill development (or lack thereof), and how cycles in society shape our communication and sense of self. Not to mention, we tackle the link between self-awareness, emotional literacy, and communication confidence and why being able to name your emotions and own them is a foundational skill for any leader or speaker. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Why trusting your own voice is step one to speaking and leading with confidence The power of craft: lessons from woodturning and how forcing things rarely works What “self-leadership” and “authenticity” really mean with concrete, actionable examples How to get honest about what you want (and why most people can’t) Feedback, 360 evaluations, and using criticism for growth instead of shame The accountability gap: keeping your word, taking ownership, and building trust Transitioning from “doing” to “being” in leadership roles The value of reading, writing, and being a lifelong learner for leaders and communicators Chip Scholz’s 5 Cs framework for effective self-leadership Generational dynamics, societal cycles, and how history repeats itself in new ways Vulnerability, emotional vocabulary, and why self-awareness (not just confidence) powers great communication When confidence and preparation go hand in hand and how everyone feels nervous (even us!) Practical advice for improving your speaking game, from reps to feedback to avoiding “death by PowerPoint” How social media, ego, and chasing attention can derail self-leadership and meaningful communication If you’re ready to reframe the way you think about leadership, confidence, and the voice you bring to the world, this episode is for you. Let’s do the work together because your voice has the power to change not just your world, but the world around you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 ora e 7 min
  • Transform Stress into Power: Public Speaking Lessons from Top Athletes
    Aug 13 2026
    What if the advice to "calm down" before a big presentation is actually making your nerves worse? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we challenge one of the most common myths about overcoming stage fright and explore why trying to force yourself into calm may be backfiring. As your host, Tim Newman—a recovering college professor turned communication coach—I’m here to help you master the art of showing up with confidence in every conversation that counts. Today, we’re zeroing in on nerves and adrenaline, and how the world’s top performers don’t eliminate these feelings—they learn to channel them. In this solo episode, I walk you through the surprising science behind nerves and performance, starting with the foundational Yerkes-Dodson curve from 1908, which shows that there’s a sweet spot between zero stress and too much stress; that middle ground is where you’re alert and loose, ready to perform at your best. I share why the standard advice to "relax" before a big moment doesn’t work and explain what elite athletes like Michael Phelps, Kobe Bryant, and Rafael Nadal do differently—their routines and mental strategies transform adrenaline from something to fight into something to fuel them. We’ll look at Harvard researcher Alison Wood Brooks’ study, which put the “calm down” approach head-to-head with a simple two-second reframe. You’ll learn why just saying “I am excited” out loud can shift your entire mindset and how pairing that phrase with your own personal pre-performance ritual can put you in the zone without fighting your biology. Throughout the episode, I discuss: The problem with trying to calm yourself before high-stakes moments 00:51 The science behind optimal performance and the role of the Yerkes-Dodson curve 01:18 Stories from elite athletes and their mental routines, including Michael Phelps’ visualization techniques and Kobe Bryant’s pregame rituals 04:06 The powerful impact of deliberate triggers and routines 05:20 Why your body interprets adrenaline based on the instructions you give it 06:12 Evidence from Alison Wood Brooks’ research on “I am excited” and public speaking performance 06:37 A step-by-step process to build your own routine and mindset shift 08:16 How to recognize your personal “sweet spot” for performance—not too much, not too little energy 10:02 Adapting techniques for introverts and extroverts 10:25 When to use these techniques (and when not to) 11:17 How to recover if you overshoot and get too nervous 11:52 Your weekly challenge to try the “I am excited” technique paired with your own trigger 12:52 Whether you’re gearing up for a board meeting, a big pitch, or simply want to own the next Zoom call, this episode will give you practical, science-backed tools to turn nerves into your competitive advantage. Because the goal isn’t less adrenaline—it's giving your body better instructions. Your voice has the power to change the world, and I’m excited to help you harness it. Timestamps: 00:00 Struggling with anxiety before meetings 04:10 Visualizing and rehearsing success 08:53 Handling pre-review nerves 11:05 Managing situational nerves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 min
  • Finding Your Voice Before You Feel Ready: Lessons in Confidence and Self-Efficacy
    Aug 10 2026
