Speaking With Confidence

• How to Communicate with Difficult Coworkers | Tim Newman

  Send us a textHave you ever left a meeting feeling like you spent the whole time talking about yourself—or maybe stuck listening to someone else do it? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I’m diving into a challenge that creeps into nearly every workplace: dealing with the “me monster” and transforming conversations to actually build connection, trust, and meaningful collaboration.I’m Tim Newman, your host, communication coach, and former college professor. This week, I’m tackling the tricky question: How do you handle difficult coworkers or even notice when you might be the “difficult one” yourself? In this episode, you won’t have to guess—I’ll show you simple ways to spot the habits that undermine teamwork and share a repeatable blueprint for having conversations that truly make a difference.We start by recognizing an all-too-common office scenario: a team frantically working on a crashed server, while one coworker (let’s call her Sarah) dominates the conversation with off-topic stories about her weekend. While Sarah isn’t a villain—just another busy teammate slipping into autopilot—her “me monster” tendencies chip away at team cohesion and productivity. I’ll walk you through how science explains this instinct and why our brains so easily Here’s what you’ll walk away with:An honest look at what drives the “me monster” and how to recognize it in yourself and othersThree red flags that signal you’re derailing conversationsJohn Maxwell’s five-step Law of Connection—how to set your agenda aside, ask great questions, lean in, recall meaningful details, and follow-upPractical ways to apply a collaboration mindset, even with the toughest coworkers, and scripts you can start using todayAwareness of how small communication changes can build trust, psychological safety, and unlock creative solutions on any teamA micro-experiment for your next meeting to shift from “me-first” to shared successThanks for joining me on Speaking with Confidence. Remember, your voice has the power to change the dynamic of any team and every conversation. Keep practicing, keep connecting, and I’ll see you next time!Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

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• Transforming Self-Talk and Breaking the Victim Mindset with Clay Moffat | Tim Newman

  Send us a textWelcome back to “Speaking with Confidence.” I’m Tim Newman, your host and recovering college professor turned communication coach. In this episode, I dive into how radical responsibility shapes not only the way we communicate but the core of how we relate to ourselves and others. We look beyond typical “confidence” and get to the heart of conviction—the mindset shift that changes how we show up in our lives.Joining me is Clay Moffat, a Navy veteran and performance strategist with a truly remarkable journey. Clay has been on top, coaching billionaires and building a seven-figure business—only to lose it all in a high-stakes startup crash. He faced the frightening possibility of permanent blindness while rebuilding his life, and from those experiences, Clay created the concept of the "trust trap"—the focus of his new book. Clay’s work helps people break free from the nervous system patterns and mental habits that keep us stuck in self-doubt, blame, and unproductive cycles, teaching not just confidence, but conviction rooted in personal power.Our conversation starts with the central idea: what does it mean to take “radical responsibility” for our lives? Clay explains that it’s not about blaming yourself, but about owning even that “1%” of any situation that you can control or influence. As Clay puts it, reclaiming any sort of personal power, freedom, and forward motion in life begins with this kind of self-honesty. We talk about why the question “Why is this happening to me?” traps us in victimhood, and how reframing it to “How did I create this?” can shift us from powerlessness to agency. Through everyday stories—from missed vacations to major financial decisions—Clay shares how this mindset applies whether the stakes are small or life-changing.Here’s what we covered in this episode:What is radical responsibility and how does it differ from blame or self-criticism?The difference between “confidence” and “conviction,” and why conviction matters for real communication and presence.How to spot when you’re stuck in victim thinking, and the questions to ask yourself to regain personal power.Practical strategies for transforming negative self-talk, including a four-step process to create a more supportive inner dialogue.The hidden ways family patterns and early conditioning shape our self-image and choices—often beneath conscious awareness.Why we ignore red flags and how our brains’ desire for shortcuts can create unhelpful mental “brackets” about people and situations.Real-life stories from Clay about high-stakes decision making, resilience, and bouncing back from major setbacks.How to own your story, communicate more authentically, and set a new standard for leadership, parenting, and self-trust.The power of mindset—the small language shifts that can open new pathways for growth, resilience, and effective action.Insights from “Trust Trap” on reclaiming authority over your life—even when circumstances and the world try to pull your power away.Listen in to learn how taking radical responsibility can revolutionize how you see yourself, how you show up in the world, and the trust you create with others and yourself.Don’t forget, you can connect with Clay Moffat on X (formerly Twitter) @MoffatClay oSupport the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

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• Turning Misunderstandings Into Magic | Tim Newman Speaks

  Send us a textHave you ever wondered if miscommunication might actually help you become a more engaging and memorable communicator? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I explore a surprising twist on a familiar idea: sometimes, leaving a little room for confusion or ambiguity can actually boost curiosity, spark discussion, and fuel unforgettable moments—on stage, online, and even in negotiation.I'm Tim Newman, your host—a recovering college professor turned communication coach—and I’ve spent over 80 episodes talking about the power of clear communication. But today, I flip the script and dive into why miscommunication isn’t always the enemy it’s made out to be. From viral memes and comedy to business leadership and marketing, I share the latest research and real-world examples of how a bit of strategic ambiguity can capture attention, create energy, and invite others to actively engage with your message.No guest joins me for this episode, but I take you on a journey through some fascinating insights from communication scholars, comedians, media analysts, and strategists. I unpack how, across a variety of settings, purposeful ambiguity can spark engagement, inspire creativity, and keep people talking long after the conversation ends.Here’s what I cover in this episode:Why the gap between what’s said and what’s meant is the secret behind viral memes, comedy punchlines, and successful negotiations.Research showing that a little uncertainty or open-endedness can actually draw people in and hold their attention—sometimes much more than a perfectly explained message.How memes like “Distracted Boyfriend” and “Woman Yelling at Cat” harness ambiguity to invite endless audience participation and creativity.The role of strategic ambiguity in business, leadership, and marketing—for example, how broad or aspirational language attracts more candidates and participants by letting them see themselves in the picture.How comedians turn miscommunication into laughs by intentionally leading audiences down the “wrong path” before delivering the twist.The importance of timing, empathy, and precision when using ambiguity—whether you’re crafting a brand campaign, negotiating, or writing a killer joke.The line between clever ambiguity and harmful confusion—where to draw boundaries to make sure your message is effective and respectful.Practical tips to experiment with curiosity gaps and partial premises in your own speaking and writing, while always putting your audience first.If you want to make your communication more engaging and memorable—or just want to understand why the most viral moments are often the least perfectly polished—this episode offers a new perspective on why “less clarity” might, at times, be more powerful.Be sure to grab your free eBook, The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them, at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com, and check out my Formula for Public Speaking groups. And remember: your voice has the power to change the world. Catch you next time!Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

