ChooseFI
Overcoming the Debilitating Fear of Public Speaking

Podcast

Ep. 228 Overcoming the Debilitating Fear of Public Speaking

Brad Barrett shares his shift from debilitating public speaking anxiety to presenting before thousands, covering storytelling techniques and practice methods.

Brad Barrett, Jonathan Mendonsa · · 91,204 plays
33m 51s
  1. Introduction to Fear of Public Speaking
  2. Brad's Experience with Public Speaking
  3. Breaking Down Barriers
  4. Identifying Strengths
  5. The Role of Storytelling in Communication
  6. Practice Makes Perfect
  7. Conclusion and Action Steps

Choose FI has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Choose FI and CardRatings may earn compensation from card issuers when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. American Express is a ChooseFI advertiser.

Standing in front of 6,000 people wasn't always in Brad's comfort zone — but he got there, and the path he took might surprise you. Brad reflects on his evolution from someone paralyzed by speaking anxiety to comfortably hosting a live event with JL Collins before thousands. Rather than generic confidence-building advice, the conversation reveals specific mental shifts that work: leveraging personal strengths instead of fighting weaknesses, reframing presentations as conversations, and treating everyday interactions as low-stakes practice grounds for storytelling.

Brad's Experience with Public Speaking Brad reflects on his journey from fear to comfortably addressing 6,000 people at a live event.

Breaking Down Barriers The existential nature of speaking fears and how they hold people back from opportunities.

Identifying Strengths Understanding and leveraging personal strengths to build confidence in speaking.

The Role of Storytelling in Communication Storytelling as a critical component of engaging an audience and enhancing speaking skills.

Practice Makes Perfect Practical advice on practicing speaking in comfortable, everyday contexts.

Conclusion and Action Steps Key takeaways and encouragement to embrace the journey toward becoming a confident speaker.

Key Takeaways:

FI Calculator

Travel Tools

Podcast

Local Groups

Forums

Book Club

Value Matrix

Debt Payoff

Workout Logger

Events

FI Calculator

Travel Tools

Podcast

Local Groups

Forums

Book Club

Value Matrix

Debt Payoff

Workout Logger

Events

FI Calculator

Travel Tools

Podcast

Local Groups

Forums

Book Club

Value Matrix

Debt Payoff

Workout Logger

Events

FI Calculator

Travel Tools

Podcast

Local Groups

Forums

Book Club

Value Matrix

Debt Payoff

Workout Logger

Events

Free FI Planning Tools + Community

FI calculator, expense audit, Coast FI tracker, local groups, and 750+ podcast episodes.

No password needed. Free forever.

  • Identify your unique skills and leverage them to boost confidence in speaking.
  • Use everyday conversations as opportunities to practice storytelling techniques.
  • View public speaking not as a performance but as a conversation with a friend.

Notable Quotes:

  • "Realizing 6,000 people watched live was mind-blowing!"
  • "Lean into your unique strengths to build confidence."
  • "Practice without fear in the comfort of your home."
  • "Build your own compelling narrative and seize opportunities."

Action Items:

  • Practice a short story or anecdote to tell at your next gathering.

Related Resources:

  • Simple Startup Summer Camp: A program designed to teach kids entrepreneurial skills.

Top Travel Card

Ready to unlock a world of free travel? Start with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

$95 annual fee | Earn 100,000 bonus points

Best Card for Side Hustlers and Business Owners

Side hustlers! With the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card you can earn free travel from your business expenses.

$95 annual fee | Earn 100,000 bonus points

Most Flexible Travel Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card can be used to offset almost any travel expense.

$95 annual fee | Earn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

ChooseFI has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. ChooseFI and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

FI Calculator

Travel Tools

Podcast

Local Groups

Forums

Book Club

Value Matrix

Debt Payoff

Workout Logger

Events

FI Calculator

Travel Tools

Podcast

Local Groups

Forums

Book Club

Value Matrix

Debt Payoff

Workout Logger

Events

FI Calculator

Travel Tools

Podcast

Local Groups

Forums

Book Club

Value Matrix

Debt Payoff

Workout Logger

Events

FI Calculator

Travel Tools

Podcast

Local Groups

Forums

Book Club

Value Matrix

Debt Payoff

Workout Logger

Events

Free FI Planning Tools + Community

FI calculator, expense audit, Coast FI tracker, local groups, and 750+ podcast episodes.

No password needed. Free forever.

How Fast Could You Reach FI?

Your savings rate is the single biggest factor. Find out exactly where you stand — free, in 60 seconds.

Savings Rate → Years to FI

10%
51 yrs
25%
32 yrs
50%
17 yrs
65%
10.5 yrs

Every 5% increase in savings rate can shave years off your timeline

Free forever — no credit card required

Read Transcript
FREE FI CALCULATOR

What's Your FI Number?

Our free calculator shows you in 60 seconds — create a free account to get started.

60-Second Calculator Your Freedom Date Progress Tracking

Free forever — no credit card required

Comments

Your comment will be posted after signing in
Join the Conversation

Create an account or sign in to post a comment.

Username
Email

No password needed. We'll send a verification email.

Email
Password

Find Your FI Number

Calculate how much you need — takes 60 seconds.

Join ChooseFI

Start your financial independence journey

  • Access to the ChooseFI community
  • Exclusive FI resources and tools
  • Weekly actionable insights
or

No password needed — we'll email you a verification link.

Already have an account?

Don't have an account?

Try searching for

⌘K to open anytime

Your FI Journey

1/3

Step 1 of 3

How familiar are you with Financial Independence?