May 29, 2025 • 13 mins
Ever felt like you're one awkward pause away from being “found out”? You’re not alone. Up to 82% of professionals struggle with impostor syndrome, even when the evidence proves they’re more than capable.
In this episode, I unpack the three-part system that turns imposter syndrome into authentic, grounded confidence. This isn’t just a pep talk, it’s a roadmap to becoming a powerful communicator through structure, voice, and momentum.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why the three-act structure gives your message clarity and your brain relief
- How to uncover your authentic voice (hint: stop trying to “sound professional”)
- Why small wins, like a well-placed pause or active listening, create lasting confidence
- How to build a “confidence flywheel” using neuroscience-backed techniques
- Why public speaking confidence is about habits, not hype
This episode is for anyone who’s tired of waiting for confidence to magically appear (spoiler alert: it is NOT going to happen) and is ready to build it instead. Whether you’re leading meetings, pitching ideas, or just trying to be heard, these tools help you show up powerfully.
Because your voice doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be yours.
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.
Want to be a guest on Speaking With Confidence? Send Tim Newman a message on PodMatch
Speaking With Confidence
Formula for Public Speaking
Facebook
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Tim (00:08):
Welcome back to Speaking with Confidence, a podcast that
helps you build the soft skillsthat lead to real results
Communication, storytelling,public speaking and showing up
with confidence in everyconversation that counts.
I'm Tim Newman, a recoveringcollege professor turned
communication coach, and I'mthrilled to guide you on a
journey to becoming a powerfulcommunicator.
Make sure you hit the subscribebutton so you never miss an
(00:31):
episode.
This episode, I want to giveyou three steps to crush
imposter syndrome.
Raise your hand if you everthought someone's going to call
me out at any minute.
Now, if that sounds familiar,you're not alone.
Studies show that up to 82% ofpeople struggle with imposter
syndrome at some point, evenwhen their work is strong and
(00:54):
others see their value.
I felt it too.
There were days I questioned ifI was qualified to share my
ideas, no matter how much Iprepared.
But authentic communicatorsaren't confident because they're
perfect.
They build confidence bymastering a process, a
combination of structure,authentic voice and tracking
(01:15):
small wins that turn self-doubtinto real momentum.
So let's start with the firstpillar the way you structure
your message.
There was a day I stood infront of a class fully prepared
with facts, only to have mynerves take control and I threw
up.
It wasn't a lack of knowledgethat got me.
It was the absence of astructure.
(01:36):
When ideas don't have aframework to support them,
self-doubt finds its way in.
Even seasoned speakers canstumble when they're improvising
without a plan.
Research from psychologistJerome Bruner shows that people
remember stories 22 times betterthan bare facts.
That's because stories giveinformation, shape and meaning.
(01:58):
Think about how much moreconfident you feel when
following a clear recipe versusvague instructions.
Think about how much moreconfident you feel when
following a clear recipe versusvague instructions.
For example, if a cooking videojust says add some spices to
taste, you're left guessing.
But if it says the first time Imade curry, it was awful.
Until I learned these threeexact measurements, you know
(02:18):
exactly what to do and why.
That's the power of a narrativewith structure.
The three-act structure is atool that solves this gap.
Act one sets the stage.
You introduce the context andthe people involved.
Act two brings in the challengeor conflict, building tension
and keeping your audienceinvested.
(02:39):
And act three delivers aresolution, tying everything
together and leaving youraudience with a sense of closure
.
This framework isn't just formovies or novels.
It's used by top YouTubecreators to break down complex
topics, analyze trends or sharepersonal stories in a way that
feels natural and engaging.
(03:00):
Having a structure to rely ongives you a psychological safety
net.
Having a structure to rely ongives you a psychological safety
net.
Cognitive psychology tells usthat when we organize our ideas,
the brain feels more in controland anxiety drops.
That's why confidentcommunicators aren't born.
They're made through repetitionand practice.
With frameworks like this, themore you use structure, the less
(03:21):
you find yourselfsecond-guessing.
