Speak Easy Toastmasters meeting on December 9th 2010 was another in which guests and members enjoyed themselves. There was a very festival atmosphere created by the Toastmasters.
Joining President Margaret O’ Regan at the top table was Tony O’ Regan, Toastmaster who chaired the meeting and Mary Moynihan who was Topicsmaster.
First to the lectern was Cait Murray with a speech entitled ‘Pause for Thoughts’.
Cait provided the group with expert advice on the use of punctuation including the coma, the apostrophe and the exclamation mark. She concluded by informing the group to take our time when using punctuation and to always have a notebook at hand.
Following Cait was Liam Flynn with a speech entitled ‘Out of the Frying Pan’. Liam provided the group with an insight into the dangers and side effects of using teflon. Teflon has many uses including providing a non stick coating in frying pans, the lining of gortex coats, take away pizza boxes to mention but a few.
Liam was followed by Marie Corbett with a speech entitled ‘The love of the land’. Maura’s speech brought history to life from the period 1880-1906 in Wexford. She gave the group an insight into some of the activities associated with the Land League at that time.
Next it was the turn of Jean Sayers with her speech entitled ‘Think Fire, Think Safety’. Her speech focused on Fire Safety in the Home. She advised the group to adhere to certain rules including the importance of installing and maintaining smoke detectors in the home.
Jean was following by Pat Sexton with an interpretative reading from a poem written by Joseph O Connor entitled ‘Baby Come Back Ode to the Celtic Tiger’.
Pat captured the emotions and thoughts within the poem with his use of vocal variety, facial expressions and gestures. The choice of poem was very suitable for the occasion.
The topic session for the evening was conducted by Topicsmaster Mary Moynihan. Mary’s topics caused great amusement and were very seasonal.
Anne Buckley, conducted the General Evaluation Session and conducted the part of the meeting in which speakers received feedback from their assigned evaluators who were Sean Corcoran, Joe Hassett, Jerry Mulcahy, Ray Ryan and Marie Fitzpatrick. The Sergeants at Arms for the meeting were Liam Flynn and Jerry Mulcahy.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, January 13th 2011 at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Speak Easy Toastmasters-‘Cultivating Hope’
In time of doom and gloom it is important to cultivate a sense of hope. The power of hope allows us to pull through just about any kind of dark demanding time. In the extreme, it can mean the difference between life and death.
Hope is a learnable practice. Here are thoughts that offer insight on the subject:
1. Surrender
This is the remarkable ability to go with the flow without expecting a predetermined outcome. It is a willingness to let events unfold in their time- not our time.
2. Vision
When hope is fading, it is easy to think negatively. Work to keep the bleak aspects of your life in perspective. Rather than saying to yourself ‘ My world is falling apart’ try saying and thinking to yourself-‘ This is a very difficult time for me, but I will take on the challenge and see it through.’
Consider what steps you need to take in order to strengthen yourself for these challenges. Do not be afraid to seek help from family and friends or alternatively experts in order to guide you through this difficult time.
3. Persistence
This is the determination to keep moving forward no matter what happens. Life rewards those who are persistent.
4. Humor
No matter how difficult and complex your circumstances may become work to retain a sense of humor.
5. Present Time
Live in the present tense, not the past tense nor the future tense. Health, happiness and hope emerge when we live in the present moment. Learn from the past but do not limit hope by constantly reliving unhappy yesterdays or fearing the future.
Whether a challenge is personal, financial, business related or all three… the aforementioned thoughts and the wisdom they carry can save lives. One must not forget that others have survived seemingly impossible situations in the past. The first step, for all, was a sense of hope.
As Eric Aronson once said-
‘Things may not seem to be working out for me right now, but I know that I will make the best of the situation. I know that I will do everything that I can, one day at a time….I will not worry but rather look at what I am going through as a challenge: a time to develop patience and self confidence and realise that I can change my attitude even if I cannot change my circumstances. I am a survivor. I am going to handle this. I am going to find strength I did not know I had.’
Hope is a learnable practice. Here are thoughts that offer insight on the subject:
1. Surrender
This is the remarkable ability to go with the flow without expecting a predetermined outcome. It is a willingness to let events unfold in their time- not our time.
2. Vision
When hope is fading, it is easy to think negatively. Work to keep the bleak aspects of your life in perspective. Rather than saying to yourself ‘ My world is falling apart’ try saying and thinking to yourself-‘ This is a very difficult time for me, but I will take on the challenge and see it through.’
Consider what steps you need to take in order to strengthen yourself for these challenges. Do not be afraid to seek help from family and friends or alternatively experts in order to guide you through this difficult time.
