CONTEST FEVER HITS SPEAKEASY TOASTMASTERS.

On Thursday March 8^th contest fever will envelop the Club. Five members are competing to represent the Club at the Area Final which takes place in Fermoy on 27^th March. While we are all very supportive to each other in the Club generally, but it will be cut throat competition on the night. An exciting night promised, so members and guests come along and be entertained by those speakers and of course you will get the cupán tae and the biscuit served with a smile at the interval, and you have an opportunity to meet the stars in person. Could you ask for more!

The last meeting on Feb 22^nd was most enjoyable and informative. We had five speakers – Liam O’Flynn who is a new member, gave his icebreaker. His performance was brilliant. Congratulations Liam. We look forward to your next speech. Don’t make us wait too long. Our other speakers were all experienced speakers and lived up to their usual high standard. They were Anne O’Sullivan; Loretto Barry; Pat Sexton and Vivienne Buckley. Ray Ryan again an experienced Toastmaster conducted the topic session - his choice of topics had the audience responding fast and furiously. The response was great and generated many laughs.

Now for a few hints on how to construct a memorable speech

• Merely to make a speech is not enough.

• The speech must mean something

• Lead to something

• Stir up someone to know or do something

• Every speech should be directed to the accomplishment of some definite purpose

• A speech may instruct, persuade, convince, inspire or entertain

• The Speaker should know before s/he begins just what s/he hopes to accomplish

• Speakers should have the spirit of a crusader or a teacher

• S/he should carry that spirit through to the logical accomplishment of his purpose

• Life is full of intriguing problems to be discussed – don’t waste time on unimportant themes.

• A Speaker cannot hope to convince the audience if s/he lacks conviction.

• Speak as though your life depends on convincing your audience

• Then and only then will your speech be a success

So until we meet again log on to our up to date web page at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com