This conversation is a deep dive into the nuances of effective communication between Ruth Milligan, co-author of the new book, The Motivated Speaker, Six Principles to Unlock Your Potential, and Dan Farkas, podcast host, professor, speaker, and strategic communicator.
Ruth shares invaluable insights from her extensive experience working with communicators of all backgrounds. Their conversation highlights the transformative power of understanding communication as a skill, not just a natural ability.
Highlights from the Episode:
- Speaking as a “Happy Place” (or not): Dan opens by expressing his personal joy in public speaking, acknowledging that for many, it’s a source of panic and fear. This sets the stage for exploring how to transform that experience.
- The Threshold Concepts of Communication: Ruth introduces the idea of a threshold concept in speaking–a sticky, liminal space that, once experienced and understood, transforms a person’s ability to communicate effectively. It’s about moving beyond simply talking to becoming a speaker who is effective, efficient, and self-aware.
- The Power of Feedback and Self-Correction: A crucial takeaway is the importance of seeking and internalizing feedback. Ruth stresses that even she, a seasoned communicator, listens to every podcast she participates in, making notes on how to improve. The discomfort of hearing oneself is a common barrier, but it’s essential for growth.
- Silence as a Tool: Dispelling the myth that silence is uncomfortable, Ruth advocates for using breaths and pauses as natural communication tools. She explains that the perceived length of silence is often distorted by our stress response.
- Quality Over Quantity of Ideas: For speakers tempted to cram 10 ideas into one presentation, Ruth offers a simple yet powerful rule: focus on only three core ideas. Grouping concepts logically allows for clearer, more impactful delivery.
- Understanding Speaking Genres: The discussion emphasizes that different speaking engagements (keynotes, breakouts, panels) have unique conventions and norms. A successful speaker understands these “genres” and tailors their approach accordingly, even breaking norms intentionally when appropriate and in collaboration with the event host.
- The Importance of Planning and Curiosity: Dan and Ruth underscore the need for speakers to be “interrogatingly curious” about their audience, the conference’s goals, and their role within the larger event. This deeper understanding informs content, delivery, and overall effectiveness.
It’s important to recognize that mastery is an ongoing process of learning and refinement and that becoming a “motivated speaker” is an achievable goal for anyone willing to engage in self-awareness, practice, and continuous improvement.