3. Persistence
This is the determination to keep moving forward no matter what happens. Life rewards those who are persistent.
4. Humor
No matter how difficult and complex your circumstances may become work to retain a sense of humor.
5. Present Time
Live in the present tense, not the past tense nor the future tense. Health, happiness and hope emerge when we live in the present moment. Learn from the past but do not limit hope by constantly reliving unhappy yesterdays or fearing the future.
Whether a challenge is personal, financial, business related or all three… the aforementioned thoughts and the wisdom they carry can save lives. One must not forget that others have survived seemingly impossible situations in the past. The first step, for all, was a sense of hope.
As Eric Aronson once said-
‘Things may not seem to be working out for me right now, but I know that I will make the best of the situation. I know that I will do everything that I can, one day at a time….I will not worry but rather look at what I am going through as a challenge: a time to develop patience and self confidence and realise that I can change my attitude even if I cannot change my circumstances. I am a survivor. I am going to handle this. I am going to find strength I did not know I had.’
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
‘We did it once’
Speak Easy Toastmasters meeting on November 25th 2010 was another in which guests and members enjoyed themselves.
Joining President Margaret O’ Regan at the top table was Sean Corcoran, Toastmaster who chaired the meeting and Michael Cronin who was Topicsmaster.
First to the lectern was Bridget Breen with a speech entitled ‘Goal Setting’. Bridget informed the group that goal setting does work. If one believes in it, write it down and it will happen. The only thing that will stop one from achieving ones goals is oneself. She advised the group to make a habit out of setting goals
Following Bridget was David Clarke with his icebreaker entitled The E Mathematician. David’s ice breaker speech provided the group with details on the significant areas of his life in a chronological order. It was very entertaining speech peppered with humor. A night which includes an icebreaker speech (the first speech a member gives to the group) is always an exciting the night for a Toastmaster Club.
Next it was the turn of Claire O’ Connell with her imaginative, entertaining thought provoking speech entitled ‘The Death of a Picnic’. She commenced her speech by setting out the origins of the picnic, continued with where the word picnic originated from and how it was the central part of family life and concluded by informing the group that life is not a picnic anymore.
Claire was following by Mary Moynihan with her humorous speech entitled ‘Driving Test Blues’. Mary relayed to the group her niece’s experience of learning to driving as well as giving a detailed account of her niece’s actual driving test. Mary’s advice to her niece is to practice, practice before she re-sits the test.
Finally it was the turn of Pat Duggan with his speech entitled ‘We did it once’. Pat gave a thought provoking speech regarding the suicide epidemic taking place in Ireland at present. At one stage Finland had a similar problem to Ireland regarding suicide but the situation has been alleviated there as a result of the Government taking the decision to provide funds for better research, better education as well as increasing support for people at risk. Pat concluded on a positive note- ‘we did it once with deaths on the road, I believe we can do it again.’
The topic session for the evening was conducted by Topicsmaster Michael Cronin. Michael’s topics were both varied and topical and caused great amusement.
Timekeeper Bill Martin reminded speakers/people contributing to topics when their allocated times were up while grammarian/ah counter Loretto Barry gave feedback at the end of the meeting on how the group performed regarding the use of ‘crutch words’ and ‘fillers’ e.g. um’s and ah’s. She encouraged the use of the word ‘ perspicuity’ which means clearly expressed, easily understood throughout the meeting.
Joe Hassett, conducted the General Evaluation Session and conducted the part of the meeting in which speakers received feedback from their assigned evaluators who were Bridie O’ Connell, Jerry Mulcahy, Ray Ryan, Margaret O’ Regan and Marie Fitzpatrick. The Sergeant at Arms for the meeting was Jerry Mulcahy.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, December 9th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Joining President Margaret O’ Regan at the top table was Sean Corcoran, Toastmaster who chaired the meeting and Michael Cronin who was Topicsmaster.
First to the lectern was Bridget Breen with a speech entitled ‘Goal Setting’. Bridget informed the group that goal setting does work. If one believes in it, write it down and it will happen. The only thing that will stop one from achieving ones goals is oneself. She advised the group to make a habit out of setting goals
Following Bridget was David Clarke with his icebreaker entitled The E Mathematician. David’s ice breaker speech provided the group with details on the significant areas of his life in a chronological order. It was very entertaining speech peppered with humor. A night which includes an icebreaker speech (the first speech a member gives to the group) is always an exciting the night for a Toastmaster Club.
Next it was the turn of Claire O’ Connell with her imaginative, entertaining thought provoking speech entitled ‘The Death of a Picnic’. She commenced her speech by setting out the origins of the picnic, continued with where the word picnic originated from and how it was the central part of family life and concluded by informing the group that life is not a picnic anymore.
