In this episode of the "Speak Up Effective Communication,” I share about a recent experience speaking at a local Autowares Council meeting held at the excellent facility of Westside Auto in Holland Michigan.

With a nod to my appreciation for the venue - and yes - the challenges of presenting from a repair bay on muggy summer night - we get a glimpse of the importance for tailoring presentations to the environment.

Part one of this episode was inspired by a humorous introduction from friend and fellow West Michigan native, Ryan Kooiman. The question I will ask -who was your “opening act?” And who are you the “opening act” for in your network?

Part two of this episode draws on the points I was delivering in the presentation that night - specifically on the context with which we are usually communicating from in our day to day interactions.

In summary - this episode marks a beginning by communicating the spirit in which this show was formed - and welcomes listeners to embark on their communication journey with our community!

Show Notes

• Toastmasters Meeting Experience (00:00:09) Craig shares his experience attending a Toastmasters meeting at a retirement home.
• Autoworkers Council Meeting (00:01:07) Craig discusses attending an Autowares Council meeting in Holland, Michigan, on a hot day!
• Ryan Kooiman Introduction (00:01:56) Craig introduces Ryan Kooiman, the first presenter, who works for Standard Motor Products.
• Choosing Presentation Order (00:04:14) Craig explains the decision-making process for who presents first at the meeting.
• Ryan's Humor and Opening Act Concept (00:05:08) Ryan starts with a joke, and Craig emphasizes the significance of being an "opening act."
• Influences and Acknowledgments (00:07:00) Craig discusses the importance of acknowledging those who have influenced his career.
• Walking and Reflection (00:07:59) Craig shares his personal goal of walking 1000 miles and how it aids his clarity.
• Effective Communication Insights (00:09:15) Craig emphasizes the importance of understanding and influencing others in communication.
• Engaging the Audience (00:13:50) Craig shares his method of starting presentations with audience engagement questions.
• Negative Push Sales Environment (00:14:51) Craig explains the challenges of selling in a "negative push sales environment" in auto repair.
• The Importance of Specialization (00:15:52) Discusses the hyper-specialization in the automotive industry and its impact on effective communication.
• Client Understanding and Trust (00:16:46) Highlights the communication challenges between specialists and clients, emphasizing the need for trust.
• Overcoming Communication Barriers (00:18:51) Explores common client fears, such as being overcharged or sold unnecessary services, and the role of communication in alleviating these concerns.
• Simplifying Technical Explanations (00:19:59) Stresses the importance of clear communication when discussing technical issues with clients, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
• Restoring Peace of Mind (00:21:02) Discusses the psychological aspect of vehicle repair, emphasizing the importance of restoring clients' peace of mind alongside functionality.

Email Craig O'Neill HERE.

Thank You To Our Partners:

The Institute at We Are The Institute. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.

AutoFlow at

Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023 Carm Capriotto, Craig O'Neill, and Matt Fanslow to discuss the launch of a new podcast by Craig O’Neill ‘Speak Up: Effective Communication,’ focusing on communication and leadership in the automotive industry. They explore the importance of effective communication, challenges in family businesses, and the impact of fear and ego on workplace interactions. The episode emphasizes the need for better communication skills, understanding emotional dynamics, and embracing change for professional growth.

Show Notes

• Communication Challenges (00:03:28) The importance of effective communication in the automotive industry.
• Family Business Communication (00:05:38) Discussion on the complexities of communication within family-run automotive businesses.
• Ego and Identity in Communication (00:06:04) The impact of ego on communication dynamics in the automotive repair industry.
• Fear of Communication (00:09:25) Exploration of the fear surrounding conflict and communication in professional settings.
• Effective Change and Communication (00:11:38) The need for new emotional relationships and communication skills for effective change.
• Reframing Communication (00:11:42) Importance of reframing perspectives for better communication in professional and personal contexts.
• Course Correction in Business (00:14:56) Discussion on the concept of course correction in business practices and communication.
• Introduction to Communication Issues (00:16:24) Discussion on diagnosing communication problems and the importance of addressing them in the automotive industry.
• The J Curve of Change (00:18:08) Explanation of the J Curve model, illustrates the initial dip in performance during change.
• Understanding Team Dynamics (00:19:45) Emphasis on recognizing individual team member responses to change and the learning opportunities from other industries.
• The Role of AI in Communication (00:20:06) Discussion on how AI is affecting communication skills and the potential loss of authenticity.
• Authenticity in Writing (00:21:44) Theory on authentic writing and the importance of personal engagement in communication.
• Journaling as a Communication Tool (00:24:15) Advocacy for journaling to enhance communication skills by organizing thoughts and reflections.
• Technology's Impact on Focus (00:25:36) Concerns about technology distractions affecting attention and cognitive processes.
• Collaboration and Team Dynamics (00:27:01) Celebration of teamwork and the excitement of collaborating to advance the automotive industry.
• Podcasting and Communication Skills (00:28:03) Discussion about the nuances of podcasting and the importance of effective communication in this medium.

Email Craig O'Neill HERE.

Thank You To Our Partners:

The Institute at We Are The Institute. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.

AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com

AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!

App Fueled at...

In this introductory episode of the "Speak Up: Effective Communication" podcast, host Craig O'Neill emphasizes the importance of effective communication in both personal and professional contexts. Craig shares his journey of improving his communication skills, highlighting active listening and genuine interest in others. Craig and Carm Capriotto discuss their experiences with Toastmasters and the significance of overcoming the fear of public speaking. The episode sets the stage for future discussions aimed at fostering better communication skills among listeners.

Show Notes

• Discussion on Toastmasters (00:01:30) Craig and Carm Capriotto share their experiences with Toastmasters and its impact on communication.
• The Importance of Communication Skills (00:02:46) The necessity of effective communication in personal and professional settings.
• Fear of Public Speaking (00:03:31) Discussion about glossophobia and its prevalence among individuals regarding communication anxiety.
• Communication Beyond Public Speaking (00:04:24) Craig highlights that communication is relevant in everyday interactions, not just public speaking.
• Stigma in the Automotive Industry (00:05:29) The negative perceptions of the automotive industry and the need for professionalism.
• The Journey of Becoming a Better Communicator (00:06:03) Craig shares his personal journey towards improving his communication skills and learning from failures.
• Universal Communication Skills (00:07:05) The conversation shifts to how communication skills apply beyond the automotive industry.
• The Impact of Communication (00:11:14) Craig discusses the responsibility of leaving a positive impact in every interaction.
• Active Listening (00:11:59) The importance of active listening as a fundamental aspect of effective communication is highlighted.
• Learning from Toastmasters (00:12:19) How joining Toastmasters improves listening skills.
• The Role of an Interviewer (00:14:10) Discussion on the learning curve of being a good interviewer and the importance of listening.
• Genuine Interest in Others (00:15:42) The necessity of being genuinely interested in others for effective communication.
• Introduction to Craig O'Neill (00:16:13) Craig's passion for communication and his background in the automotive industry are introduced.
• Influences on Craig's Communication Skills (00:16:32) Craig shares the impact of mentors and trainers on his journey to becoming a better communicator.
• Aims of the Podcast (00:17:11) Craig expresses his goal for the podcast to share strategies and stories that inspire others.
• Conclusion and Future Collaboration (00:19:08) Craig looks forward to collaborating with colleagues in the Aftermarket Radio Network and advancing communication in the automotive industry.

Email Craig O'Neill HERE.

Thank You To Our Partners:

The Institute at We Are The Institute. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.

AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com

AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1...