COMMUNICATING ACROSS CULTURES

In this day and age when your neighbour is more likely to be from Kenya than Killarney, communication takes on a whole new meaning. Every country has its own way of saying things. Communicating across the cultures begins with the understanding that one size does not fit all. Simply because you practice certain cultural habits or patterns does not mean the rest of the world does. So the basic guide should be “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”. In Toastmasters one perfects the skill of oral communication in a pleasant environment, with willing members to mentor you. Take this as an open invitation to all who want to improve their English Language and come to our next meeting.

Our last meeting on Wednesday April 4^th was hilarious – tall tales took on a whole new meaning. We had seven contestants – Mary Buckley; Angela Sheehan; Liam Flynn; Vivienne Buckley; Michael Cronin and Michael Walsh. All very skilled and very amusing. In my opinion they were all winners, because to compile and deliver any speech is a great hurdle won. Unfortunately there can only be one official winner, and this time the honour went to Michael Walsh. In second place was Michael Cronin. The Topics Session was very enjoyable. There was a great response to the topics. Topics is the part of the night which gives everyone in the room an opportunity to stand up; speak up; and shut up. It is ONE’S OWN FAULT if one leaves a meeting without speaking. While one does not have to speak, answering a topic gives one a chance to hear the sound of one’s own voice, and while the most intelligent answers come to one driving home in the car, at least one will have said something. Always remember it is easier the second and third time round with everything in life. Do you remember your first date? I bet the second one was easier. Likewise with speaking in public.

Come along on Thursday 11th April to our next meeting. We cannot guarantee it but people have ‘made dates’ having ‘eyed’ one another across the floor at a Toastmaster Meeting. We can guarantee though, that we will be thrilled to meet you and greet you and relieve you of the €5 admission fee which covers entertainment and coffee/tea and biscuits and if you play your cards right the possibility of a ‘date’. That is assuming of course that you are interested.Log on to www.speakeasytoastmasters.com.