Claire was following by Mary Moynihan with her humorous speech entitled ‘Driving Test Blues’. Mary relayed to the group her niece’s experience of learning to driving as well as giving a detailed account of her niece’s actual driving test. Mary’s advice to her niece is to practice, practice before she re-sits the test.
Finally it was the turn of Pat Duggan with his speech entitled ‘We did it once’. Pat gave a thought provoking speech regarding the suicide epidemic taking place in Ireland at present. At one stage Finland had a similar problem to Ireland regarding suicide but the situation has been alleviated there as a result of the Government taking the decision to provide funds for better research, better education as well as increasing support for people at risk. Pat concluded on a positive note- ‘we did it once with deaths on the road, I believe we can do it again.’
The topic session for the evening was conducted by Topicsmaster Michael Cronin. Michael’s topics were both varied and topical and caused great amusement.
Timekeeper Bill Martin reminded speakers/people contributing to topics when their allocated times were up while grammarian/ah counter Loretto Barry gave feedback at the end of the meeting on how the group performed regarding the use of ‘crutch words’ and ‘fillers’ e.g. um’s and ah’s. She encouraged the use of the word ‘ perspicuity’ which means clearly expressed, easily understood throughout the meeting.
Joe Hassett, conducted the General Evaluation Session and conducted the part of the meeting in which speakers received feedback from their assigned evaluators who were Bridie O’ Connell, Jerry Mulcahy, Ray Ryan, Margaret O’ Regan and Marie Fitzpatrick. The Sergeant at Arms for the meeting was Jerry Mulcahy.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, December 9th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Friday, November 19, 2010
‘Changing Times’
Speak Easy Toastmasters meeting on November 11th 2010 was another in which guests and members both learned from, and enjoyed and enjoyed themselves.
Joining President Margaret O’ Regan at the top table was Angela Sheehan, Toastmaster who chaired the meeting and Ray Ryan who was Topicsmaster.
First to the lectern was Helen Buckley with a speech entitled ‘Changing Times’. Helen told us about the differences she has experienced in her life as a result of moving from living in the country to living in a town. While living in the Country Helen enjoyed listening to the birds as well as gazing at the stars at night. Living in a town now allows her to be in close proximity to shops and services as well as meeting people.
Following Helen was Jean Sayers with her reading of the poem ‘The Highwayman’ written by Alfred Noyes. The poem was tragic with the death of both the Highwayman and his lover Bess. Alfred Noyes was best known for his Ballads, ‘The Highwayman’ being his most famous.
Next it was the turn of Bill Martin with his speech entitled ‘From oil tankers to ice breakers’. Bill’s ice breaker speech provided the group with details on the significant areas of his life in a chronological order. It was very entertaining speech peppered with humor. A night which includes an icebreaker speech (the first speech a member gives to the group) is always an exciting the night for a Toastmaster Club.
Finally it was the turn of Ellen O’ Mahony with her speech entitled ‘Important matters of State, Philosophy and Chocolate. Ellen was invited by Speak Easy Toastmasters to give her speech to the Club prior to competing in the District Humorous Speech Contest Final to be held in Dublin on the 13th of November 2010. Ellen concluded her speech by advising the group that ‘arrogance and stereotyping can lead to an unforgivable waste of perfectly good chocolate’. It was an excellently structured speech with a chocolate image weaved throughout it.
The topic session for the evening was conducted by Topicsmaster Ray Ryan. Ray’s topics were both varied and topical and caused great amusement.
Timekeeper Sean Corcoran reminded speakers/people contributing to topics when their allocated times were up while grammarian/ah counter Jerry Mulcahy gave feedback at the end of the meeting on how the group performed regarding the use of ‘crutch words’ and ‘fillers’ e.g. um’s and ah’s.
Noel O’ Connor, conducted the General Evaluation Session and conducted the part of the meeting in which speakers received feedback from their assigned evaluators who were Pat Duggan, Bridget Breen, Anne Buckley and Pat Sexton. The Sergeants at Arms for the meeting were Liam Flynn and Jerry Mulcahy.
Speak Easy Toastmasters is hosting the ‘Public Speaking Schools Contest’ on the 18th of November 2010. To support the students speaking in public come along to the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at 7.50pm.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, November 25th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Joining President Margaret O’ Regan at the top table was Angela Sheehan, Toastmaster who chaired the meeting and Ray Ryan who was Topicsmaster.
