Thursday, January 08, 2009

We are back for 2009

Tonight, Thursday 8th, all roads lead to the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, why?

Because it’s the first meeting of 2009 for Speak Easy Toastmasters, that’s why. We are facing a couple of more months of dark and maybe cold evenings and where better to spend one evening every fortnight than with friends, enjoying oneself, having a chat, learning and having fun.

Speak Easy Toastmasters are part of Toastmasters International which is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations.

Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization has nearly 220,000 members in 11,500 clubs in 90 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.

A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a friendly atmosphere. A typical group has 20 to 40 members who meet fortnightly to practice public speaking techniques. Meetings last for 2 hours 8-10pm

Members learn communication skills by working in the Competent Communication manual, a series of 10 self-paced speaking assignments designed to instil a basic foundation in public speaking. Participants learn skills related to use of humour, gestures, eye contact, speech organization and overall delivery. When finished with this manual, members can choose from 15 advanced manuals to learn skills related to specific interests.

Members also learn leadership skills by taking on various meeting roles and serving as officers at the club and district levels, and by working in the Competent Leadership manual and the High Performance Leadership program. In our learn-by-doing approach, we don't lecture our members about leadership skills; we give them responsibilities and ask them to lead.

There is no instructor in a Toastmasters meeting. Instead, members evaluate one another’s presentations. This feedback process is a key part of the program’s success. Meeting participants also give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings, serve as officers in various leadership roles and learn rules related to timing, grammar and parliamentary procedure.

Speak Easy Toastmasters in one of many clubs that can be found all over Ireland and was formed in 1993. The Club has approx. 30 members from all walks of life and is gender equal.

Since it’s formation Speak Easy members have won numerous toastmaster contests at both local and district (Ireland and UK) level.
The club are constantly recognised by Toastmasters International by being presented with the “Presidents Distinguished Award” which is the highest award that a club can get.

Now that 2009 is well and truly with us, why not come along to any one of our meetings as a guest.
Guests are never asked to speak at a toastmasters meeting so come along, relax and enjoy the evening.

Our next meeting is January 22’nd and every fortnight thereafter.

Further details of the club history and awards can be obtained by logging on to the club’s website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com. Or contact club PRO Sean on 086 6054784

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