You're too focused on guidingyour audience through a
purposeful journey.
It's easy to believe that trueexperts don't need to prepare,
but the reality is just theopposite.
Preparation and structure don'tmake you less authentic.
They let you focus on yourmessage instead of battling the
(03:43):
nerves.
And with a solid framework,your message has bones.
Now it's time to give itcharacter with your voice and
your perspective.
Finding a voice that trulystands out starts with letting
go of that idea.
You have to sound a certain way.
You know, my biggestcommunication breakthrough
happened when I stopped tryingto sound professional.
That polished, button-up tonewe think we're supposed to use
(04:06):
might feel safe, but it stripsaway everything that makes us
memorable the voice peopleconnect with lives, where your
favorite phrases, your corevalues and your lived
experiences intersect, and whenyou focus on what makes you
different, more people actuallyconnect with you.
Two people might share the sameproductivity tips, but one
(04:27):
could say I grew up with severeADHD and systems saved my sanity
, while another one says I hadto unlearn everything from
corporate life to build aroutine that fits me.
Neither is right, neither iswrong, but both are far more
memorable than a generic how-tolist.
And it turns out audiences arelooking for this kind of
(04:48):
authenticity.
According to Adobe, 67% ofpeople value authenticity over
production quality when it comesto digital content.
People can tell when someonesuddenly starts using words like
synergy or innovative thatdon't match their usual style.
That's when viewers call it outfor feeling forced.
They notice when somethingfeels rehearsed, but they also
(05:12):
notice when it's raw and real.
To start uncovering your ownuncopyable voice, try this
Record yourself explainingsomething you know really well.
Then transcribe it word forword.
Look for how you naturallytransition between ideas, the
metaphors that come from yourbackground and the moments where
(05:33):
your energy shifts.
For example, if you findyourself using food metaphors
because you grew up in arestaurant, or sports analogies
because you played in school,those are your signature moves.
Now take it a step further byidentifying the emotional core
behind your story.
Was it joy, frustration, reliefor fear?
(05:56):
Recognizing these emotionalthreads, as storytelling
research suggests, is what makesyour content stick.
And the quickest way to eraseyour voice is by filtering out
what feels too personal.
That story where you bombed infront of a client with that
opinion your industry sidesteps.
That's the gold.
Your voice isn't something youfind, it's what you stop hiding.
(06:19):
The more you let your quirksand real stories show, the more
your presence becomesunmistakable.
And when you pair structurewith a voice that's unmistakably
yours, you build trust andconnection.
But real confidence comes fromseeing progress in action, not
just hoping you're on the righttrack.
And that's where the next piececomes in.
(06:40):
Recognizing and tracking smallwins is key to making real
progress.
As a communicator, we oftenthink progress only matters when
we achieve something big, likedelivering a flawless
presentation, getting publicpraise or closing the deal.
But our brains are wired torespond to much smaller moments.
Each time you notice a minorimprovement, your brain gives
(07:04):
you a hit of dopamine,reinforcing the behavior and
motivating you to keep going.
Behavioral psychology showsthat these micro-wins are what
make new habits stick, turningone good moment into the start
of a lasting pattern.
A study by Harvard's TeresaAmabile and Stephen Kramer found
that feeling a sense ofprogress, even from small steps,
(07:25):
significantly increasesengagement and motivation at
work.
Similarly, a recent classroomaction research study found that
students who receivedstructured feedback and tracked
their own growth experienced a30% boost in confidence.
The lesson is clear Tracking thelittle things you do right
matters.
Most people wait to feelconfident until they achieve a
(07:48):
major milestone, but confidencegrows when you start noticing
the small things you're gettingbetter at.
Maybe you stay calm during atough question, maybe a
colleague nodded as youexplained your idea, or maybe
you paused instead of fillingthe silence with nervous chatter
.
These moments are proof you'removing forward.
(08:08):
Let's say you're working hardto be a better listener.
Don't just measure progress bywhether people say you're a
great communicator.
Track the moments.