First to the lectern was Helen Buckley with a speech entitled ‘Changing Times’. Helen told us about the differences she has experienced in her life as a result of moving from living in the country to living in a town. While living in the Country Helen enjoyed listening to the birds as well as gazing at the stars at night. Living in a town now allows her to be in close proximity to shops and services as well as meeting people.
Following Helen was Jean Sayers with her reading of the poem ‘The Highwayman’ written by Alfred Noyes. The poem was tragic with the death of both the Highwayman and his lover Bess. Alfred Noyes was best known for his Ballads, ‘The Highwayman’ being his most famous.
Next it was the turn of Bill Martin with his speech entitled ‘From oil tankers to ice breakers’. Bill’s ice breaker speech provided the group with details on the significant areas of his life in a chronological order. It was very entertaining speech peppered with humor. A night which includes an icebreaker speech (the first speech a member gives to the group) is always an exciting the night for a Toastmaster Club.
Finally it was the turn of Ellen O’ Mahony with her speech entitled ‘Important matters of State, Philosophy and Chocolate. Ellen was invited by Speak Easy Toastmasters to give her speech to the Club prior to competing in the District Humorous Speech Contest Final to be held in Dublin on the 13th of November 2010. Ellen concluded her speech by advising the group that ‘arrogance and stereotyping can lead to an unforgivable waste of perfectly good chocolate’. It was an excellently structured speech with a chocolate image weaved throughout it.
The topic session for the evening was conducted by Topicsmaster Ray Ryan. Ray’s topics were both varied and topical and caused great amusement.
Timekeeper Sean Corcoran reminded speakers/people contributing to topics when their allocated times were up while grammarian/ah counter Jerry Mulcahy gave feedback at the end of the meeting on how the group performed regarding the use of ‘crutch words’ and ‘fillers’ e.g. um’s and ah’s.
Noel O’ Connor, conducted the General Evaluation Session and conducted the part of the meeting in which speakers received feedback from their assigned evaluators who were Pat Duggan, Bridget Breen, Anne Buckley and Pat Sexton. The Sergeants at Arms for the meeting were Liam Flynn and Jerry Mulcahy.
Speak Easy Toastmasters is hosting the ‘Public Speaking Schools Contest’ on the 18th of November 2010. To support the students speaking in public come along to the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at 7.50pm.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, November 25th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Speak Easy Toastmasters-Schools Contest
On Thursday the 18th of November 2010 Speak Easy Toastmasters is hosting the ‘Speak Easy Public Speaking Schools Contest’.
Each year students from Local Schools participate in the Contest. This is a very important opportunity for students to acquire the skills that allow them to stand up before a group of people and present on a topic. As their confidence in speaking grows so too does their ability to research a topic and understand the issue arising in the public speaking forum.
The importance of acquiring public speaking skills at an early age cannot be underestimated.
Everyday we interact with people- we talk to our family, say hello to neighbours, converse with our workmates/school friends; in effect we communicate with those around us. Communication is the transfer of meaningful information that can be understood, anything that sends a message is communication.
There are many ways to communicate including body language, writing, facial expression, sounds, posture, hand gestures to name but a few. However the best way to communicate is through Speech. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but if you have a question about the picture you need to use words to explain it. And through communication we can see the importance of public speaking. This is why it is important to learn to present our thoughts and feelings meaningfully. If we are not effective in expressing ourselves then miscommunication can arise. Many issues and misconceptions come from someone misinterpreting what someone else said.
Public speaking IS an essential ingredient to a successful, empowered life. If as human beings we can master the finer points of public speaking, there's a fairly good chance we will be able to tackle and master other opportunities and obstacles that come our way.
So why not come along on the 18th of November 2010 to the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, at 7:50PM and support the students in their forthcoming ‘Speak Easy Public Speaking Schools Contest’. I am sure the students would value your support.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, November 11th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Each year students from Local Schools participate in the Contest. This is a very important opportunity for students to acquire the skills that allow them to stand up before a group of people and present on a topic. As their confidence in speaking grows so too does their ability to research a topic and understand the issue arising in the public speaking forum.
The importance of acquiring public speaking skills at an early age cannot be underestimated.
Everyday we interact with people- we talk to our family, say hello to neighbours, converse with our workmates/school friends; in effect we communicate with those around us. Communication is the transfer of meaningful information that can be understood, anything that sends a message is communication.
There are many ways to communicate including body language, writing, facial expression, sounds, posture, hand gestures to name but a few. However the best way to communicate is through Speech. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but if you have a question about the picture you need to use words to explain it. And through communication we can see the importance of public speaking. This is why it is important to learn to present our thoughts and feelings meaningfully. If we are not effective in expressing ourselves then miscommunication can arise. Many issues and misconceptions come from someone misinterpreting what someone else said.
