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How can young adults overcome overwhelm and start communicating with genuine confidence in today’s digital age?

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Nick Batchelder—a 21-year-old author, podcaster, and speaker who’s committed to making sure fewer people reach their 30s saying, “I wish I would have done more in my 20s.” Nick brings a rare peer perspective to personal development, focusing on the unique challenges and strengths of people in their 20s and early 30s. He’s already written a book, built a growing podcast, and spoken to countless young adults about their hurdles with confidence, communication, and taking action. Nick’s insights aren’t just theoretical—they’re born from real, relatable experience.

In our conversation, Nick and I explore a topic central to both of our work: what’s really holding back Gen Z and young millennials when it comes to building confidence in communication? Why—despite being the most connected and entrepreneurial generation—are so many young people struggling with the basics of interpersonal interaction? Nick shares what he sees on the frontline with his peers, from the overwhelming abundance of choices in the digital era to the comfort (and isolation) that comes with virtual living. We candidly talk about why it’s now easier than ever to avoid in-person interactions, and how that avoidance is quietly eroding essential soft skills.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• The impact of digital life on interpersonal communication skills in young adults
• Why overwhelm from too many choices leads to avoidance and inaction
• The difference between being aware of what needs improvement and actually taking steps to improve
• How to use playfulness and improv to rapidly develop communication confidence
• Avoiding the trap of memorized scripts, and why thinking on your feet builds more resilience
• The real reasons young adults don’t act on the changes they know they need fear, laziness, and lack of structure
• How generational differences in upbringing (free play vs. constant supervision) impact adult communication and confidence
• Nick’s experiences with peer feedback, criticism, and staying grounded amid public scrutiny
• The double-edged sword of social media curation and self-image
• Tangible ways to make networking less intimidating even for introverts
• The critical importance of being present and genuinely engaged in building relationships
• How self-awareness makes connecting with others easier (and why it’s okay not to connect with everyone)
• The role that reading and being a role model for learning plays in personal growth
• Why it’s normal for growth to be uneven progress over perfection every time

If you want more from Nick, you can find his book, Crush Your 20s, on Amazon, or check out his podcast, Building the Blueprint, on Spotify and YouTube. And of course, don’t forget to visit speakingwithconfidencepodcast.com for more resources including a free eBook and details about our public speaking course.

Thanks for listening and remember, your voice really does have the power to change the world.

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