Impactful Communication: Rio Wilson of Brain-Body Therapy On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator
An Interview With Athalia Monae
Learn the Other Person’s Communication Style. Not everyone receives information the same way. Some people want details and context, others prefer concise, straight-to-the-point updates. Early in my career, I learned this the hard way with a colleague who often seemed disengaged when I was explaining things. I later realized she just needed the “headline” first, not all the background. Once I adjusted my style to hers, our conversations immediately improved.
In an age dominated by digital communication, the power of articulate and effective verbal communication cannot be understated. Whether it’s delivering a keynote address, leading a team meeting, or engaging in a one-on-one conversation, impactful speaking can open doors, inspire change, and create lasting impressions. But what truly sets apart an effective communicator? What techniques and nuances elevate a speech from mundane to memorable? As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Rio Wilson.
Rio Wilson is the founder of Brain-Body Therapy, an innovative app launching this September that integrates exercise into mental health care. Building on five years of research in neuroplasticity, she developed a science-informed framework that demonstrates how intentional movement can influence brain function, regulate stress responses, and support emotional resilience.
Her journey began with personal healing from complex trauma and evolved into a method for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation through movement.
In her talks, Rio highlights the evidence connecting physical activity with improvements in anxiety, mood regulation, and overall well-being. She offers clinicians practical tools to integrate body-based practices into their work, helping clients engage the brain and body together for more effective outcomes. Mental health professionals leave with both inspiration and actionable strategies for incorporating movement as a therapeutic ally in clinical practice.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about communication, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
From an early age, my life experiences shaped the path I’m on today. I became a single mother at 23, and by that point, I had already endured two rapes and an abusive relationship with the father of my child. Financially, I was struggling, and the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming. But the moment I first heard my daughter’s heartbeat, everything shifted — I knew I wanted to give her the very best of me.
Although I was fortunate to meet a therapist, Michael Lowery, who changed my life by charging me next to nothing, I couldn’t afford long-term therapy. That meant I had to find another way to take care of my mental health so I could show up for my daughter in the way she deserved. I started using the small gym in my condo building, and it quickly became a lifeline. Exercise helped me feel lighter, stronger, and more capable. There were times I cried on the treadmill, but those workouts became my own form of therapy. Before long, it was my ritual — I’d go to the gym any chance I had before picking my daughter up from pre-K.
Fast forward about twelve years, and I graduated with my master’s degree in counseling. Throughout my studies, I gravitated toward research on the impact exercise has on mental health. When I discovered how profoundly movement can change brain chemistry — and how strongly the research supports exercise as a treatment method — I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to bridging the worlds of talk therapy and movement. That realization became the foundation of my career path, and it continues to guide the work I do today.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the most interesting — and ultimately transformative — experiences in my career happened when I was working on the idea of bridging exercise and mental health through a brick-and-mortar concept. I had written exercise formulas tailored to specific mental health diagnoses and was deep into planning what would have been a first-of-its-kind space. I was even researching real estate, ready to take the leap into opening a physical location.
But in the midst of all that momentum, my health suddenly collapsed. After months of unexplained symptoms — intense pain in my legs, extreme fatigue, weakness in my hands, and even bruising that appeared without cause — I was finally diagnosed with mold poisoning. The treatment plan stretched out over at least a year, and I knew I could no longer commit to running a physical location where I needed to be present every day.
It was a devastating setback at first. But in the quiet of that recovery, I had a realization: the workout formulas I had created didn’t have to live within four walls. I could translate them into an app — something that would allow me to reach far more people than I ever could with a single location. And by using a digital model, I could make it far more affordable and accessible. What felt like a closed door quickly became a gift in disguise, and it’s the reason my work looks the way it does today.
That said, the brick-and-mortar vision hasn’t gone away — it’s still a concept I’d love to see through one day. But for now, the app allows me to bring science-backed movement therapy to a wider audience in a way I could never have imagined at the beginning of this journey.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
1. Resiliency
Resiliency has been the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished. I learned to take my own traumas and transform them into a driving passion for helping others. Even in the midst of building this app, I faced another trauma that could have easily derailed the entire process. On top of that, the journey itself took five years — it was anything but quick or easy. But resiliency taught me that setbacks don’t define the destination; they can actually fuel it. Every challenge became part of the reason I kept going.
2. Ability to Build a Strong Team
Another key trait has been my ability to build a strong team of contractors. I have immense respect for the individuals I work with, and I trust them deeply. It’s been amazing to watch the app grow not just through my vision, but through the collective energy of a team that has become as passionate about this mission as I am. Knowing that we’re growing this together makes the work not only more impactful, but more enjoyable.
3. Vision
Perhaps most importantly, vision has carried me through this journey. There were long stretches — four years — when there was nothing tangible I could hold up and say, “this is why I’m doing this.” But I could see it in my mind: what this app would become, and the lives it could change. That ability to keep the vision alive, even when the progress wasn’t visible, gave me the motivation and direction I needed to keep moving forward.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that we are all on the same page. How would you define an “Effective Communicator?” What are the characteristics of an effective communicator?