Public speaking IS an essential ingredient to a successful, empowered life. If as human beings we can master the finer points of public speaking, there's a fairly good chance we will be able to tackle and master other opportunities and obstacles that come our way.
So why not come along on the 18th of November 2010 to the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, at 7:50PM and support the students in their forthcoming ‘Speak Easy Public Speaking Schools Contest’. I am sure the students would value your support.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, November 11th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Speak Easy Toastmasters-‘Dog Days’
Speak Easy Toastmasters recent meeting was opened by the Club President, Margaret O’ Regan. Toastmaster Bridie O Connell chaired the meeting.
Speaker No 1 Cait Murray delivered a stage 7 project from the basic manual.
In her speech entitled ‘Dog Days’ Cait informed the group how the bond between humans and dogs originated. The strongest instinct in dogs is the pack instinct. This led them to find the pack leader in human beings. Dogs originated from wolves. It was a very informative and interesting speech. Cait’s speech was evaluated by Ann Buckley.
Cait was followed by Liam Flynn who did a project from the Interpretative Reading manual. Liam read John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s inaugural address of 1961. In his introduction Liam informed the group that John F Kennedy was the youngest man ever to be elected President of the United States as well as being the first President of the United States to visit Ireland. The famous line from the speech is as thought provoking in today’s world as it was back in 1961- ‘"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country ". Liam’s speech was evaluated by Michael Cronin.
The third speaker of the night was Bridget Breen, who delivered a stage 4 project from the basic manual. Bridget vividly described to the group in her speech entitled ‘That is one off my bucket list’ her experience of hand gliding. Bridget had dreamt about flying but said that her hand gliding experience was 10 times better. It was one of her life long ambitious. She encouraged all the thrill seekers in the audience to go hand gliding. Bridget’s speech was evaluated by Noel O’ Connor.
The final speaker for the night was Sean Corcoran. Sean did a project from the Interpretative Reading Manual. Sean read ‘A letter from a Matchmaker’ by John B Keane in the form of a soliloquy. In his introduction Sean explained that the Matchmaker Dickie Mick Dickie was writing to his brother Jack in America. The group was highly entertained by the humourous letter. The sincerity of Dickie Mick Dickie was borne out through Sean’s excellent delivery. Sean’s speech was evaluated by Jean Sayers.
The topic sessions for the evening were conducted by Topicsmaster Joe Hassett. Joe’s topics were both varied and topical
Timekeeper Mary Buckley reminded speakers/people contributing to topics when their allocated times were up while grammarian/ah counter Angela Sheehan encouraged the use of the word ‘obdurate’ meaning stubborn or hard hearted during the course of the meeting.
Loretta Barry, conducted the General Evaluation Session. The Sergeant at Arms for the meeting was Liam Flynn.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, November 11th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Speaker No 1 Cait Murray delivered a stage 7 project from the basic manual.
In her speech entitled ‘Dog Days’ Cait informed the group how the bond between humans and dogs originated. The strongest instinct in dogs is the pack instinct. This led them to find the pack leader in human beings. Dogs originated from wolves. It was a very informative and interesting speech. Cait’s speech was evaluated by Ann Buckley.
Cait was followed by Liam Flynn who did a project from the Interpretative Reading manual. Liam read John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s inaugural address of 1961. In his introduction Liam informed the group that John F Kennedy was the youngest man ever to be elected President of the United States as well as being the first President of the United States to visit Ireland. The famous line from the speech is as thought provoking in today’s world as it was back in 1961- ‘"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country ". Liam’s speech was evaluated by Michael Cronin.
The third speaker of the night was Bridget Breen, who delivered a stage 4 project from the basic manual. Bridget vividly described to the group in her speech entitled ‘That is one off my bucket list’ her experience of hand gliding. Bridget had dreamt about flying but said that her hand gliding experience was 10 times better. It was one of her life long ambitious. She encouraged all the thrill seekers in the audience to go hand gliding. Bridget’s speech was evaluated by Noel O’ Connor.
The final speaker for the night was Sean Corcoran. Sean did a project from the Interpretative Reading Manual. Sean read ‘A letter from a Matchmaker’ by John B Keane in the form of a soliloquy. In his introduction Sean explained that the Matchmaker Dickie Mick Dickie was writing to his brother Jack in America. The group was highly entertained by the humourous letter. The sincerity of Dickie Mick Dickie was borne out through Sean’s excellent delivery. Sean’s speech was evaluated by Jean Sayers.
