Kirk McCarley: The ESPN Statistician Who Teaches Communication Through Listening

Send us a text 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.comkirkmccarleyauthor.comhttps://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 PodMatchSpeaking With ConfidenceFormula for Public SpeakingFacebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices