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What 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 relationships
• The power of owning your mistakes, giving others grace, and building credibility through authenticity
• Why emotion, not facts, drives action and how to leverage that in any speech or presentation
• The “position of power” technique to conquer nerves and step on stage with confidence every time
• The critical first five seconds: hooking your audience and making the talk about them
• Why being vulnerable and sharing your failures is actually your superpower as a communicator
• An 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 out

By 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.

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Have 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!

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Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to stand out, move up quickly in your career, and speak confidently, especially when you’re just starting out? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dig deep into the real skills that make the difference between simply doing the work and truly excelling–skills that aren’t always on the job description, but that employers look for and reward.

I’m Tim Newman, your host and a former college professor turned communication coach. My passion is helping people build the soft skills that lead to real results, whether in storytelling, public speaking, or just showing up with more confidence. This week, I’m thrilled to speak with Brianne Rush, the founder of The Independence Lab. Brianne is a powerhouse when it comes to helping Gen Z women make the leap from college to career. She rose through the ranks incredibly quickly from intern to managing editor in a year, and employee to VP in four years by learning to decode workplace dynamics, advocate for herself, and, most importantly, overcome her fear of public speaking.

We kick off the conversation with Brianne’s story—how she knew from the age of eight that she wanted to move to New York to be a journalist, and what it felt like to finally live that dream. Brianne shares what inspired her to choose New York, how her experiences in dance and performance influenced her, and why total immersion in a city full of energy was essential to her identity and early career. She explains the lessons she learned—not just about working hard and climbing the ranks, but about truly living in the moment and building genuine connections, both professional and personal.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Brianne’s journey from dreaming of journalism in New York to landing and advancing in her dream role
• The importance of immersion, living in the moment, and building meaningful experiences early in your career
• Lessons about working hard, networking, and creating opportunities for yourself—even when you start at the bottom
• What employers are really looking for in hiring today: the power of soft skills like passion, curiosity, proactivity, and communication
• How to stand out authentically in interviews—using storytelling, personalized cover letters, and honest conversation instead of relying only on AI
• Practical strategies to display confidence, curiosity, and proactivity in every step of your job search
• Brianne’s advice on career advancement: emotional intelligence skills, self-awareness, handling setbacks, and the value of progress over perfection
• Navigating boundaries, learning to say no, and prioritizing projects that advance your career (with a special focus on women in the workplace)
• Gen Z’s growing focus on self-knowledge, life transitions, and ditching outdated hustle culture for a healthier approach
• The mission behind The Independence Lab and actionable resources for building emotional intelligence

If you’re looking for real advice on how to marry soft skills and confidence with actionable career moves, this episode is for you—whether you’re early in your career, managing the next big transition, or helping others find their way. Be sure to check out Brianne’s free resources and connect with us to keep leveling up your communicat

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