In this episode, I talk with Ruth Milligan, founder and speech coach at Articulation Inc., about communication skills for technical leaders in AEC, and how small, intentional changes can transform the way professionals connect with clients, teams, and audiences. We explore leadership communication strategies, public speaking for engineers, and presentation skills for technical professionals that help leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact.
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Top Strategies to Improve Communication Skills for Technical Leaders in AEC:
- Great speakers know that communication is a habit built through practice, feedback, and self-reflection, not something that comes naturally. In technical or leadership settings, communication skills for technical leaders in AEC improve when they align their message with the audience’s expertise and focus on clarity instead of overwhelming details.
- Strong preparation begins by identifying the question most important to the audience, whether it concerns budget, schedule, or performance. Once that question is clear, technical leaders in AEC can filter their information to deliver only what matters most, keeping the message relevant and impactful.
- Leaders can create low-stakes opportunities, such as short updates in staff meetings, to help team members practice communication before high-stakes situations. Making expectations clear and giving feedback in these smaller moments builds confidence and strengthens communication skills for technical leaders in AEC.
- Feedback is most effective when there is an agreement that it may be given and when it comes with a replacement strategy rather than just pointing out flaws. For example, encouraging someone to pause and take a breath instead of saying “like” or “um” helps them develop stronger communication habits in AEC leadership settings.
- Common missteps include overloading slides, mismanaging time, and failing to read the room, which leaves audiences disengaged. Strong teams rehearse, assign roles clearly, and build trust by being present and conversational—core communication skills for technical leaders in AEC.
- When audiences show signs of disengagement, it helps to pause, acknowledge the shift, and ask what matters most to them at that moment. Redirecting with courage keeps the conversation focused and demonstrates communication skills that technical leaders in AEC need to lead effectively.
- Teams that rehearse multiple times perform more effectively because repetition builds timing, clarity, and confidence. Clear roles, structured Q&A handling, and disciplined storytelling sharpen the presentation and reinforce communication skills for technical leaders in AEC.
- Confidence grows when managers focus on listening to the client’s emotions instead of overloading them with data or defenses. By acknowledging frustration and addressing top priorities first, technical leaders in AEC build trust and demonstrate strong communication skills under pressure.
- Professionals can stay grounded with calming techniques like mindful breathing, steady posture, or repeating a reassuring mantra. Recognizing stress triggers and leaning on teammates when needed prevents defensive reactions and supports communication skills for technical leaders in AEC.
- Storytelling adds an emotional layer that data alone cannot provide, making technical information more relatable and memorable. Short, real-world examples highlight expertise while demonstrating problem-solving and communication skills for technical leaders in AEC.
- Improvement starts by changing one communication habit rather than attempting a complete overhaul at once. Small, consistent adjustments create long-term strength and lasting impact in communication skills for technical leaders in AEC.
About Ruth Milligan
As an executive speech coach and trainer, Ruth Milligan lives at the intersection where professionals from science, research, medicine, and data and analytics come to make their messages more engaging, compelling, and impactful. Helping leaders from these diverse fields meet their goals marks the culmination of Ruth’s nearly 30 years of practicing communications.
Ruth founded Articulation in early 2010 after hosting one of the first TEDx events—TEDxColumbus—which remains one of the longest-running TEDx programs in the world. Since then, Ruth and her team have coached more than 750 people in TEDx or TED-style talks and trained thousands through her company’s classes on message method, storytelling, public speaking, executive presence, and coaching for rising executives.
Ruth’s professional passion is helping organizations of all sizes create storytelling cultures that provide associates and executives with opportunities to practice and deliver great presentations. She believes that a great talk can come from a nervous, reluctant, or beginning speaker when given the right feedback and development environment.
About the Host: Rebecca Swabey, P.Eng.
Rebecca is a professional engineer who transitioned into the role of a tech startup founder. With ten years of experience in the civil consulting industry, specializing in water resources engineering and land development, she co-founded Equator Studios in 2018. The company enhances efficiency and quality for civil firms in the early stages of projects by providing better access to LiDAR and proposal automation tools. Based in Ontario, Canada, Rebecca enjoys hiking along the Grand River, experimenting with pizza recipes, and spending time with her two dogs.
Resources and Links Mentioned in This Session Include:
Articulation Inc.
TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design)
TEDx Program
TEDxColumbus
Zoom
Voice Memos (Apple)
Connect with Ruth Milligan on LinkedIn
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.
