In this episode, Ruth talks with Darren Mitchell, host of The Exceptional Sales Leader podcast about the power and practice of impactful speaking. With over a decade of experience helping leaders, scientists, and change-makers bring clarity and authenticity to the stage, Ruth shares what it really takes to craft a compelling message—and why so many smart people struggle with it.
From the origin story of TEDxColumbus to the subtleties of “shaded habits” (those sneaky, unhelpful speaking quirks), Ruth unpacks what separates an average speaker from a transformational one. She explores how structured thinking fuels great delivery, why filler words and jargon dilute credibility, and how less content—when shaped skillfully—can actually make a bigger impact.
You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes insights from high-stakes coaching sessions, where Ruth prepares teams to win billion-dollar government pitches and inspires thought leaders to communicate with clarity and purpose.
Whether you’re prepping for a keynote or just want to speak with more confidence in everyday life, this conversation is a practical, inspiring guide to becoming a more motivated—and motivating—speaker.
Highlights from the Episode:
🎙️ Introduction & Background (00:04)
Introduction to the podcast and guest Ruth Milligan. Ruth shares her background and how she got involved with TEDxColumbus.
🌟 The TEDx Origin Story (02:39)
Ruth describes discovering TED Talks and launching TEDxColumbus, highlighting her passion for storytelling and structured communication.
🧠 Structured Communication & Public Speaking (12:53)
Ruth’s transition from PR/marketing to communication coaching. Emphasis on structured thinking, storytelling, and coaching non-professional speakers (leaders, scientists, etc.)
🧑🤝🧑 Communication within Teams (12:53)
Working on communication styles across teams. Recognizing behavioral patterns and mismatched communication preferences.
🕶️ Shaded Habits (14:49)
Concept of “shaded habits”—small communication quirks that become glaring in high-stakes settings. How filler words, tone, and posture play into perceived credibility.
🎯 Fixing Filler Words and Improving Speaking Habits (23:17)
Breathing techniques and self-awareness to reduce filler words. Importance of listening to oneself to self-correct.
💬 Clarity Over Complexity (33:42)
Making complex ideas simple. Speaking so a five-year-old could understand. Ditching jargon and corporate-speak for clarity and connection.
🎤 Keynotes, Pitches & Removing the Lectern (38:25)
Dangers of reading speeches or standing behind a lectern. Importance of audience engagement, message clarity, and conversational tone.
🏗️ Framework for Structuring a Talk (43:40)
Three-question framework:
What’s the one idea you want the audience to take away?
What question does the audience want answered?
What does your audience need right now?
🧪 High-Stakes Presentations & Government Pitches (49:04)
Preparing teams for billion-dollar government pitches. Importance of iteration, readiness, clarity, and teamwork under pressure.
🧘 Less is More (49:04)
The idea that effective communication is concise. Prepare less to deliver more with more impact. The value of breathing and spacing content.
📚 The Motivated Speaker Book (01:00:00)
Introduction to Ruth’s book “The Motivated Speaker,” based on six “threshold concepts”:
- Speaking is habitual.
- Speaking is embodied.
- Speaking is messy.
- Speaking is social.
- Speaking is genre-specific.
- Speaking requires feedback.
THE MOTIVATED SPEAKER: Six Principles to Unlock Your Communication Potential
In this new book from Ruth Milligan, Acacia Duncan, and Blythe Coons, you will discover the six essential threshold concepts needed to give talks like the best TED speakers and Fortune 500 leaders. The Motivated Speaker, published by Wiley, drops May 6, 2025.