I didn't interrupt once in thatmeeting or I reflected the
words back before sharing myopinion.
Those are communication wins.
Stack up enough of them, andbig outcomes will follow.
(08:30):
To make this process actionable, focus on three types of
communication wins.
There are technical wins, andtechnical wins might look like
you're slowing your pacing orreducing filler words.
Then there are connection wins,and these could be someone
leaning in or asking athoughtful follow-up.
And then there are personalwins, and these show up when you
(08:51):
walk away, thinking thatsounded like me.
By naming and noticing thesewins, you create measurable
proof of your growth, and thereal shift happens when you
connect these small wins back tothe structure and voice you've
been developing.
A smoother delivery points toyour structure.
A genuine reaction from youraudience means your voice is
(09:14):
resonating, and the more youtrack these moments, the less
you rely on outside validation.
A genuine reaction from youraudience means your voice is
resonating, and the more youtrack these moments, the less
you rely on outside validationand the more you see your own
progress.
As these small wins accumulate,they start to interact with
everything else you built,setting off a chain reaction
that transforms not just yourcommunication but your
confidence itself.
When structure, voice and smallwins work together, you begin
(09:39):
to see communication as morethan just isolated skills, and
this is the confidence flywheela self-reinforcing system where
each element fuels the next.
Structure gives you clarity,which makes your delivery
smoother.
That smoother delivery givesyou the space to express your
authentic voice.
(09:59):
When your voice resonates, younotice genuine feedback, small
wins like a nod, a thoughtfulcomment or someone reinforcing
your words later.
These wins in turn strengthenyour confidence and motivate you
to keep building your skills.
The cycle is simple and motivateyou to keep building your
skills.
The cycle is simple Structureleads to voice, voice leads to
feedback, feedback leads to wins, and those wins feed back into
(10:27):
your structure.
You can see this flywheel inaction in real-world examples.
For instance, a study byTiffany and colleagues found
that students learning Englishwho practice storytelling
techniques not only improvedtheir speaking skills, but also
reported a noticeable boost intheir confidence.
Their structure allowed them toorganize their thoughts.
Their voice came through inpersonal stories and each small
(10:48):
success, like finishing a storyor getting a positive reaction,
made them more willing to tryagain.
Each part of the systemsupported the others, making
progress feel tangible.
Many people try to buildconfidence by focusing on just
one part of the system, butthat's like trying to ride a
bike with one pedal you mightmove, but you're not going to
(11:09):
get very far.
The biggest pitfalls come frombreaking the cycle.
First, comparison Measuringyour early attempts against
someone else's polished results.
To avoid this, set a no-comparerule.
Focus on your progress, notsomeone else's highlight reel.
Second, dismissing small winsbecause they don't feel
(11:30):
significant.
Counter this by writing downevery minor improvement after
each attempt.
And third, over-polishing yourdelivery to a point where it
feels unnatural.
Instead, challenge yourself toshare one unfiltered story or
moment in each piece of content.
Sharing your struggles andimperfections rather than hiding
them actually builds trust.
(11:52):
And when you talk aboutblanking out in a meeting or
stumbling over your words, youinvite your audience to see the
real process behind growth.
And these honest moments showthat progress is possible and
that confidence isn't aboutflawless performance.
It's about showing up andimproving over time.
As you keep the flywheelturning, refining your structure
(12:12):
, finding your voice andcelebrating small wins, you
build a kind of confidence thatlasts.
And that's especially importantwhen self-doubt creeps in,
because it means you're investedin doing your best work.
Your imposter syndrome isn't aweakness.
It's a sign that you care aboutdoing things well.
That uneasy feeling is notproof that you're unqualified.
(12:34):
It's actually your sensitivityto quality, trying to break
through Instead of fighting it.
Use it Today.
Pick one small step.
Organize a story using athree-act structure so your
message flows better.
Practice speaking out loudwithout editing yourself to hear
your real voice.
Or pause to recognize a smallcommunication win like making
(12:56):
someone lean in or ask afollow-up question.