The topic sessions for the evening were conducted by Topicsmaster Joe Hassett. Joe’s topics were both varied and topical
Timekeeper Mary Buckley reminded speakers/people contributing to topics when their allocated times were up while grammarian/ah counter Angela Sheehan encouraged the use of the word ‘obdurate’ meaning stubborn or hard hearted during the course of the meeting.
Loretta Barry, conducted the General Evaluation Session. The Sergeant at Arms for the meeting was Liam Flynn.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, November 11th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Power of Persuasion
Have you ever needed to persuade anyone in your life?
- your kids to clean their room
- your co-worker to assist you
- your boss to give you time off.
Research shows that while most people believe they cannot be sold, the fact is those same people can indeed be persuaded if they do not recognize that a ‘sales’ technique is being used.
For persuasion to work, whatever message you are conveying must be based in truth and delivered with the right intentions. After all you are persuading someone to your point of view, not conning someone to do or think something questionable.
Tips that will give you an edge in getting others to adopt your ideas are listed hereunder:
1. Aim at a narrow target
When attempting to coax someone to adopt their ideas, many people give every possible fact, figure and feature in hope that some of the information will stick and persuade the other party.
However, if you want to be effective at persuasion then you need to keep your focus during the conversation as narrow as possible. One of the ways to uncover what is important to the other person is either to ask directly or couch your question within a statement.
Allow the person to answer and give you the information you need. Then you can gauge how to direct your conversation based on their response.
2. Use stories to convey your message
Stories are an extremely effective way to persuade. One of the best ways to use stories as a persuasion tool is to simply tell your listener about something that is similar to your concept.
This indirect approach works wonders and keeps people from feeling like they are being sold.
3. Use a quote
The goal is to deliver truthful news or make a point in a way that does not reflect poorly on you or make you appear insincere.
An example would be to say ‘My father always used to tell me…..’ and then tell them what you want to tell them. Who could argue with your father?
None of these persuasion tools are magic or ‘smoke and mirrors’. They are designed to give you a slight edge in your dealings with others. A slight edge goes a long way.
Participating in Speak Easy Toastmasters would allow you to practice these persuasive tools. By using these tools you will find that others are more apt to adopt your ideas, resulting in more winning solutions for everyone involved.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, October 28th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
- your kids to clean their room
- your co-worker to assist you
- your boss to give you time off.
Research shows that while most people believe they cannot be sold, the fact is those same people can indeed be persuaded if they do not recognize that a ‘sales’ technique is being used.
For persuasion to work, whatever message you are conveying must be based in truth and delivered with the right intentions. After all you are persuading someone to your point of view, not conning someone to do or think something questionable.
Tips that will give you an edge in getting others to adopt your ideas are listed hereunder:
1. Aim at a narrow target
When attempting to coax someone to adopt their ideas, many people give every possible fact, figure and feature in hope that some of the information will stick and persuade the other party.
However, if you want to be effective at persuasion then you need to keep your focus during the conversation as narrow as possible. One of the ways to uncover what is important to the other person is either to ask directly or couch your question within a statement.
Allow the person to answer and give you the information you need. Then you can gauge how to direct your conversation based on their response.
2. Use stories to convey your message
Stories are an extremely effective way to persuade. One of the best ways to use stories as a persuasion tool is to simply tell your listener about something that is similar to your concept.
This indirect approach works wonders and keeps people from feeling like they are being sold.
3. Use a quote
The goal is to deliver truthful news or make a point in a way that does not reflect poorly on you or make you appear insincere.
An example would be to say ‘My father always used to tell me…..’ and then tell them what you want to tell them. Who could argue with your father?
None of these persuasion tools are magic or ‘smoke and mirrors’. They are designed to give you a slight edge in your dealings with others. A slight edge goes a long way.
Participating in Speak Easy Toastmasters would allow you to practice these persuasive tools. By using these tools you will find that others are more apt to adopt your ideas, resulting in more winning solutions for everyone involved.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, October 28th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Thursday, October 14, 2010
‘Sharpen your mind’
Speak Easy Toastmasters-‘Sharpen your mind’
Sharp thinking and reasoning processes are at the heart of clear speaking. However not enough people use their thinking skills. Mental stimulation improves brain function and protects against cognitive decline.
The brain is a muscle. Just as physical exercise helps keep your body in shape mental exercise helps your brain increase its power to analyze. You can improve your thinking processes at any age. As the Franklin Institute once wrote
‘Your brain is a thinking organ that learns and grows by interacting with the world through perception and action.’
Here are some suggestions for improving mental processes:
Ask Questions:
Asking questions is the core of critical thinking. Your mind should be alive to possibilities. Seek out reasons behind rationales. If an issue contains several elements, separate the aspects and arrange them in different order.
