Real English Conversations Podcast | Confident English Communication for International Professionals

Do confident professionals communicate differently?
The answer is yes — and the good news is that confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build.
In this episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis sits down with communication expert, voice actor, broadcaster, speaker, and author David Tyler, creator of the book Connect: A Field Guide for Master Communicators.
With more than 40 years of experience helping people communicate effectively, David shares the 10 communication habits of confident communicators and explains how anyone can develop them — including English learners, business professionals, managers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
If you've ever struggled with speaking confidently in meetings, presentations, interviews, networking events, or everyday conversations, this episode will give you practical tools you can start using immediately.
You'll also learn why connection is more important than perfection, how to make people feel heard and valued, and why the world's best communicators focus on serving their audience instead of impressing them.
In This Episode You'll Learn:
✅ The 10 communication habits confident communicators use every day
✅ Why listening is often more powerful than speaking
✅ How asking better questions creates stronger connections
✅ Why silence is one of the most underrated communication tools
✅ How to overcome the fear of making mistakes
✅ Why confidence is built through practice, not talent
✅ The importance of making others feel seen, heard, and understood
✅ David's "Seven Colors of the Voice" framework for becoming a more engaging speaker
✅ How communication skills can improve your career, relationships, and personal growth
Key Takeaway
"Most people think confidence is something you are born with or find. In reality, confidence is something you create — one conversation at a time." — David Tyler
Whether you're learning English, building your career, leading a team, or simply wanting to communicate more effectively, these habits can help you become a more confident and impactful communicator.
Connect With & Follow David Tyler Here
📖 Connect: A Field Guide for Master Communicators
https://www.amazon.com/Connect-Field-Guide-Master-Communicators/dp/B0DNRSP2BV
The Master Communicator Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/41GUGOiYuYSbJXRWfrv5t4?si=06e30bdd567243bb
🌐 David Tyler Website
https://davidtyler.com
🎙️ David Tyler Coaching & Speaking
https://davidtylerspeaks.com
📄 The Speaker's Playbook (47 Communication Tips)
https://buymeacoffee.com/davidtyler
🐦 X (Twitter)
https://x.com/DavidTylerVO
🎙️ Connect with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations
💬 Want to improve your English for professional success?
Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations.
👉 Book your trial session
https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/
🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge
(50% OFF with code: 90DAY50)
https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/
🌐 Website
https://realenglishconversations.com
🎧 Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q
🎧 Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837
📺 YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations
📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/
📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline
💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies
https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/
💖 Support the Podcast on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast

Do you ever feel like you're capable of more, but something is holding you back?
Many English learners struggle with confidence. They know more English than they think they do, but fear, self-doubt, overthinking, and the fear of making mistakes stop them from speaking naturally and expressing themselves fully.
In this inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis sits down with educator, TEDx speaker, author, professional speaker, engineer, and corporate executive John Kundly to discuss confidence, communication, personal growth, purpose, and how to move forward even when you don't feel ready.
John shares his remarkable journey from a small town in Ohio to becoming a successful corporate executive, TEDx speaker, and author—including a period when he was homeless and living in his car after moving to Los Angeles.
Together, Curtis and John explore why confidence isn't something you wait for—it's something you build through action.
If you've ever struggled with speaking English confidently, experienced imposter syndrome, felt stuck in your career, or wondered how to create better opportunities for yourself, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration.
In This Episode You'll Learn:
✅ Why action comes before confidence
✅ How English learners can overcome fear when speaking
✅ Why confidence and fluency are not the same thing
✅ The "Evidence & Exposure" formula for building confidence
✅ How to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome
✅ Why successful people still struggle with confidence
✅ How setbacks and detours can become life-changing opportunities
✅ The difference between goals and purpose
✅ Communication skills that separate average professionals from exceptional professionals
✅ How to build a strong professional network and find mentors
✅ Why comparison destroys confidence and what to focus on instead
✅ Practical advice for English learners who want to create better opportunities in life and work
💡 Memorable Quote From John
"Don't wait until you feel ready to use your voice. Use your voice to get ready."
