Stories, Bubbly and Nibbles

Wednesday 27th of March saw another brilliant meeting of Speak East Toastmasters. A meeting which had everything from Storytelling to education, plus of course, fun, laughter and what Speak Easy Toastmasters are famous for….”craic” this night we had the added enjoyment of a glass of champaign. But more about that later.

President Anne Buckley welcomed us, one and all to the meeting and introduced us to Joe Hassett, our Toastmaster for the evening. Joe guided us smoothly and efficiently through the meeting with plenty of humour as he introduced the speakers and officers.

Next to the lectern was guest speaker and visiting toastmaster, Dick Lyons from the Galtees Toastmasters in Mitchelstown .Dick entertained us with a light hearted storytelling project entitled, “Once upon a time”. Storytelling is something that is ingrained in us all and Dick certainly showed his talents in this skill.

Following Dick to the lectern was our club EVP (Educational Vice President) with a “Speaking to Inform” project called “The Abstract Concept” in which he had to research and organize the thought of experts on an abstract concept, theory, historical force, or social/political issue and
present the ideas in a clear and interesting manner. The title of Ray’s speech was “The Porter Diamond” which was a business concept.

Finally it was the turn of Vivien Buckley who was presenting an educational session. Vivien gave us a presentation entitled, “Don’t put them to sleep” in which she told us how to present an interesting talk to any audience taking into consideration items such as audience age and gender, educational background, and much more. Vivien emphasised her presentation with a dynamic Power Point Presentation.

A special presentation was made by the club to Mike Cronin to celebrate his winning the Mallow Sports and Leisure, Club Person/Leisure Award 2008. The presentation as made by Toastmasters International Area Governor, Pat Duggan who praised Mike for his dedication to the Speak Easy Club over the years holding many different officer roles within and outside the club. Mike replied appropriately.

Then club members and guests toasted Mike with a glass of bubbly and some nibbles (edible ones)

After the break it was the turn of Mary Buckley who led a most entertaining topics session in which she made certain that every toastmaster present had a chance of answering a topic.

General Evaluator was Angela Sheehan.

The next meeting of Speak Easy Toastmasters will take place in the Hibernian Hotel on April 3^rd at 7.50 for and 8.00pm start.

Area 17 (North Cork) finals of the International Speech and Evaluation Contests will take place in the Charelville Park Hotel tonight, Thursday 27 in which Pat Sexton represents Speak Easy Toastmasters.

Best of luck, Pat.

Further information on Speak Easy Toastmasters can be had on our website www.speakeasytoastmasters.com or contact Club PRO on 086 5054784