Become a skeptic:
Never accept anything at face value. Know that people can make both sides of the argument simply by marshaling different facts. Realize that experts do not necessarily have the answers.
Become a reader:
Reading is to a person what fuel is to a car. It stimulates the mind to keep churning. It increases your vocabulary and challenges your perceptive. As you read take down thoughts and ideas. The act of writing down something helps you to remember it.
Make people your school of life:
Everyone has something to share. Never end a personal encounter without learning something.
Participating in Toastmasters is a great form of mental stimulation.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, October 14th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Sharp thinking and reasoning processes are at the heart of clear speaking. However not enough people use their thinking skills. Mental stimulation improves brain function and protects against cognitive decline.
The brain is a muscle. Just as physical exercise helps keep your body in shape mental exercise helps your brain increase its power to analyze. You can improve your thinking processes at any age. As the Franklin Institute once wrote
‘Your brain is a thinking organ that learns and grows by interacting with the world through perception and action.’
Here are some suggestions for improving mental processes:
Ask Questions:
Asking questions is the core of critical thinking. Your mind should be alive to possibilities. Seek out reasons behind rationales. If an issue contains several elements, separate the aspects and arrange them in different order.
Become a skeptic:
Never accept anything at face value. Know that people can make both sides of the argument simply by marshaling different facts. Realize that experts do not necessarily have the answers.
Become a reader:
Reading is to a person what fuel is to a car. It stimulates the mind to keep churning. It increases your vocabulary and challenges your perceptive. As you read take down thoughts and ideas. The act of writing down something helps you to remember it.
Make people your school of life:
Everyone has something to share. Never end a personal encounter without learning something.
Participating in Toastmasters is a great form of mental stimulation.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, October 14th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Rich Pickings
Speak Easy Club Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest was opened by the Club President, Margaret O’ Regan. Toastmaster Gerry Kelleher chaired the meeting.
Four experienced speakers took part in the Humorous Speech contest. Speaker No 1 Jerry Mulcahy’s speech was entitled ‘You don’t have to believe it’. He spoke humorously about the various drinks and cocktails available today but concluded that his orange with ice was what gave him his good health.
Gerry was followed by Margaret O’ Regan with a speech entitled ‘Free holiday how are you?’ Margaret was wined and dined in France with her family but pay back time came when she had to return the compliment and invite the French family to her Irish abode. A good time was had by all but not without parting with some hard earned cash.
Next came Michael Cronin who has successfully represented Speak Easy Toastmasters in the District 71 final and came home with the Silver. Michael’s speech on this occasion was entitled ‘Rich Pickings’. He gave several tips on how to embrace the recession during these recessionary times including substituting candles for 100 watt bulbs as well as taking out batteries out of alarm clocks in the morning and putting them back in at night (this action would allow the batteries to last for a year).
The final speaker was Michael Walsh who discussed the value of ‘Ghost Writers’.
He had a humorous take on pseudo experts in sport or weight management or other such so called important people who decide to publish books at Christmas to augment their already full bank account.
The humorous speech contest was followed by the table topic contest. Here there were 5 contestants who spoke on the topic ‘The best thing about memories is creating them. What do you think?’
All contestants were winners but unfortunately as in all competitions there can be only one winner and one runner up. (There were Judges from outside clubs so all was fair as they say in love and war.)
The winner of the humorous speech contest was Michael Walsh and the runner up was Michael Cronin. The winner of the table topic contest was Pat Sexton and the runner up was Liam Flynn.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, October 14th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Four experienced speakers took part in the Humorous Speech contest. Speaker No 1 Jerry Mulcahy’s speech was entitled ‘You don’t have to believe it’. He spoke humorously about the various drinks and cocktails available today but concluded that his orange with ice was what gave him his good health.
Gerry was followed by Margaret O’ Regan with a speech entitled ‘Free holiday how are you?’ Margaret was wined and dined in France with her family but pay back time came when she had to return the compliment and invite the French family to her Irish abode. A good time was had by all but not without parting with some hard earned cash.
Next came Michael Cronin who has successfully represented Speak Easy Toastmasters in the District 71 final and came home with the Silver. Michael’s speech on this occasion was entitled ‘Rich Pickings’. He gave several tips on how to embrace the recession during these recessionary times including substituting candles for 100 watt bulbs as well as taking out batteries out of alarm clocks in the morning and putting them back in at night (this action would allow the batteries to last for a year).
The final speaker was Michael Walsh who discussed the value of ‘Ghost Writers’.
He had a humorous take on pseudo experts in sport or weight management or other such so called important people who decide to publish books at Christmas to augment their already full bank account.
