Behind the Mic with Tracy Capriotto [E056] - Speak Up! Effective Communication

·56 min·5 clips

Tracy Capriotto, now a podcast producer and Toastmasters president, once dreaded calling to order a pizza due to social anxiety.

The episode begins with host Craig O'Neil introducing Tracy Capriotto, his boss and the immediate past president of Remarkable Results Toastmasters, on the Speak Up Effective Communication podcast. Craig notes Tracy's usual behind-the-scenes role and her recent leadership in Toastmasters, prompting a discussion on her communication growth. Tracy explains she had major social anxiety from childhood, fearing public speaking and even phone calls, which contrasts with her current confident persona. She attributes her transformation to mentors like Chris Cloutier and six years in Toastmasters, where she was voluntold into the club president role. Tracy reflects on how childhood experiences, including being adopted from South Korea and facing racism in school, contributed to her shyness and fear of standing out. She discusses the supportive environment of Toastmasters, where mistakes are expected and feedback is constructive, unlike her school experiences. Tracy shares a pivotal moment at a Women in Auto Care conference, where she spoke publicly about a past sexual harassment incident she had never disclosed to her parents, highlighting her journey to speaking up. She also talks about the importance of communication in the automotive aftermarket industry, noting groups like Women in Auto Care that foster inclusion. Tracy offers practical advice, such as using the FORD acronym (family, occupation, recreation, dreams) for networking, and emphasizes that leadership and communication skills are for everyone, not just executives. She describes how preparing for Toastmasters meetings changed her mindset to seek shareable experiences, and Craig recalls a moment at Vision where Tracy spoke impromptu, showcasing her growth. The episode concludes with Tracy encouraging listeners to hone their communication skills, noting it benefits both professional and personal life, and Craig promoting other shows on the Aftermarket Radio Network.

As heard by us

A reflective communication story connects adoption, racism, and Toastmasters with the long work of finding a voice.

Craig O'Neill frames speaking up as something shaped well before anyone steps to a microphone. In conversation with Tracy Capriato, his boss and the immediate past president of Remarkable Results Toastmasters, the episode links communication to the personal history that made…

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Why you'd press play

You will hear how growing up feeling different made quiet feel safe, and how Tracy Capriato is still finding her way toward speaking up.

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