🎙️ Connect with John Kundly
🌐 Website https://reachwithjohn.com
📖 Book: Within Reach https://withinreachbook.net
🎤 TEDx Talk: The Internal GPS (IGPS) https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=John+Kundly+TEDx
📸 Instagram @ReachWithJohn
🎵 TikTok @ReachWithJohn
💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkundly/

🎙️ Connect with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations
💬 Want to improve your English for professional success?
Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations.
👉 Book your Trial Session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/
🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code: 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/
🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com
🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q
🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837
📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations
📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/
📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline
💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/
💖 Support the Podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast

What happens when three completely different life journeys collide around the same global challenge?
In the final episode of our 6-part Plot Pattern series, Curtis Davies is joined once again by co-host Matt Gardner (Mod Hob Matt) — along with special guest Maryam Shoja, co-founder of the Mod Hob Cooperative — to explore one of the most advanced storytelling frameworks yet: the Parallel Plot Pattern.
This episode goes far beyond storytelling.
Together, Curtis, Matt, and Maryam trace their individual experiences from the turn of the millennium (Y2K) through the evolution of technology, communication, media, education, and AI — showing how seemingly separate lives can converge around shared challenges and common purpose.
From encyclopedias and VHS tapes… to smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence… this conversation explores how technology has transformed the way we learn, teach, connect, and think.
But the deeper question remains:
👉 As AI makes everything faster and easier… are we losing the friction that helps us truly learn?
✨ In This Episode, You'll Learn
🎭 What the Parallel Plot Pattern is — and why it's one of the most powerful storytelling structures
🌍 How three different life journeys across Canada, Iran, Malaysia, and Mexico intersect through shared global change
📱 The evolution from analog to digital culture — from flip phones and VHS to AI and smartphones
🧠 Why "friction" and discomfort are essential for deep learning and memory retention
🤖 The opportunities and dangers of AI in education and communication
💬 Why human connection still matters in language learning
📚 How technology changed the way we study, teach, consume media, and build relationships
⚖️ The importance of balancing digital tools with real-world human interaction
🔄 How systems thinking helps us understand how everything is connected
💡 Key Insight from This Episode
"If learning becomes too easy, we risk losing the depth, challenge, and reflection that create real growth."
— Real English Conversations Podcast
🌍 Why This Episode Matters
The Parallel Plot Pattern helps us understand that no one exists in isolation.
Every person experiences the world differently…
but our stories still intersect through shared systems, technologies, conflicts, and cultural shifts.
This framework teaches us to:
• See multiple perspectives at once
• Understand how systems influence people
• Think critically about technology and communication
• Recognize the value of human connection in a digital world
As AI and automation continue to reshape society, this episode reminds us that meaningful learning still requires:
✨ curiosity
✨ challenge
✨ reflection
✨ human connection
📌 Connect With Mod Hob Matt & Maryam Shoja & The Mod Hob Cooperative
🌐 PlotWeaver Substack (Articles + Story Examples) https://plotweaver.substack.com
🎲 PlotWeaver Cards of Creation & Demo https://www.plotweavergame.com/
🏢 Mod Hob Cooperative https://www.modhob.ca/
🎙️ Connect with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations
💬 Want to improve your English for professional success?
Work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you communicate clearly, confidently, and naturally in real-world professional situations.
👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/
🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code: 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/
🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com
🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q
🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837
📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations
📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/
📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline
💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/
💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast
🎧 Follow the Series
This episode is part #5 of a 6-part Plot Patterns series designed to help you speak English more naturally, confidently, and effectively in real-life situations.