Research shows that peopleconnect more with communicators
who share the messy middle andnot just the posh end result.
The speakers we remember mostaren't the ones who seem perfect
.
They're the ones who stay realwhile still aiming high.
Remember we're looking forprogress, not perfection.
(13:18):
That's all for today.
Be sure to visitspeakingwithconfidencepodcastcom
to get your free e-book Top 21Challenges for Public Speakers
and how to Overcome them.
You can also register for theForming for Public Speaking
course.
Always remember your voice hasthe power to change the world.
We'll talk to you next time,take care.
Welcome back to Speaking with Confidence, a podcast that
helps you build the soft skillsthat lead to real results
Communication, storytelling,public speaking and showing up
with confidence in everyconversation that counts.
I'm Tim Newman, a recoveringcollege professor turned
communication coach, and I'mthrilled to guide you on a
journey to becoming a powerfulcommunicator.
Make sure you hit the subscribebutton so you never miss an
(00:31):
episode.
This episode, I want to giveyou three steps to crush
imposter syndrome.
Raise your hand if you everthought someone's going to call
me out at any minute.
Now, if that sounds familiar,you're not alone.
Studies show that up to 82% ofpeople struggle with imposter
syndrome at some point, evenwhen their work is strong and
(00:54):
others see their value.
I felt it too.
There were days I questioned ifI was qualified to share my
ideas, no matter how much Iprepared.
But authentic communicatorsaren't confident because they're
perfect.
They build confidence bymastering a process, a
combination of structure,authentic voice and tracking
(01:15):
small wins that turn self-doubtinto real momentum.
So let's start with the firstpillar the way you structure
your message.
There was a day I stood infront of a class fully prepared
with facts, only to have mynerves take control and I threw
up.
It wasn't a lack of knowledgethat got me.
It was the absence of astructure.
(01:36):
When ideas don't have aframework to support them,
self-doubt finds its way in.
Even seasoned speakers canstumble when they're improvising
without a plan.
Research from psychologistJerome Bruner shows that people
remember stories 22 times betterthan bare facts.
That's because stories giveinformation, shape and meaning.
(01:58):
Think about how much moreconfident you feel when
following a clear recipe versusvague instructions.
Think about how much moreconfident you feel when
following a clear recipe versusvague instructions.
For example, if a cooking videojust says add some spices to
taste, you're left guessing.
But if it says the first time Imade curry, it was awful.
Until I learned these threeexact measurements, you know
(02:18):
exactly what to do and why.
That's the power of a narrativewith structure.
The three-act structure is atool that solves this gap.
Act one sets the stage.
You introduce the context andthe people involved.
Act two brings in the challengeor conflict, building tension
and keeping your audienceinvested.
(02:39):
And act three delivers aresolution, tying everything
together and leaving youraudience with a sense of closure
.
This framework isn't just formovies or novels.
It's used by top YouTubecreators to break down complex
topics, analyze trends or sharepersonal stories in a way that
feels natural and engaging.
(03:00):
Having a structure to rely ongives you a psychological safety
net.
Having a structure to rely ongives you a psychological safety
net.
Cognitive psychology tells usthat when we organize our ideas,
the brain feels more in controland anxiety drops.
That's why confidentcommunicators aren't born.
They're made through repetitionand practice.
With frameworks like this, themore you use structure, the less
(03:21):
you find yourselfsecond-guessing.
You're too focused on guidingyour audience through a
purposeful journey.
It's easy to believe that trueexperts don't need to prepare,
but the reality is just theopposite.
Preparation and structure don'tmake you less authentic.
They let you focus on yourmessage instead of battling the
(03:43):
nerves.
And with a solid framework,your message has bones.
Now it's time to give itcharacter with your voice and
your perspective.
Finding a voice that trulystands out starts with letting
go of that idea.
You have to sound a certain way.
You know, my biggestcommunication breakthrough
happened when I stopped tryingto sound professional.
