Digging for Diamonds

Last Thursday night, Oct 18^th, in the Hibernian Hotel Mallow was the place to be.

Why? Speak Easy Toastmasters held another brilliant meeting, that’s why.

President, Anne Buckley welcomed us all and assured us that we were in for a great evening. How right she was.

Noel O’Connor was Toastmaster for the evening and smoothly led us through the program.

First to speak was Liam O’Flynn with the intriguing title of , “Digging for Diamonds on Sunday Morning”, in which he told us of the history of the Car Boot Sale, and his passion of attending them. Liam told us of the many bargains that were to be had at these car boot sales and even gave us a lesson on the art of haggling.

Next the lectern was Joe Hassett with a speech entitled, “1984 is here” in which he pointed out that with all the technology of today, big brother is indeed watching. Internet and mobile phone records are being kept on everybody, CCTV cameras are everywhere and if you go for a walk in London you will be recorded on 300 cameras before your walk is over. Who guards the guards? Thought provoking indeed.

Following Joe was Loretto Barry with a project from the Interpretive Reading Manual, the oratorical speech, in which she interpreted Abraham Lincoln’s famous speech, “The Gettysburg Address”. Loretto prefaced the speech with a short interesting history of Abraham Lincoln before showing us all the skills of making an oration in this challenging speech project.

And finally, Mary Buckley gave a presentation called, “Take the Terror out of a Talk” in which she gave us some valuable tips on making that speech or presentation. What breathing exercises to do beforehand and how to channel nerves into energy to enhance the talk were among the many valuable items we learnt. Mary was giving us the benefit of her experience being, Past President of Speak Easy Toastmasters and a regular participant in speech contests

Jerry Mulcahy as Topicsmaster kept us on our toes with a selection well thought out topics. This is the section of our meeting in which we practice the skill of thinking on our feet. Members are asked to speak for 2 minutes on a subject of the Topicsmasters choosing.

On Saturday 28^th last in the Radisson Hotel Cork Airport, Toastmasters from all over Cork, Kerry and West Limerick gathered for the Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contests. Two contestants from each of the five toastmaster areas took part and representing Area 17 (North Cork) were Margaret O’Regan and Richard Coughlan who both gave marvellous performances. Well done.

Inter Schools Public Speaking Contest

The second annual Inter Schools Public Speaking Contest hosted by Speak Easy Toastmasters takes place in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on Thursday 15^th of November.

Participants from Davis College, St Mary's Secondary School, The Patrician Acadamy and Scoil Mhuire Kanturk will take part in what promises to be a fantastic night if last years standard is anything to go by.

Remember the date, Thursday November 15^th at 8pm and come along to the Hibernian Hotel to see and support these students compete for the Mallow Credit Union Perpetual Trophy (overall school winner) and Hibernian Hotel Perpetual Trophy (individual winner).

Our next meeting takes place in the Hibernian Hotel on Thursday night, November 1^st at 7.50 for an 8pm start. Put the date in your diary and come along, you will be glad you did. We are always delighted to welcome guests and you will not be asked to speak.

Further information can be had on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com