On Ruth’s latest podcast appearance, she speaks with Nadege Minois, host of The Communication and Culture Podcast, and they delve into the multi-faceted nature of effective verbal communication. Drawing from Ruth’s extensive experience as a communication strategist, TEDxColumbus curator, and speech coach, Ruth and Nadege explore the concept that speaking is both a mental and physical endeavor—a performance that engages the entire body and mind.
Ruth highlights the importance of intentionality in speech, and offers up the “Learn, Feel, Do” framework to help craft more compelling messages.
They discuss the inherent risk in speaking, as it exposes one’s thoughts and ideas to public scrutiny. Then Ruth addresses common speaking pitfalls and explores “shaded habits”—subtle behaviors and patterns that can undermine communication—and offers strategies to recognize and adjust them.
🎙 Introduction & Background (00:01)
Host Nadege Minois introduces Ruth Milligan, a communication strategist, TEDxColumbus curator, and author of The Motivated Speaker.
💡 Speaking as a whole-body experience (02:30)
Ruth describes discovering her passion through coaching TEDx speakers.
🧠 The Performance Aspect of Speaking (07:00)
Ruth and Nadege discuss how speaking is a performance, requiring preparation and awareness of delivery to engage the audience effectively.
💥 The Transient Nature of Spoken Words (12:00)
Ruth encourages listeners to consider that spoken words are fleeting, underscoring the importance of clarity and intentionality in communication.
📚 Learn, Feel, Do Framework & Five-Minute Exercise (17:00)
Introduction to the “Learn, Feel, Do” framework, guiding speakers to consider what they want the audience to learn, feel, and do. Milligan also shares a five-minute exercise to help speakers focus and prepare.
🛠 Replacing Filler Words with Intentional Breaths (22:00)
Advice on minimizing filler words by incorporating deliberate pauses and breaths to maintain clarity and presence.
🎤 Acknowledging the Risks of Speaking and Identifying and Adjusting Shaded Habits (27:00)
Discussion on the inherent risks of public speaking, including vulnerability and exposure to scrutiny and exploring subtle behaviors and patterns—termed “shaded habits”—that can undermine communication, offering strategies to recognize and adjust them.
🧰 Conclusion and Further Resources (37:00)
Nadege encourages listeners to explore Milligan’s book, The Motivated Speaker, for those interested in enhancing their speaking skills.