    Have you ever wondered whether “confidence” is really the key to becoming a great communicator or is something more important happening beneath the surface? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re challenging what it really means to find your voice, step up before you feel ready, and why confidence might not be the word we should be chasing after all. I’m Tim Newman, your host and recovering college professor turned communication coach. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Mickey Fitch Collins, leadership facilitator, speaker, and expert in helping organizations translate human skills like communication, empathy, and resilience into real-world impact. Mickey’s diverse background spans higher education, edtech, and corporate learning, and she brings both research and hands-on experience to the table. In this conversation, we dive deep into Mickey’s fascinating journey from being a teenage girl breaking into the male-dominated world of professional bass fishing (yes, you read that right!) to holding senior roles in academia and ultimately walking away at forty to rebuild her career from scratch. Along the way, Mickey discovered that public speaking isn’t just about commanding a stage, it's about storytelling, and storytelling is about relationships. We explore the formative power of speaking before you feel “ready,” how early public speaking experiences shaped Mickey’s life, and how standing out demographically meant she had to develop substance and real influence behind her voice. We unpack the vital distinction between confidence (what people see and measure externally) and self-efficacy (the inner belief in your ability to get things done) and why understanding this difference is a gamechanger. Mickey shares specific, research-backed building blocks for growing your own self-efficacy and how simple reflection and feedback can rapidly increase your poise and presence, whether you’re on stage or in the workplace. We discuss why confidence might get you in the room, but only competence and substance keep you there, and how storytelling and vulnerability open the door to authentic influence. You’ll also hear how she wrestled with the decision to leave a prestigious academic role and how to navigate major transitions in your own professional life. Here’s what we covered in this episode: Mickey’s unlikely entry into professional bass fishing as a 14-year-old girl in Chicago How fish stories shaped her love for public speaking and taught her to influence large (and skeptical!) audiences The hidden difference between confidence and self-efficacy and why you need both Building your skills: The four building blocks of self-efficacy and how you already use them (even if you don’t realize it) How competence and confidence fuel each other in a “dynamic duo” for both public speaking and career growth The transformative power of storytelling, including sharing vulnerable stories and the impact it has on relationship-building and influence Practical strategies for handling nerves, reframing fear, and using feedback to accelerate your own communication growth Why every role no matter your job description is a “sales” role rooted in authentic influence, not slick persuasion The stark differences Mickey saw between learning in higher ed and the workplace, and what it means for lifelong learning and adaptability Navigating transitions: leaving a high-profile academic post at midlife and finding new alignment with your values and purpose You’ll leave this episode with a new perspective on confidence, actionable steps to build your self-efficacy, and some unforgettable fish tales that prove everyone has stories worth sharing, especially you. Be sure to visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com to get your free ebook, “Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers,” and register for our Formula for Public Speaking course. Remember: your voice has the power to change the world. Connect with Mickey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeyfitchcollins/ Website: https://www.learnit.com/mickey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 ora e 15 min
  • Unlocking the Four Communication Styles to Lead Any Team With Confidence
    Aug 6 2026
    Have you ever left a meeting feeling like half your team understood you perfectly, while the other half looked completely lost? Why does strong communication click with some people but fall flat with others even when you’re saying the same thing? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I tackle exactly that question and share a crucial framework that has transformed my own communication style and helped hundreds of my coaching clients unlock breakthrough results at work. I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach and today I’m revealing why the “one great style” approach to communication is outdated and what you should do instead. Drawing from Thomas Erikson’s “Surrounded by Idiots,” I introduce the four core color-coded communication styles Driver (red), Connector (yellow), Analyst (blue), and Stabilizer (green) and show how identifying and adapting to these preferences is the real secret to becoming a confident, effective communicator and leader. This episode is all about practical skills, not theory. I break down each communication style with real-life examples from my days in the classroom and share why misfires between styles cause friction and misunderstandings. I explain what drives each type, what frustrates them, how they perceive other styles, and the small but powerful adjustments you can make to connect more effectively with anyone in the room. Several points were raised, including: Why your instinct to blame others for communication breakdowns is usually off-base The significance of Erikson’s four-color communication model, and how to spot each style in action The biggest myths about strong communication and why flexibility not perfection is key Deep-dives into the motivations, pain points, and gifts of Drivers (reds), Connectors (yellows), Analysts (blues), and Stabilizers (greens) Everyday strategies for leading and collaborating with each style, from email tweaks to one-on-one conversations The hidden dangers when overlooked team members silently disagree and how to uncover real opinions before it’s too late A practical, one-person, one-message assignment to practice speaking a “second language” on your team this week The conversation focused on moving beyond self-awareness to skillful adaptation recognizing your own style is only the start. The real growth comes from shifting your communication to meet others where they are, while still remaining true to yourself. Tune in to learn why talking like you’re right but listening like you’re wrong can change not just your conversations, but your impact as a leader. I’ll walk you through actionable steps to use this framework immediately, no personality quizzes required. Don’t forget to visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for your free ebook and details about my Forming for Public Speaking course. Looking for progress, not perfection let’s get fluent in all four communication “languages” together! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    15 min
