EP 185 Why Most Young Professionals Struggle to Communicate — And What To Do About It

On this episode of The Stroke It Podcast, Jenny Townsend sits down with Dr. Tim Newman — a communication coach, podcast host, and former college professor — to unpack why communication is collapsing among young professionals and what leaders, parents, and partners can do about it.From 20+ years in education to training public speakers and mentoring teens, Tim shares a no-fluff take on how social media, overprotective parenting, and generational gaps have created a world where people don’t know how to talk anymore. He shares real stories — including the moment a student rejected his feedback — and practical skills employers, parents, and partners must instill.You’ll hear how to coach teens to communicate clearly, how to create safe space for conflict in your marriage, and why asking for help might be the most powerful skill you can teach.This episode is packed with truth bombs and real tools to help you connect with more clarity — at work, at home, and in life.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro: Confidence, Golf, and Communication00:02:15 - Tim’s Life Now: From Professor to Coach00:04:00 - How Podcasting Helped Tim Find Joy Again00:08:20 - Communicating Across Generations (Why It’s So Hard Now)00:10:16 - “If You Can’t Communicate, You Won’t Succeed”00:13:00 - The Student Who Refused Feedback00:15:00 - Are Parents Hurting Their Kids’ Confidence?00:19:45 - How Tim Raised Communicative, Confident Kids00:23:53 - Top 4 Must-Have Skills for Young Professionals00:26:00 - Using ChatGPT to Practice Tough Conversations00:29:15 - Email vs. Picking Up the Phone00:33:44 - Building Confidence to Have Real Conversations00:35:18 - Marriage, Work, and Wearing Multiple Hats00:40:00 - How to Communicate Needs in a Relationship00:45:00 - Final Thoughts: Ask for Help. Start Today.Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestrokeitguideCheck out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.comDid you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!