That polished, button-up tonewe think we're supposed to use
(04:06):
might feel safe, but it stripsaway everything that makes us
memorable the voice peopleconnect with lives, where your
favorite phrases, your corevalues and your lived
experiences intersect, and whenyou focus on what makes you
different, more people actuallyconnect with you.
Two people might share the sameproductivity tips, but one
(04:27):
could say I grew up with severeADHD and systems saved my sanity
, while another one says I hadto unlearn everything from
corporate life to build aroutine that fits me.
Neither is right, neither iswrong, but both are far more
memorable than a generic how-tolist.
And it turns out audiences arelooking for this kind of
(04:48):
authenticity.
According to Adobe, 67% ofpeople value authenticity over
production quality when it comesto digital content.
People can tell when someonesuddenly starts using words like
synergy or innovative thatdon't match their usual style.
That's when viewers call it outfor feeling forced.
They notice when somethingfeels rehearsed, but they also
(05:12):
notice when it's raw and real.
To start uncovering your ownuncopyable voice, try this
Record yourself explainingsomething you know really well.
Then transcribe it word forword.
Look for how you naturallytransition between ideas, the
metaphors that come from yourbackground and the moments where
(05:33):
your energy shifts.
For example, if you findyourself using food metaphors
because you grew up in arestaurant, or sports analogies
because you played in school,those are your signature moves.
Now take it a step further byidentifying the emotional core
behind your story.
Was it joy, frustration, reliefor fear?
(05:56):
Recognizing these emotionalthreads, as storytelling
research suggests, is what makesyour content stick.
And the quickest way to eraseyour voice is by filtering out
what feels too personal.
That story where you bombed infront of a client with that
opinion your industry sidesteps.
That's the gold.
Your voice isn't something youfind, it's what you stop hiding.
(06:19):
The more you let your quirksand real stories show, the more
your presence becomesunmistakable.
And when you pair structurewith a voice that's unmistakably
yours, you build trust andconnection.
But real confidence comes fromseeing progress in action, not
just hoping you're on the righttrack.
And that's where the next piececomes in.
(06:40):
Recognizing and tracking smallwins is key to making real
progress.
As a communicator, we oftenthink progress only matters when
we achieve something big, likedelivering a flawless
presentation, getting publicpraise or closing the deal.
But our brains are wired torespond to much smaller moments.
Each time you notice a minorimprovement, your brain gives
(07:04):
you a hit of dopamine,reinforcing the behavior and
motivating you to keep going.
Behavioral psychology showsthat these micro-wins are what
make new habits stick, turningone good moment into the start
of a lasting pattern.
A study by Harvard's TeresaAmabile and Stephen Kramer found
that feeling a sense ofprogress, even from small steps,
(07:25):
significantly increasesengagement and motivation at
work.
Similarly, a recent classroomaction research study found that
students who receivedstructured feedback and tracked
their own growth experienced a30% boost in confidence.
The lesson is clear Tracking thelittle things you do right
matters.
Most people wait to feelconfident until they achieve a
(07:48):
major milestone, but confidencegrows when you start noticing
the small things you're gettingbetter at.
Maybe you stay calm during atough question, maybe a
colleague nodded as youexplained your idea, or maybe
you paused instead of fillingthe silence with nervous chatter
.
These moments are proof you'removing forward.
(08:08):
Let's say you're working hardto be a better listener.
Don't just measure progress bywhether people say you're a
great communicator.
Track the moments.
I didn't interrupt once in thatmeeting or I reflected the
words back before sharing myopinion.
Those are communication wins.
Stack up enough of them, andbig outcomes will follow.
(08:30):
To make this process actionable, focus on three types of
communication wins.
There are technical wins, andtechnical wins might look like
you're slowing your pacing orreducing filler words.
Then there are connection wins,and these could be someone
leaning in or asking athoughtful follow-up.
And then there are personalwins, and these show up when you
(08:51):
walk away, thinking thatsounded like me.
By naming and noticing thesewins, you create measurable
proof of your growth, and thereal shift happens when you
connect these small wins back tothe structure and voice you've
been developing.
A smoother delivery points toyour structure.