To me, being an effective communicator in the workplace means more than just getting your point across — it’s about creating understanding, trust, and collaboration. The way we communicate directly shapes how a team functions and grows together.
Characteristics of an Effective Communicator:
- Adapting to Others’ Styles — Every person processes information differently. I make it a point to learn the communication style of the person I’m speaking with so I can at least attempt to meet them where they are and ensure clarity.
- Authenticity and Honesty — I believe in being authentic and honest, even if that means admitting when I was wrong as a leader. If I’m not willing to own mistakes, my team won’t feel safe being honest with me — and that honesty is essential for growth.
- Encouraging Two-Way Dialogue — Communication isn’t one-directional. I want my team to feel empowered to give me feedback, to point out areas where I can improve, and to know that their voices are valued in shaping our shared work.
How can one tailor their communication style to different audiences or situations?
I think the key to changing communication for different audiences or situations is being intentional and flexible. It starts with understanding who you’re speaking to and what matters most to them. For example, when I’m communicating with my team, I might share more detail about the process and be very open about challenges, because they’re in it with me day to day. But when I’m speaking to those outside the organization, I focus more on the vision, outcomes, and big-picture goals, because that’s what resonates with them.
Another part of this is adjusting tone and delivery. Some situations call for straightforward, fact-based communication, while others benefit from warmth and encouragement. And above all, I’ve found it’s important to listen first — whether it’s a team member, a client, or an audience — because their perspective will guide how I tailor my message.
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your communication style to reach a particular audience successfully?
I experienced this when I had the opportunity to speak with one of the researchers whose work originally inspired me. I knew I couldn’t just talk about the app as a product — I needed to communicate in a way that reflected their academic lens. So I focused on the science, the data behind exercise and mental health, and how I was translating their research into a practical tool. That conversation showed me how powerful it is to adjust communication to meet someone where they are.
How do you handle difficult or sensitive conversations while maintaining open and effective communication?
For me, handling difficult or sensitive conversations always comes back to leading with empathy and honesty. I remind myself that the goal isn’t to “win” the conversation, but to build understanding and trust. I try to create a safe space by listening first, giving the other person room to share their perspective fully before I respond.
When it’s my turn to speak, I communicate with honesty and authenticity, even if that means admitting I was wrong or acknowledging something that’s uncomfortable. I’ve learned that when a leader is open in that way, it sets the tone for the other person to also be honest and constructive.
I also try to focus on solutions rather than just the problem. Even if the situation is tough, I want the conversation to end with clarity on next steps and a sense that we’re moving forward together. That balance — listening, being honest, and guiding toward solutions — has been key for me in maintaining open and effective communication during difficult moments.
In your experience, how does storytelling play a role in impactful speaking? Why do you think stories are effective in communication?
In my experience, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in impactful speaking. Facts and data are important, but stories are what people remember and connect with on a human level. A good story gives meaning to the information — it takes abstract ideas and makes them tangible and relatable.
For me, sharing my own story — becoming a single mother at 23, turning to exercise as my form of therapy, and later discovering the science that confirmed what I had lived — has been the most effective way to explain why I’m so passionate about bridging movement and mental health. People may not remember every statistic I share, but they remember the moment I describe crying on the treadmill because exercise was helping me process pain.
I think stories are effective because they build trust and emotional resonance. They invite people in, allowing them to see themselves in the experience. And when people connect emotionally, they’re more open to the message, more likely to engage, and more inspired to act.
What are your “5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
1. Learn the Other Person’s Communication Style
Not everyone receives information the same way. Some people want details and context, others prefer concise, straight-to-the-point updates. Early in my career, I learned this the hard way with a colleague who often seemed disengaged when I was explaining things. I later realized she just needed the “headline” first, not all the background. Once I adjusted my style to hers, our conversations immediately improved.
2. Communicate with Authenticity and Honesty
People can tell when you’re not being genuine, and honesty builds trust. This includes being willing to admit mistakes as a leader. I remember a moment during the development of Brain-Body Therapy when I made a decision about timing that ended up delaying part of the project. I could have brushed over it, but instead I owned up to it with my team. Because of that, they felt comfortable being transparent with me about their own challenges, which ultimately made our collaboration stronger.
3. Encourage Two-Way Communication
Effective communication is never one-sided. I always want my team to feel safe giving me feedback. For example, one contractor once pointed out that part of the app design wasn’t as user-friendly as it could be. Because I had encouraged open dialogue, he felt comfortable speaking up — and his insight made the final product much better. Leaders grow faster when they invite their team to be part of the conversation.
4. Adjust for the Audience and the Situation
A great communicator knows how to tailor their message. When I spoke with one of the researchers whose work inspired me, I didn’t just talk about the app as a product. Instead, I framed my communication through their academic lens — highlighting the research, data, and brain chemistry behind exercise as therapy. That resonated with them much more deeply than if I had pitched it like a business idea.