  • Unlocking Powerful Communication in the Age of Virtual Presentations
    Aug 3 2026
    Have you ever wondered why so many virtual presentations feel flat or why “death by PowerPoint” is still so common, even with all the tools and technology we have? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we dig into what it really takes to connect with an audience, both in-person and online, and how you can turn your presentations from forgettable to impactful right from the very first minute. My guest for this episode is Rick Altman, a presentation industry veteran with over two decades of experience, host of the world-renowned Presentation Summit, and author of the new book "Crush Your Next Virtual Presentation." Rick Altman has worked with hundreds of companies, been heard by tens of thousands of professionals, and read by millions looking for better results with their presentations. His expertise spans message crafting, design, software technique, and live delivery. We kick things off by addressing a frustration many of us share: If your audience can read your slides without you, why are you even there? Rick Altman dives into why content-heavy slides rob presentations of real human connection, especially in the virtual world. We talk about how easy-to-use technology can lead to bad habits like putting everything on a slide, using distracting animations, or letting AI do the creative thinking for you. Here’s what we covered in this episode: Why most presentations miss the mark and how to fix yours from minute one My journey from transparencies to podcasts, and Rick Altman’s background in publishing and presentations How advances in technology like PowerPoint and AI make bad presentations easier and how to resist the temptation Why slides should never serve as your handout and how to separate the two for real impact The value of simplicity in slides and notes less really is more How to practice and prepare so you stay present and connected, not glued to your script or slides The vital role of audio, camera connection, and grace in virtual presentations Tips for managing your attention and leveraging moderators or help during live web events Responsible and efficient uses of AI for research, handouts, and presentation prep Rick Altman’s behind-the-scenes look at the Presentation Summit, including its evolution, content, and how virtual events create new opportunities If you’re looking to up your game as a communicator whether on stage, in the boardroom, or over Zoom this episode will give you practical, battle-tested strategies to present with more confidence and real connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 ora e 16 min
  • Talk Like You’re Right, Listen Like You’re Wrong: The Key to True Connection
    Jul 30 2026
    Have you ever walked out of a meeting or conversation certain you nailed your message only to discover later that almost no one actually understood or embraced what you said? In today’s episode, we’re exploring why being technically right or well-prepared isn’t always enough to truly connect, and unlocking the four-letter fix that can flip your communication from performance into genuine connection. I’m Tim Newman, a recovering college professor turned communication coach, and on Speaking with Confidence I’m dedicated to helping you develop the real-world soft skills like storytelling, public speaking, and authentic conversation that turn opportunity into results. In this solo episode, I dig deep into one of the distinctions that changed my approach to teaching, coaching, and communicating: the difference between broadcasting and connecting. Drawing from my personal journey and experiences in academic and corporate settings, I introduce a key framework that’s transformed my conversations: understanding why our confident delivery can often lead to missed messages, misunderstood intentions, and polite agreement with zero real impact. Today is all about sharing actionable insights drawn from countless coaching sessions, classroom stumbles, and the wisdom of leaders like John Maxwell. Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode: The pitfalls of “broadcasting” your message, and why head-nods don’t always equal understanding or agreement 00:09 The four connection failures that sabotage effective communication: assumption, arrogance, indifference, and control 02:31 How seemingly innocuous behaviors, like assuming you know what people want or racing to fill gaps in conversation, prevent real connection 03:18 A mindset shift talk like you’re correct, but listen like you’re wrong that creates true bridges between perspectives 05:14 The FORM framework (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Message): how it breaks through small talk and builds authentic relationships 05:55 Real-life examples of what it looks like to match your pace to someone else’s world, instead of demanding they enter yours 07:18 An assignment for you to practice in your very next conversation, so connection becomes a consistent part of your communication toolkit 07:59 By the end of this episode, you’ll have a concrete script and mindset shift to help you move from being someone the room politely tolerates to someone people actually want around. Progress, not perfection, is the goal and every conversation is your chance to practice. Thanks for tuning in, and remember your voice has the power to change the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    13 min