Make sure to listen to the previous episodes here :
Pt. #1 On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/32ZUr4A3gjJao5B9fYwtY7?si=c6d80914e72b4e12
Pt. #1 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pt-1-of-6-how-to-master-the-plotweaver-inverted/id977345837?i=1000758633315
Pt. #2 On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Wr0JvE86Z0es46GNhHI3t?si=44418cfa4d1c4328
Pt. #2 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-episode-pt-2-of-6-how-to-master-the-plotweaver/id977345837?i=1000761512525
Pt. #3 On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ISJwN6i7mWGS3omRxnrkq?si=daf286c066814c24
Pt. #3 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pt-3-of-6-how-to-master-the-plotweaver-non-linear/id977345837?i=1000763047501
Pt. #4 On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/35BJrefXZYAwVxIThD1hGY?si=c212395822574664
Pt. #4 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-episode-pt-4-of-6-how-to-master-the/id977345837?i=1000766428137
Pt. #5 On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6VxWCvn7PTJhKbpOD86yW2?si=b944bd28a7404f9e
Pt # 5 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-episode-pt-5-of-6-how-to-master-the/id977345837?i=1000767564190

Why do so many English learners struggle with perfectionism, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome — even when they're improving?
In Part 5 of our 6-part Plot Pattern series, Curtis Davies is joined again by co-host Matt Gardner (Mod Hob Matt) to explore one of the most powerful storytelling and personal growth frameworks ever created:
The Monomyth Plot Pattern — also known as The Hero's Journey.
This episode goes far beyond storytelling.
Curtis and Matt break down how the Hero's Journey mirrors the real-life experience of learning English, building confidence, overcoming fear, and pushing through the uncomfortable stages of growth.
If you've ever:
• felt embarrassed making mistakes
• doubted your English abilities
• struggled with perfectionism
• or felt stuck in your progress…
This episode will completely change how you view the learning process.
✨ In This Episode, You'll Learn
🎯 The 5 major stages of the Monomyth / Hero's Journey 🧠 Why perfectionism is one of the biggest barriers to fluency 💬 How imposter syndrome affects language learners 📉 The connection between ADHD, confidence, and communication struggles 🔥 Why growth only happens outside your comfort zone 🎵 How mistakes in music, storytelling, and creativity often lead to breakthroughs 📚 The connection between the Dunning-Kruger Effect and language learning 💡 Why "mistakes" are actually part of the mastery process 🚀 How to build resilience and confidence through real communication practice
💡 Key Insight from This Episode
"Your mistakes are not proof that you're failing — they are proof that you're growing."
— Real English Conversations Podcast
🌍 Why This Episode Matters
The Monomyth teaches us that every learner goes through the same cycle:
Comfort → Challenge → Self-Doubt → Breakthrough → Transformation
This applies directly to:
• Learning English confidently
• Public speaking
• Professional communication
• ADHD learning challenges
• Building resilience
• Overcoming perfectionism
• Becoming a stronger communicator
The goal is not perfection.
The goal is transformation.
And sometimes the biggest breakthrough happens right after the moment you feel like giving up.
📌 Connect With Mod Hob Matt Here
🌐 PlotWeaver Substack (Articles + Story Examples) https://plotweaver.substack.com
🎲 PlotWeaver Demo (Storytelling Practice Tool) https://www.plotweavergame.com/
🏢 Mod Hob Cooperative https://www.modhob.ca/
🎙️ Connect with Curtis & Real English Conversations
💬 Want to improve your English for professional success?
We currently have space for new students to work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you speak clearly, confidently, and effectively at work.
Email - curtis@realenglishconversations.com OR contact@realenglishconversations.com 
👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/
🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/
🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com
🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q
🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837
📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations
📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/
📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline
💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/
💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast
🎧 Follow the Series
This episode is part #5 of a 6-part Plot Patterns series designed to help you speak English more naturally, confidently, and effectively in real-life situations.
