Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:

In today’s episode, Craig dives into an acronym that’s deceptively simple yet surprisingly difficult to master—KISS: “Keep It Simple, Stupid!” We explore the challenges of simplifying communication, especially in specialized industries like auto repair, where jargon can create barriers rather than build trust.

Join us as we examine why breaking complex ideas into plain language is a critical skill for professionals, advisors, and leaders.

Plus, don’t miss our Word of the Day: Esoteric! We’ll unpack its meaning and reflect on why keeping your message inclusive and relatable matters.

Watch Full Video Episode

Key Takeaways:

• KISS in Communication: Simplifying your message ensures understanding, builds trust, and fosters influence.
• The Pitfall of Jargon: Industry-specific language often excludes clients and hinders communication.
• Practical Examples: We discuss areas in the shop we can focus on simplification.

Quote of the Episode:

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." – Albert Einstein

Segment Breakdown:

1. Introduction: Why the auto repair industry is full of acronyms and why KISS stands out.
2. Word of the Day: Esoteric—what it means and how it relates to communication.
3. Challenges in Communication: Overcomplicating explanations in professional settings. Breaking down technical terms for clients.
4. Personal Reflections: Early lessons in the KISS principle from mentors and experiences, including Toastmasters.
5. Practical Tip: Strategies for simplifying communication in daily interactions.

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "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!

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.net
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

The Aftermarket Radio...

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:

The idea of this podcast is to stretch our comfort zones and grow.

Growth isn’t automatic or instant - it’s a journey.

In this episode Craig takes you on a thought process that came about from an article that was shared - with him that highlighted to real security breach to texting infrastructure in the US thanks to state sponsored hackers. The article lead to conversations with and eventually a subtle joke that that perhaps we should revisit the art of letter writing! But perhaps that shouldn’t be a joke and we really should pivot to a more intentional form of communication as we grapple with emerging trends in 2025 tipping us further away from security, authenticity, and intentionality.

Listeners will find this to be a timely message.

In this episode Craig also introduces a word of the day.

Today’s word: Anachronistic.

Other Links:

The Forbes Article on security concerns is here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2024/12/06/fbi-warns-iphone-and-android-users-stop-sending-texts/

The history book mentioned by Craig, Founding Brothers, by Joseph J. Ellis is here: https://a.co/d/2bdmkVZ

This episode highlights the benefits of the written word and encourages listeners to retain information better by writing things down and convey things sincerely by doing the same.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.net
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
• Watch Full Video Episode

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "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!

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.net
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:

The idea of this podcast is to stretch our comfort zones and grow.

Growth isn’t automatic or instant - it’s a journey.

In this episode of Speak Up! Effective Communication - our host Craig O’Neill welcomes loyal listener, Darrin Mallett.

Darrin is the owner of Kilgore Tire and Auto Care in Kilgore, Texas and Darrin exemplifies what it means to be on a journey of growth.

Craig and Darrin meet regularly on software implementation and best practices in their day-to-day work, but they quickly realize they are operating with a similar vocabulary on matters relating to behavior and change. Quickly they realized they had been reading books from the same author, one Michael Easter.

The books referenced here are “The Comfort Crisis” and “Scarcity Brain.”

As their conversations continued over the past few months, it became clear to Craig that Darrin’s outlook will resonate and encourage our other loyal listeners, and here we are!

The conversation focuses on a catalyst for change that put Darrin on the path he is on now.

After attending a leadership conference encouraged by his 20 group - he emerged, changed man, became focused on health and is developing positive leadership characteristics.

The change is obvious to those who love and work with him.

Topics Include:

• The aura you project in a room
• The difference from I can to I will
• Setting and maintaining clear expectations for others
• Holding oneself accountable before holding other accountable
• Barriers to growth
• The practice to “Check that conversation”
• Removing the victim mindset
• The importance of writing goals
• Misogis and takeaways from the Comfort Crisis

We know our Speak Up listeners will be cheering for Darrin on his goal in 2025 to overcome his discomfort with public speaking, and we hope you’ll share some feedback for Darrin on his first ever Podcast interview after listening to this episode.

Share your comments at speakup@craigoneill.net or let us know if you have a topic you’d like to bring to the show!!

• Watch Full Video Episode
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "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!

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop...

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:

Our host Craig O’Neill welcomes his friend Rui Martins from Evolve AD. Rui is a coach and trainer for our Canadian neighbors in the North.

Listeners will appreciate this conversation which is focused on a pivotal role listeners will be keen to introduce to their shops.

It’s a role that focuses on communication, serves clients well, and will set your shop apart with deliberate authenticity in our new age of automated artificiality.

The role is ‘The Reservationist!”

In this talk we reference RRR Episode 922 - “The Role of the Reservationist in Auto Repair.”

Rui’s earlier talk with Carm Capriotto helped to describe the role of a reservationist and it’s benefits but in this episode of Speak Up! we are looking at implementation and how the role can be applied. Listeners are highly encouraged to check our RRR EPisode 922!

Rui and Craig cover several topics and terms that relate to communication roles in the shop:

• The Reservationists role to answer, coordinate, and understand
• Simple concepts such as Shop Loading, Vehicle Inventory
• The Eight Bullets for key data Reservationists are taught to uphold.
• Gold Tee Time mindset for appointments with advisors
• Reservationist Communication strategy for missed appointments

Listers will appreciate the emphasis that Rui brings to the topic of communication in our repair shops. Both as an essential skill… and one that can be taught or improved!

