27 March

President, Mr. Pat Sexton opened the forthnightly meeting of the Speakeasy Toastmasters Club in The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow (Chapel Lane) by welcoming the 40 members and guests. Pat also informed members
That nominations are now being accepted for Toastmaster of the Year within the Division and the criteria for
The award. He then introduced the Toastmaster for the evening, Tony O’Regan who is a member of Speakeasy
Since the Club was founded, ten years ago. Tony explained his duties and the introduced the officers for the evening, Topicsmaster, Ellen Broderick, Timekeeper, Pat Duggan, General Evaluator, Kieran Buckley and Sgt. At Arms, Mary Buckley and Ray Ryan. He informed the meeting that this was a very special night for the Club as a member was giving his first speech, called an “Icebreaker” speech.
That member was Toastmaster, John Murphy and the title of his speech was, “Decisions on Ice”.
John began his speech by telling us walking up one night so silence, going up on deck to find that the ship he was serving on was stuck in ice “as far as the eye could see”. He told us about growing up in Millstreet, how receiving a Christmas present of a CB Radio started him on a path that saw study for the Maritime Radio Communications General Certificate, Radio Officers Course. After qualification John worked all over the world for a number of years and on the day his ship was stuck he decided that it was time to get a job onshore. John now works for as a Communications Technician for a well known organization. Speakeasy members are eagerly awaiting further speeches from John to learn more about his globetrotting experiences.
Michael Walsh evaluated John’s speech.
Next to the Lectern was Michael Cronin who was conducting an educational session from the “Better Speaker Series” with the title “Beginning Your Speech”. “There are certain criteria to have a good beginning to your speech”, said Michael and he took us through various techniques such as when to introduce the topic, the importance of establishing rapport with the audience and an introcuction that should not take too long. Ideally 5-10% of the duration of the speech. Michael’s speech was of great benefit to new and experienced members alike.
After the tea break is was time for the Table Topics session with Topicsmaster, Ellen Broderick. This is the part of the meeting where members are asked to speak for two minutes on a particular subject (topic) without any preparation and where Toastmasters hone their speaking “off the cuff” skills.
The following were some of Ellen’s topics (how would you have answered?) and the members that were asked. “What do you think is the Irish fascination with Cheltenham?” Tony O’Regan. “Was You’re A Star anything more than a con job” Deirdre Lenihan. “Should we as a Nation be proud to be Irish” Jerry O’Callaghan. “Do you think that the penalty points system is working in practice” William Healy.
Tenth Anniversary Celebration night.
Plans are well under way for a celebration night consisting of a meal, a short selection of memorable speeches from the last ten years and dance which will take place in The Hibernian Hotel on Saturday 26’th of April at 8.30pm sharp. Tickets are €25 and can be obtained from any Club member.
This will be an ideal opportunity for members past and present to meet, relax and have some fun.
Thursday 3’rd of April sees the Club holding its Tall Tales Contest
On Saturday 12’th April the Divisional Final will be held in Southcourt Hotel in Raheen, Limerick.
On Tuesday 22’nd of April there will be a Tripartite meeting hosted by Fermoy Toastmasters which will include the Area Final of the Tall Tales Contest.
For further information on the Club contact Sean on 086 6054784 or Pat 087 2364240 or visit the Club’s Website at www.clix.to/speakeasy. Email, speakeasymallow@eircom.net