Ruth joins Mick Hunt for his podcast Mick Unplugged and discusses her passion for helping individuals find their voice and make an impact. She emphasizes that everyone has a story that deserves to be heard, and practice is essential for effective communication. Ruth highlights the importance of starting with clear points and supporting them with stories, likening it to a family tree structure.
Ruth’s book, The Motivated Speaker, is described as a “blueprint in modern day form” for developing essential speaking skills, not just for speaking, but for all forms of communication from presentations to sales calls.
Ruth introduces her keynote concept of “shaded habits” – minor annoying traits that become risks in high-stakes speaking situations, and her goal is to help individuals move beyond these to an “illuminated” presence.
Highlights from the conversation:
- The “Because” of Speaking: Ruth’s true passion stems from her belief that “everyone has a voice and everyone has a story,” and that “everyone needs to practice for it to be heard.” She and her team act as guides and coaches to support individuals in finding their place in the world through effective communication.
- Stories and Points: A Masterclass in Transformation: Echoing Les Brown’s wisdom – “Never tell a story without a point and never make a point without a story” – Ruth emphasizes the importance of starting with points. She uses the analogy of a family tree: a grandparent (the main idea) with three kids (supporting points), and those kids having three of their own. Stories then serve to support these organized points, making the message clear and impactful.
- The Motivated Speaker: A Blueprint for Communication: Ruth clarifies that her book isn’t about motivational speaking, but rather about the desire to learn the essential skills of speaking. She describes it as a “blueprint in modern day form” for anyone needing to communicate effectively, whether in presentations, sales calls, or training employees. The book’s genesis came from a desire to be better coaches, identifying threshold concepts – the uncomfortable but transformative learning hurdles – that speakers must overcome.
- The Six Principles of Speaking: Ruth outlines key principles for aspiring and experienced speakers:
- Speaking is Habitual: Speaking isn’t innate and bad habits can be overcome with practice.
- Speaking is Embodied: Eye contact, body language, gestures, and energy are crucial.
- Speaking Comes in Many Genres:Understand the context and purpose of your communication (e.g., conversation, monologue, panel, keynote).
- Speaking is Social: Audiences make meaning of your words; avoid jargon and be attuned to their understanding.
- Speaking is Messy: Focus on the impact you want to make, as words are often forgotten.
- Speaking Requires Feedback: Self-reflection through recordings, though painful, is vital for improvement.
- Speaking is Messy and Complex:Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of live communication, Ruth highlights the “messy middle” of every talk. Speakers must be willing to adapt, be uncomfortable, and embrace imperfection. Mick adds that speakers must know their points in various lengths (60-second, 3-minute, 7-minute versions) to adapt to audience engagement and listening.
- The “Shaded Habit” Keynote Promise:Ruth introduces her compelling keynote concept of “shaded habits” – minor annoying traits that become risks when speaking in high-stakes situations. Her promise is to help individuals identify and move beyond these habits to an “illuminated” and impactful presence.
- Ruth in One Word: “Full”: Ruth describes herself as “full” – full of life, ideas, expectations for people, privilege, opportunities, and family. This single word encapsulates her contentment and readiness to continue her impactful work.