Handbags and Haircuts

What a fantastic meeting we had last Thursday night in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow where Speak Easy Toastmasters held their 5^th meeting of the Toastmasters year.

The meeting was opened as usual by our President, Anne Buckley, who welcomed us, one and all and handed control of the meeting to or Toastmaster for the evening, Marie Fitzpatrick, who guided us through the evening with her own individual style of continuity and introductions.

First to the lectern was Joe Hassett with a speech entitled, “And here’s to you Mrs Robinson” in which he told us of his experiences and thoughts on education. The objective of Joe’s speech was to “Work with Words” in which he had to use precisely the right words to communicate ideas clearly and vividly.

Following Joe was Vivien Buckley with a speech which was and educational presentation in which Vivien demonstrated the correct use of body language giving many examples in facial expressions, hand gestures, and body movement in which guests, new and experienced members alike found most informative.

Next to the lectern was Club President, Anne Buckley with a speech entitled, “Bags of Bags” in which she told us of here adventures in New York City and of finding a handbag heaven and the haggling and purchasing that resulted.

Finally it was the turn of Pat Sexton who was reading from author, Bill Bryson’s book, Letters from a Big Country. The chapter chosen was “A visit to the barbers shop”. Pat was completing a project from Interpretive Reading in which he had to interpret the work of an author and make the story come alive.

Topicsmaster was Liam Flynn who entertained us with his range of up to the minute topics in which members had to speak for two minutes on a subject of Liam’s choosing.

General Evaluator was Tony O’Regan and speech evaluators were, Mary Buckley, Michael Cronin and Sean Corcoran. Timekeeper was Jerry Mulcahy and Sgt at Arms, Joe Hassett and Mary Moynihan.

Also on the night was and address by Toastmasters International, Area 17 Area Governor, Pat Duggan who was on his first official visit to the club.

So what a enjoyable evening we had with the skills of using words correctly, in presentations, body language, storytelling, reading, listening (speech evaluations) and impromptu speaking all being practised.

This weekend, 9^th to11^th, all roads for Toastmasters in Ireland and the UK lead to Harrogate in England for the Autumn Conference. In May and November each year, Toastmasters in Ireland and the UK meet for a weekend of Speech Contests and Workshops, not to mention revelry and merrymaking. The theme for this conference is “Toasties and Ghosties”. Don’t you just wish you were going?

On Thursday 15^th of November, next Thursday, students from Mallow schools, The Patrician Academy, St. Mary’s Secondary School, Davis College and Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk meet in the Hibernian Hotel Mallow for the “Speak Easy Public Speaking Schools Contest”. This is the second year of this contest and promises to be a fantastic night. So don’t forget, put it in your diary and come along for a great night. Remember, Speak Easy Toastmaster meetings start at 8pm sharp. See you there..

Further information on Speak Easy Toastmasters can be had from our website www.speakeasytoastmasters.com