In a recent episode of the I Will Aim podcast, host Will Lukang sits down with Ruth to dissect the art and science of effective public speaking. Far from a mere skill, Ruth shares that speaking is a habit, a social act, and an embodied experience that requires continuous feedback, especially from oneself. This conversation offers insights for anyone looking to elevate their communication, from a casual conversation to a high-stakes keynote.
Highlights from their conversation:
- 0:13 – Speaking is Habitual: Milligan challenges the myth of “natural speakers,” emphasizing that effective communication stems from habits that can be cultivated and improved.
- 2:27 – The Motivated Speaker: Ruth discusses her book, The Motivated Speaker, which delves into the internal drive behind powerful public speaking and introduces the concept of threshold concepts for learning to speak.
- 10:14 – Self-Reflection as Feedback: A crucial takeaway is the importance of self-reflection. Ruth advises speakers to assess their own performance before seeking external feedback, highlighting that self-reflection is key to personal learning and growth.
- 13:24 – Writing for the Ear: The conversation touches on the distinct difference between written and spoken words, illustrated with examples like Barack Obama’s unique speaking cadence and the idea of “writing for the ear” rather than for the page.
- 20:31 – Identifying “Shaded Habits”:Ruth introduces the concept of “shaded habits” – unconscious communication quirks (like filler words or ) that might go unnoticed in casual settings but can significantly impact high-stakes presentations.
- 29:25 – The Power of the Breath: A simple yet powerful tip for eliminating filler words is offered: taking a breath. This not only helps control speech but also allows the audience to process information.
- 30:16 – The Impact of Quiet: The discussion highlights how strategic pauses and quiet can dramatically capture an audience’s attention, transforming a busy room into one of focused listening.
- 31:49 – Three Key Takeaways for Improvement: Don’t be afraid to listen to yourself, pick one specific thing to work on, and ask for precise, targeted feedback from others.
This episode with Ruth Milligan serves as a powerful reminder that becoming a more impactful speaker is an accessible journey, driven by self-awareness and intentional practice. If you’re ready to transform your communication, “The Motivated Speaker” and the wisdom shared in this podcast are excellent starting points.
