Mick Unplugged: Ruth Milligan – Finding Your Voice: Secrets of a Master Storyteller
Episode Release Date: June 19, 2025
Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Ruth Milligan
Introduction
In this compelling episode of "Mick Unplugged," host Mick Hunt engages in an insightful dialogue with Ruth Milligan, a renowned TEDx veteran, master storyteller, and leadership coach. Ruth brings her extensive experience in shaping the voices of leaders across various platforms, from stages to boardrooms. The conversation delves deep into the art of storytelling, the principles of effective speaking, and the transformative power of finding one’s unique "Because."
Ruth’s 'Because': The Driving Force Behind Her Mission
Ruth Milligan opens the discussion by sharing her profound 'Because'—a concept central to "Mick Unplugged’s" philosophy. She states:
"Because I really, truly believe that everyone has a voice and everyone has a story. That might sound trite, but it is true, very true. And everyone needs to practice for it to be heard."
(00:40)
Ruth emphasizes the universal potential within each individual to convey their experiences and insights. She highlights the essential role of a coach as a "guide and the helper," supporting individuals in discovering their place in the world, whether in personal life or business.
Mastering the Balance: Points and Stories
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the delicate balance between points and stories in effective speaking. Mick introduces a valuable lesson shared by his mentor, Les Brown:
"Never tell a story without a point and never make a point without a story."
(03:16)
Ruth Milligan elaborates on this by explaining her methodology:
"I always start with the points. The points are far outweigh the stories and they're very difficult to organize. Bring hierarchy, find the highest level meaning."
(04:28)
She advocates for "points first, then stories," ensuring that each narrative serves to reinforce the core message. Ruth illustrates this with a personal anecdote about her publishing journey, demonstrating that stories can vary in length and form but must always support the underlying points.
The Motivated Speaker: A Modern-Day Blueprint
The conversation transitions to Ruth’s latest book, "The Motivated Speaker." Mick lauds the book as an essential resource for anyone looking to enhance their speaking skills, likening it to a "blueprint in modern day form."
Ruth shares the genesis of the book:
"We went and asked, had anyone written those or named them for speaking, for learning to speak. And that's what the book ended up being because we, we spent a year writing, blogging, thinking about what were the calls that we'd get from people that didn't do well and were they, what were they missing along the way?"
(09:50)
Designed to serve as a comprehensive guide, the book intertwines six foundational principles of effective speaking with practical advice, real-life stories, and threshold concepts—those challenging ideas that, once understood, transform one's approach to speaking.
The Six Principles of Speaking
Ruth Milligan outlines the six key principles from her book, each accompanied by insightful subpoints and real-world applications:
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There’s No Natural Speaker
"No one's born a speaker. Everyone is habitual. And if you are not a good speaker, you can become one. If you have a bad habit, you can work out of it."
(12:41) -
Speaking is Embodied
"Speaking is embodied. Imagine how much energy I was expending being who I thought I had."
(02:32) -
Speaking Comes in Many Genres
"A keynote has a genre. An interview has a genre. If you're not ruthlessly interrogating them, I say that."
(13:59) -
Speaking is Social
"Our audiences make meaning of our words. You start talking jargon to an audience that doesn't get the jargon, they're not going to listen to you."
(14:57) -
Speaking is Fleeting
"The speaking is fleeting. We don't actually remember what you said."
(14:57) -
Speaking Requires Feedback
"Speaking requires feedback. One minute of listening to yourself puts yourself in the audience, and all of a sudden you're like, wait, do I want to be listening to myself?"
(15:19) -
Speaking is Messy
"Speaking is messy. There's always something we forget. We think we know what we're going to say, and then we have to switch."
(16:14)
These principles form the backbone of "The Motivated Speaker," providing readers with actionable strategies to refine their speaking abilities and effectively engage their audiences.
Adapting to the Audience: Listening to the Listening
A pivotal theme in the discussion is the importance of audience feedback and adaptability. Mick references Les Brown’s advice:
"Listen to the listening."
(17:28)
Ruth Milligan echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that understanding and responding to the audience’s reactions can transform a speech. She illustrates how being attuned to nonverbal cues allows speakers to adjust their delivery in real-time, enhancing engagement and impact.
"We have to speak to the listening, as we like to say. We have to address it."
(18:39)
This dynamic interaction ensures that the message resonates, regardless of the setting or audience composition.
Top Five Q&A with Ruth Milligan
In a segment designed to unveil more about Ruth’s personal experiences and philosophies, Mick poses five quick-fire questions:
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Favorite TEDx Talk of All Time?
"Bryan Stevenson."
(23:44) -
Go-To Ritual Before Stepping on Stage?
"I put my notes down and I tell myself I got this."
(23:53) -
Most Surprising Lesson Learned as a Coach?
"I have to go to where people are, but keep in mind where I want them to be."
(24:09) -
Describe Ruth in One Word:
"Full."
(25:05)Ruth elaborates on feeling fulfilled in various aspects of her life, including family, career, and personal achievements.
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Where Do You Want People to Buy Your Book?
"On Amazon and independent bookstores, supporting them through bookshop. Visit TheMotivatedSpeaker.com."
(25:34)
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Mick expressing his gratitude and enthusiasm for a potential part two, highlighting the depth and value of Ruth’s insights. Both hosts reiterate the empowering message of embracing one’s 'Because'—the core driving force that fuels personal and professional growth.
"Remember your because is your superpower. Go unleash it."
(26:20)
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast, taking actionable steps toward elevating their leadership and speaking abilities.
Key Takeaways
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Habitual Nature of Speaking: Effective speaking is a learned and habitual practice, not an innate talent.
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Balance Between Points and Stories: Starting with clear points and supporting them with relevant stories enhances message retention and impact.
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Adaptability: Being responsive to audience feedback and willing to adjust on the fly is crucial for engaging presentations.
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Comprehensive Guidance: Ruth’s book, "The Motivated Speaker," serves as an essential resource, offering a modern blueprint for aspiring speakers.
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Personal Fulfillment: Embracing one’s full potential and experiences contributes to authentic and powerful storytelling.
Tune in to "Mick Unplugged" for more transformative conversations that empower leaders and changemakers to amplify their voices and achieve meaningful impact.