Make sure to listen to the previous episodes here :
Pt. #1 On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/32ZUr4A3gjJao5B9fYwtY7?si=c6d80914e72b4e12
Pt. #1 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pt-1-of-6-how-to-master-the-plotweaver-inverted/id977345837?i=1000758633315
Pt. #2 On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Wr0JvE86Z0es46GNhHI3t?si=44418cfa4d1c4328
Pt. #2 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-episode-pt-2-of-6-how-to-master-the-plotweaver/id977345837?i=1000761512525
Pt. #3 On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ISJwN6i7mWGS3omRxnrkq?si=daf286c066814c24
Pt. #3 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pt-3-of-6-how-to-master-the-plotweaver-non-linear/id977345837?i=1000763047501
Pt. #4 On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/35BJrefXZYAwVxIThD1hGY?si=c212395822574664
Pt. #4 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-episode-pt-4-of-6-how-to-master-the/id977345837?i=1000766428137

Why do so many professionals feel stuck in their English progress, even when they're practicing consistently every day?
In Part 4 of our 6-part Plot Pattern series, Curtis Davies is joined by co-host Matt Gardner (Mod Hob Matt) to explore one of the most practical and powerful frameworks yet: the Circular Plot Pattern.
This episode reveals why progress in English (and in life) isn't about pushing harder — it's about creating balance, adapting to disruption, and building confidence through consistent routines.
If you've ever felt like you're doing "everything right" but still not improving… this episode will show you what's missing.
Together, Curtis and Matt break down how routines, setbacks, and mindset shifts all work together in a cycle, and how mastering this pattern can help you communicate more clearly, stay calm under pressure, and continue improving without burnout.
✨ In This Episode, You'll Learn
🎯 The 4 key stages of the Circular Plot Pattern (and how they apply to language learning) 🔄 Why consistency alone isn't enough — and what actually drives progress 🧠 How to handle disruptions like mistakes, anxiety, or unexpected situations 💬 The role of active listening and confidence in real communication 📉 Why "working harder" can actually slow your progress 📈 How to build habits that improve your English step by step 🧘 Practical strategies (like meditation & mindset shifts) to stay calm and focused 💡 How to create backup plans (Plan B / contingency plans) in real conversations
💡 Key Insight from This Episode
"Progress doesn't come from doing more — it comes from adapting, reflecting, and returning stronger."
— Real English Conversations Podcast
🌍 Why This Episode Matters
The Circular Plot Pattern teaches us that growth is not linear.
It's a cycle: You build a routine → face disruption → adapt → return stronger.
This applies directly to: • Speaking English in real-life situations • Handling mistakes and pressure • Building confidence over time • Staying consistent without burnout
If you want to stop feeling stuck and start feeling in control of your English… this framework is a game changer.
📌 Resources Mentioned
🌐 PlotWeaver Substack (Articles + Story Examples) https://plotweaver.substack.com
🎲 PlotWeaver Demo (Storytelling Practice Tool) https://www.plotweavergame.com/
🏢 Mod Hob Cooperative https://www.modhob.ca/
🎙️ Connect with Curtis & Real English Conversations
💬 Want to improve your English for professional success?
We currently have space for new students to work directly with Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you speak clearly, confidently, and effectively at work.
👉 Book your trial session https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/member-plans/fluency-programs/trial-lesson/
🔥 Join the 90-Day English Challenge (50% OFF with code 90DAY50) https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/
🌐 Website https://realenglishconversations.com
🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q
🎧 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837
📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations
📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/
📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline
💼 LinkedIn — Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/
💖 Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast
🎧 Follow the Series
This episode is part #4 of a 6-part Plot Patterns series designed to help you speak English more naturally, confidently, and effectively in real-life situations.
Make sure to listen to the previous episodes here :
Pt. #1 On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/32ZUr4A3gjJao5B9fYwtY7?si=c6d80914e72b4e12
Pt. #1 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pt-1-of-6-how-to-master-the-plotweaver-inverted/id977345837?i=1000758633315
Pt. #2 On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Wr0JvE86Z0es46GNhHI3t?si=44418cfa4d1c4328
Pt. #2 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-episode-pt-2-of-6-how-to-master-the-plotweaver/id977345837?i=1000761512525
Pt. #3 On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ISJwN6i7mWGS3omRxnrkq?si=daf286c066814c24
Pt. #3 On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pt-3-of-6-how-to-master-the-plotweaver-non-linear/id977345837?i=1000763047501