5. Share Stories, Not Just Facts
Stories create connection and make ideas memorable. I’ve seen this time and again when sharing my own journey. For instance, when I tell people about crying on the treadmill as a young single mother — because exercise was helping me process so much pain — that story resonates more than any statistic ever could. It helps people understand not just what I do, but why I do it.
How do you integrate non-verbal cues into your communication? Can you provide an example of its importance?
Non-verbal communication is just as powerful as the words we choose, and sometimes even more so. Tone, body language, facial expressions, and even pauses all carry meaning. I try to be intentional about aligning my non-verbal cues with what I’m saying, because if they don’t match, people will always believe the body language over the words.
For example, when I was working closely with one of my contractors on a difficult deadline, I noticed myself getting tense during a check-in. Even though my words were supportive, my crossed arms and rushed tone gave the opposite impression. Once I became aware of it, I consciously softened my tone, leaned in, and smiled — and the entire energy of the conversation shifted. He went from defensive to collaborative almost instantly.
That experience reinforced for me that non-verbal cues don’t just add to communication — they shape how it’s received. Paying attention to them can mean the difference between shutting someone down and opening the door to real connection.
How has digital communication changed the way you convey your messages? Are there any specific challenges or advantages you’ve encountered?
Digital communication has completely reshaped how I convey messages — especially in building and running an app. One of the biggest advantages is reach. I can connect with people around the world instantly, share research-backed insights, and spread awareness of how exercise impacts mental health in ways that would have been impossible before. It also allows me to collaborate with my team of contractors across different locations seamlessly.
That said, digital communication also comes with risks — mainly the loss of tone. Without facial expressions, body language, or vocal inflection, messages can sometimes be misinterpreted. For example, a short response meant to be efficient can come across as dismissive, or constructive feedback might read harsher than intended. Years ago, I tried using more exclamation marks to try to show excitement — but then someone joked that it felt like I was yelling at them in every email! That taught me how tricky tone can be online and how careful you have to be in striking the right balance. These days, I try to add warmth and clarity where needed — whether that’s through a quick clarifying sentence or hopping on a video call when nuance is important.
Overall, digital tools have given me the ability to scale my vision and maintain constant communication, but they’ve also required me to slow down and be more intentional to preserve connection and trust.
Public speaking is a common fear. What techniques or strategies do you recommend to manage and overcome stage fright?
Since I mentioned earlier the importance of communicating authentically, I have to admit — this is one area I definitely haven’t discovered all the secrets to yet! Public speaking still makes my heart race every single time.
That said, digital communication also comes with risks — mainly the loss of tone. Without facial expressions, body language, or vocal inflection, messages can sometimes be misinterpreted. A short response meant to be efficient can come across as dismissive, or constructive feedback might read harsher than intended. Years ago, I thought I had solved the problem by adding exclamation marks everywhere to show excitement — until someone finally asked, “Why are you always yelling at us in your emails?” It was a funny reminder that tone doesn’t always translate the way we expect. Now, instead of overcompensating with punctuation, I focus on clarity, encouragement, and sometimes just hopping on a video call to make sure the message lands the way I intend.
So while stage fright is still something I’m working on, these reminders help me approach it with a little more confidence each time.
What additional resources do you recommend for individuals looking to improve communication skills?
I’ve found that workplace tools and assessments can be really useful in strengthening communication. They give teams a common language to understand differences and adapt to one another’s styles. A few that I recommend are:
- DiSC Assessment– This tool helps identify communication preferences across four styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. It’s great for understanding whether someone wants big-picture strategy or detailed steps.
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)– While not perfect, MBTI can help people understand tendencies like whether they draw energy from groups or alone (extroversion vs. introversion), and whether they make decisions more on logic or values. It can spark great conversations about team dynamics.
- CliftonStrengths– This one focuses on identifying each person’s natural talents and strengths. It’s especially helpful for communication because it shows where people are likely to shine and how they prefer to contribute.
- 360-Degree Feedback Tools– While not a personality test, these are just as valuable. They give team members feedback from peers, supervisors, and direct reports, helping people see how their communication lands with others from multiple perspectives.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could start a movement, it would be about normalizing exercise as a core part of mental health treatment, which I hope Brain-Body Therapy will play a role in. We live in a world where therapy and medication are commonly discussed — which is so important — but exercise is still often overlooked, even though research shows it literally changes brain chemistry and can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
That belief is what inspired me to create Brain-Body Therapy. I wanted to take the formulas I wrote for specific diagnoses and make them accessible in a way that blends exercise with therapy-style guidance. The app is my way of helping people experience firsthand how powerful movement can be for their mental health.
My dream is that this grows into a larger movement — where therapy practices, universities, workplaces, and healthcare systems all integrate exercise into mental health treatment. I would love to see a shift where therapists, doctors, and even employers view exercise not just as “fitness,” but as a legitimate and holistic part of caring for the mind.
How can our readers further follow you online?
The readers can follow me:
- By visiting the website: www.brain-bodytherapy.com
- Following on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainbodytherapy
- Connecting on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rio-dearmond-wilson
- Emailing: info@brain-bodytherapy.com
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Impactful Communication: Rio Wilson of Brain-Body Therapy On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.