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• Unlock Public Speaking Confidence: Lessons from Military, Survival TV, and TEDx with Terry L. Fossum

  Send us a textWhat does it really take to become a powerful speaker, even if you’re terrified of public speaking? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I’m taking you deep into the strategies, stories, and mindset shifts that will help you overcome your fears and truly connect with any audience.I’m your host, Tim Newman, a former college professor turned communication coach, and today, I’m joined by a truly inspiring guest: Terry L. Fossum. Terry isn’t just a survival reality show winner; he's a Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble best-selling author, a keynote speaker, and his TEDx talk has been recognized as one of the top 30 talks in the country. He’s also raised millions for charity and taught at the MBA level. Most importantly for our listeners, Terry knows a thing or two about turning nerves into powerful moments on stage, and he’s passionate about helping others do the same.In our conversation, we dove into why real, honest, and clear communication is at the heart of succeeding under pressure, both in survival situations and in everyday life. Terry shares how being on a survival reality show, partnered with someone totally opposite from him, forced him to communicate at a whole new level. He also reveals how his experiences as a scoutmaster and military officer taught him the value of finding the good in people from all backgrounds and leading with purpose.Here’s what we talk about in this episode:How survival skills and communication go hand-in-hand (with plenty of hilarious and moving stories from Terry’s reality show days)What to do when team conflict and stress threaten to derail your message or working relationshipsThe power of owning your mistakes, giving others grace, and building credibility through authenticityWhy emotion, not facts, drives action and how to leverage that in any speech or presentationThe “position of power” technique to conquer nerves and step on stage with confidence every timeThe critical first five seconds: hooking your audience and making the talk about themWhy being vulnerable and sharing your failures is actually your superpower as a communicatorAn intro to the SIMPLE framework for public speaking, and how to build talks that get standing ovations (and results!)Tips for landing, crafting, and performing a TEDx talk that really stands outBy the end of this episode, you’ll have actionable inspiration and tools to step into your own power as a speaker, no matter where you’re starting from. And always remember: your voice can change the world.Don’t forget to check out Terry’s book, his podcast “The Comeback Chronicles”, and all of the resources we mention, including the free IdeaScore AI tool to score your TEDx ideas.Thanks for listening to Speaking with Confidence. Subscribe to never miss an episode and visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for additional tips and free resources to support your journey to becoming a confident and impactful speaker.Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

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• Turning Ordinary Moments Into Powerful Communication | Tim Newman Speaks

  Send us a textHave you ever thought, “I don’t have any stories to tell,” or wondered where people get those everyday stories that connect so powerfully with their audience? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dive headfirst into that question and show you exactly how to spot and share the remarkable stories already hiding in your daily life.I’m Tim Newman, your host, and as a recovering college professor turned communication coach, I know first-hand how easy it is to believe your life doesn’t serve up “epic” stories worth sharing. But the truth I’ve learned through both experience and science is that your best stories are simpler, closer, and more relatable than you ever imagined. Today, we’re flipping the script on storytelling by focusing on the small, ordinary moments that hold hidden magic when you know how to uncover and frame them.This episode is just me no guest because I wanted to dig deep into my favorite topic: the practical art of everyday storytelling. I share personal experiences (including my own mishaps and embarrassments), research findings, and creative exercises you can use right away.Here’s what we tackle together:Why chasing after “epic” stories is a waste of energy, and how your camera roll, junk drawer, and overheard conversations are loaded with potential story material.The science behind why small, vulnerable stories are more memorable and create stronger audience connection than polished, fact-based presentations.My three-step rule for quickly turning small disasters (like burning your grilled cheese or missing the bus) into engaging stories anyone can relate to.How to turn random objects (think broken watches or lone hairpins) into compelling story seeds using a practical three-step exercise.Techniques for mining everyday dialogue like coffee shop chatter for real, emotional narrative arcs, and how to practice capturing those authentic moments.Why sharing imperfect, unpolished stories is so powerful (spoiler: it helps your listeners remember and see themselves in your story).A practical challenge for you: pick five ordinary things over the next week and use the three-step micro story method to discover just how many stories your “ordinary” life truly holds.If you’ve ever felt stuck when someone told you to “just tell a story,” by the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools and most importantly, the mindset to pull stories from even the most unremarkable corners of your day. Remember, your daily life is full of story prompts just waiting to be told, and those stories are your greatest assets as a communicator and connector.Don’t forget to grab your free ebook, “The Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers and How to Overcome Them,” at speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com, and check out my Formula for Public Speaking course. Thanks for joining me, your voice truly has the power to change the world. See you next time!Support the showWant to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook

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