Part two of this conversation will focus on retention communication strategies for Reservationists. Stay tuned!

• Watch Full Video Episode

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "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!

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.net
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

Thank You To Our Partners, The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing and In-Bound

In this episode - host Craig O’Neill goes further into the topic of public speaking anxiety.

Familiar guest, Evan Wisner is back again with additional insights into Imposter Syndrome - which plagues the mind of experts in any field - particularly when they are called on to speak up!

In addition to touching on elements of the Dunning Krueger effect - there is a debate which (probably remains unsettled - you’ll have to decide!) on whether speakers should introduce themselves along with their credentials when beginning a speech or presentation. Or perhaps is it enough that you are you, and you are there, and you have something to share.

Evan highlights the balance of your focus and that confidence is not always an indicator of knowledge and knowledge does not always bring about confidence.

This episode will reassure you and provide helpful advice such as keeping things simple, and remembering that positive self-talk and the ability to accept (genuine) positive feedback are skills that can help you overcome this component of fear.

Most important - and again harkening back to episode 018 - Craig reminds Speak Up Listeners that stories are the things people remember most - and your stories are something only YOU can bring to the stage.

This is another enjoyable conversation between Evan and Craig with many takeaways.

• Watch the YouTube Video
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

Thank You To Our Partners, The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing and In-Bound:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "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!

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.net
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Thank You To Our Partners, The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing and In-Bound

In this episode - our host, Craig O’Neill and regular guest, fellow toastmaster, and friend of the show, Evan Wisner, dive into the root of the fear of public speaking. Also known as glossophobia - it is a fear that is shared with 76% of all people.

Evan speaks on this topic with the heart of a counselor and the mind of an emotional intelligence (EQ) expert. It’s appropriate that this topic follows episode 019 - Reframing - as Evan highlights the similarities of anxiety versus excitement - and how an individual's perspective will influence their experience.

Science Fiction fans who know Frank Herberts, Dune may be familiar with the Litany Against Fear. “...I must not fear, fear is the mind killer…” Evan recites the full version of the litany from memory, and interprets its meaning in a simple way that will allow those who experience glossophobia to move through it, experience excitement instead of anxiety and share your truth.

This is another enjoyable conversation between Evan and Craig with many takeaways.

• Watch the YouTube Video
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

Thank You To Our Partners, The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing and In-Bound:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "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!

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.net
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Thank You To Our Partners, The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing and In-Bound

In this episode, Craig O’Neill tackles the all-too-familiar feeling of “I’m not ready for this.” It’s a common feeling that is shared among speakers or presenters. In Episode 18 with Kent Bullard - the topic of “Imposter Syndrome” also came up - and in many ways this episode carries thoughts from that robust and enjoyable conversation.

Craig tackles this topic with a thought process that occurred to him after revisiting episode 2 of Speak Up. In his conversation at AAPEX 2023 with Carm Capriotto and Matt Fanslow Craig recapped Alan Deutschman’s Change or Die book where the three keys of change are introduced as Relate, Repeat, and Reframe.

This episode is NOT about change management.

It is about frames.

To illustrate what reframing can do - Craig uses an example from his hesitation to rush into the holidays, that same sentiment introduced at the beginning… “I’m not ready for this!”

Curious how on earth public speaking nerves can be connected to reframing holiday stress? You simply must listen to this yourself.

Craig reframes the holiday season, breaking it into three phases: Gratitude, Giving, and Growth. By shifting his mindset, he found a way to embrace the season in its sensible order with more readiness and joy. Tune in for stories, insights, and some robust reframing to help you reframe your purpose in speaking- away from obligation and make it more about being thankful for what you have to give, and how it helps you and others grow.

This episode among all the topics covered is a jovial good time, we know it will encourage you to plan on attending the next summit coming up very soon in February 2025!

Join Kent, Craig, and the really, all the sponsors of Speak Up at the Summit 2025! https://www.wearetheinstitute.com/summit/

• Watch the YouTube Video
• Diagnosing Communication Problems A to Z with Matt Fanslow [E002]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByGYRFpH6Eo&t=3s
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

Thank You To Our Partners, The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing and In-Bound:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "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!

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at

Thank You To Our Partners, The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing and In-Bound

In this episode of Speak Up - our host Craig O’Neill welcomes his friend and Instructor Kent Bullard from the Institute to discuss the impact of stories and speaking. This will be one of many conversations with Kent because, as you will see, these two have a characteristically great time discussing their journeys and share in plenty of hearty laughter. This episode is recommended to be listened to in a hot tub with a green smoothie… this will make more sense as you listen.

This discussion with Kent was framed around both his roles not just as an instructor, but also an attendee, and even a curator of speaking events. Speak Up listeners will enjoy hearing Kent describe the challenge of curating speakers and how the best topics to bring in isn’t always the one people know to ask for.

Craig also takes time in this conversation to describe the lasting impact from professional speakers who were at the Institutes inaugural summit in 2023. In particular how the keynote speaker at that summit made a reading recommendation that is STILL having a transformative impact on his own life.

This episode among all the topics covered is a jovial good time, we know it will encourage you to plan on attending the next summit coming up very soon in February 2025!

Join Kent, Craig, and the really, all the sponsors of Speak Up at the Summit 2025! https://www.wearetheinstitute.com/summit/

• Watch the YouTube Video
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

Thank You To Our Partners, The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing and In-Bound:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "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!

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.net
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

The Aftermarket Radio Network: