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Your brain might be sabotaging your listening skills, and you don’t even realize it.

In this solo episode, Tim Newman dives into the five most common listening mistakes that quietly destroy relationships, teamwork, and trust. From the sneaky dopamine hit that pulls the conversation back to you to the science behind why your brain zones out mid-sentence, this episode unpacks the hidden habits that keep us from being powerful communicators.

Backed by neuroscience and loaded with actionable fixes, you'll learn:

• How to use the “two-second pause” to instantly improve leadership communication
• Why even a face-down phone can drop conversation quality by 32%
• How asking verification questions increases team innovation by 22%
• Why removing distractions can help you reclaim public speaking confidence in everyday conversations

Whether you're leading a team, speaking to a crowd, or connecting with a friend, these small changes in listening habits can radically improve how people respond to you.

Which mistake are you ready to fix first?

Call to Action:
Visit TimNewmanSpeaks.com to grab your free resource, Top 21 Challenges for Public Speakers (and How to Overcome Them), and register for the Formula for Public Speaking course. Because your voice—and your listening—has the power to change the world.

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Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
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What do a sports statistician, a leadership coach, and a master storyteller have in common? A powerful understanding of what truly makes communication effective.

In this episode of Speaking With Confidence, I welcome Kirk McCarley, executive career coach, ESPN talent statistician, and self-proclaimed "wealthy man" (thanks to his relationships, not his bank account). Kirk shares how his behind-the-scenes role in live broadcasting taught him lessons that apply far beyond the sports world, especially about presence, preparation, and the power of listening.

From stories of maraschino cherry theft to lessons from a beloved neighbor, this episode dives deep into what it really means to be a powerful communicator. It’s not about saying more—it’s about listening better, slowing down, and connecting with intention.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why active listening skills are your #1 communication tool
• How technology is killing connection, and how to fight back
• What leadership communication looks like in daily life
• Why “being present” is more powerful than being polished
• How overcoming imposter syndrome starts with preparation, not perfection

Kirk’s take on communication is both grounding and inspiring, reminding us that our greatest influence doesn’t come from speaking louder, but from listening more deeply.

Connect with Kirk:

theseedsowercoach.com
kirkmccarleyauthor.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-mccarley-1bbba950/
https://www.instagram.com/kirkmccarley/
https://www.facebook.com/KirkMcCarleyTheSeedSowerCoach/

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.

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
Formula for Public Speaking
Facebook

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Ever been told to “just focus harder” in a conversation?

That advice doesn’t just miss the mark, it overlooks the superpowers hidden in how the ADHD brain works.

In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, Tim Newman flips the script on conventional communication strategies and shares science-backed techniques that align with how ADHD brains naturally function. From rapid-fire thinking to memory gaps and impulsive interjections, Tim reframes these common traits not as barriers, but as opportunities for transformation.

You’ll learn:

• Why ADHD brains process language up to 20x faster, and how to adjust for it
• The 2-second pause that boosts perceived competence by 37%
• How nonverbal signals can reduce interruptions by 62%
• A 3-word memory trick that can increase recall by up to 80%
• How to turn impulsivity into authenticity in every conversation

This isn’t about “fixing” communication, it’s about rewiring your approach so it works with your brain, not against it. Whether you live with ADHD or lead someone who does, these insights offer practical tools to create more meaningful, effective conversations.

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.

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
Formula for Public Speaking
Facebook