A genuine reaction from youraudience means your voice is
(09:14):
resonating, and the more youtrack these moments, the less
you rely on outside validation.
A genuine reaction from youraudience means your voice is
resonating, and the more youtrack these moments, the less
you rely on outside validationand the more you see your own
progress.
As these small wins accumulate,they start to interact with
everything else you built,setting off a chain reaction
that transforms not just yourcommunication but your
confidence itself.
When structure, voice and smallwins work together, you begin
(09:39):
to see communication as morethan just isolated skills, and
this is the confidence flywheela self-reinforcing system where
each element fuels the next.
Structure gives you clarity,which makes your delivery
smoother.
That smoother delivery givesyou the space to express your
authentic voice.
(09:59):
When your voice resonates, younotice genuine feedback, small
wins like a nod, a thoughtfulcomment or someone reinforcing
your words later.
These wins in turn strengthenyour confidence and motivate you
to keep building your skills.
The cycle is simple and motivateyou to keep building your
skills.
The cycle is simple Structureleads to voice, voice leads to
feedback, feedback leads to wins, and those wins feed back into
(10:27):
your structure.
You can see this flywheel inaction in real-world examples.
For instance, a study byTiffany and colleagues found
that students learning Englishwho practice storytelling
techniques not only improvedtheir speaking skills, but also
reported a noticeable boost intheir confidence.
Their structure allowed them toorganize their thoughts.
Their voice came through inpersonal stories and each small
(10:48):
success, like finishing a storyor getting a positive reaction,
made them more willing to tryagain.
Each part of the systemsupported the others, making
progress feel tangible.
Many people try to buildconfidence by focusing on just
one part of the system, butthat's like trying to ride a
bike with one pedal you mightmove, but you're not going to
(11:09):
get very far.
The biggest pitfalls come frombreaking the cycle.
First, comparison Measuringyour early attempts against
someone else's polished results.
To avoid this, set a no-comparerule.
Focus on your progress, notsomeone else's highlight reel.
Second, dismissing small winsbecause they don't feel
(11:30):
significant.
Counter this by writing downevery minor improvement after
each attempt.
And third, over-polishing yourdelivery to a point where it
feels unnatural.
Instead, challenge yourself toshare one unfiltered story or
moment in each piece of content.
Sharing your struggles andimperfections rather than hiding
them actually builds trust.
(11:52):
And when you talk aboutblanking out in a meeting or
stumbling over your words, youinvite your audience to see the
real process behind growth.
And these honest moments showthat progress is possible and
that confidence isn't aboutflawless performance.
It's about showing up andimproving over time.
As you keep the flywheelturning, refining your structure
(12:12):
, finding your voice andcelebrating small wins, you
build a kind of confidence thatlasts.
And that's especially importantwhen self-doubt creeps in,
because it means you're investedin doing your best work.
Your imposter syndrome isn't aweakness.
It's a sign that you care aboutdoing things well.
That uneasy feeling is notproof that you're unqualified.
(12:34):
It's actually your sensitivityto quality, trying to break
through Instead of fighting it.
Use it Today.
Pick one small step.
Organize a story using athree-act structure so your
message flows better.
Practice speaking out loudwithout editing yourself to hear
your real voice.
Or pause to recognize a smallcommunication win like making
(12:56):
someone lean in or ask afollow-up question.
Research shows that peopleconnect more with communicators
who share the messy middle andnot just the posh end result.
The speakers we remember mostaren't the ones who seem perfect
.
They're the ones who stay realwhile still aiming high.
Remember we're looking forprogress, not perfection.
(13:18):
That's all for today.
Be sure to visitspeakingwithconfidencepodcastcom
to get your free e-book Top 21Challenges for Public Speakers
and how to Overcome them.
You can also register for theForming for Public Speaking
course.
Always remember your voice hasthe power to change the world.
We'll talk to you next time,take care.
Popular Podcasts
United States of Kennedy
United States of Kennedy is a podcast about our cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty. Every week, hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris go into one aspect of the Kennedy story.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com