The humorous speech contest was followed by the table topic contest. Here there were 5 contestants who spoke on the topic ‘The best thing about memories is creating them. What do you think?’
All contestants were winners but unfortunately as in all competitions there can be only one winner and one runner up. (There were Judges from outside clubs so all was fair as they say in love and war.)
The winner of the humorous speech contest was Michael Walsh and the runner up was Michael Cronin. The winner of the table topic contest was Pat Sexton and the runner up was Liam Flynn.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, October 14th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Laughter is the best medicine’
Humour is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together.
Good humour springs from the heart, not the mind. It is a shock absorber that helps us get over the bumps in life. Those with a good sense of humour have a good sense of life.
Much research has been done on the effects of humour and laughter on our health. The benefits are enormous and include boosting our immune system, reducing stress and hastening the healing process.
By now, almost everyone is familiar with the link between our body and mind that has been proven. For example, it has been shown that our attitude is more important than our physical health in determining how long we live. That is, people with a good sense of humour and a positive attitude, but poor health, survive longer than those that are in good health but have poor attitudes.
Use the acronym L.A.U.G.H.T.E.R. to remind yourself of some of its benefits when the skies are grey for you:
'L' stands for LIVE life to the fullest. When we share humour, we are living in the moment and spreading joy.
'A' stands for an AWARENESS and APPRECIATION for the incongruities of life. The inconsistencies and ironies you face offer unlimited opportunities to laugh at them.
'U' stands for USE your brain to drain pain with laughter. USE humour to discover delight, joy, and peace of mind.
'G' stands for GOOD HUMOUR at all times.
'H' stands for HEALTH. Laughter detaches us from our problems and releases negative emotions; it is the best medicine.
'T' stands for TRANSFORM. Laughter transforms our thoughts, which in turn transforms our feelings for the better.
'E' stands for EXUBERANCE, which is the zest that laughter brings to our lives.
And 'R' stands for the RESILIENCE we acquire by learning to deal with hardship and pain, for humour is the strongest weapon against adversity
Laughter and good fun are two things that Speak Easy Toastmaster Club has an abundance of.
This is a club with people who laugh easily–both at themselves and at life’s absurdities–and who routinely find the humour in everyday events. Their playful point of view and laughter are contagious
Remember Laughter is the best medicine, so you can become your own best medicine by attending Speak Easy Club Humourous Speech and Table Topics Contest at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, September 30th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Good humour springs from the heart, not the mind. It is a shock absorber that helps us get over the bumps in life. Those with a good sense of humour have a good sense of life.
Much research has been done on the effects of humour and laughter on our health. The benefits are enormous and include boosting our immune system, reducing stress and hastening the healing process.
By now, almost everyone is familiar with the link between our body and mind that has been proven. For example, it has been shown that our attitude is more important than our physical health in determining how long we live. That is, people with a good sense of humour and a positive attitude, but poor health, survive longer than those that are in good health but have poor attitudes.
Use the acronym L.A.U.G.H.T.E.R. to remind yourself of some of its benefits when the skies are grey for you:
'L' stands for LIVE life to the fullest. When we share humour, we are living in the moment and spreading joy.
'A' stands for an AWARENESS and APPRECIATION for the incongruities of life. The inconsistencies and ironies you face offer unlimited opportunities to laugh at them.
'U' stands for USE your brain to drain pain with laughter. USE humour to discover delight, joy, and peace of mind.
'G' stands for GOOD HUMOUR at all times.
'H' stands for HEALTH. Laughter detaches us from our problems and releases negative emotions; it is the best medicine.
'T' stands for TRANSFORM. Laughter transforms our thoughts, which in turn transforms our feelings for the better.
'E' stands for EXUBERANCE, which is the zest that laughter brings to our lives.
And 'R' stands for the RESILIENCE we acquire by learning to deal with hardship and pain, for humour is the strongest weapon against adversity
Laughter and good fun are two things that Speak Easy Toastmaster Club has an abundance of.
This is a club with people who laugh easily–both at themselves and at life’s absurdities–and who routinely find the humour in everyday events. Their playful point of view and laughter are contagious
Remember Laughter is the best medicine, so you can become your own best medicine by attending Speak Easy Club Humourous Speech and Table Topics Contest at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, September 30th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
A Moment of Calm
Speak Easy Toastmasters recent meeting was opened by the Club President, Margaret O’ Regan. Toastmaster Jerry Mulcahy chaired the meeting.
Speaker No 1 Jean Sayers did an interpretative reading from the short story ‘My Confirmation Suit’ written by Brendan Behan. Jean’s reading was evaluated by Pat Sexton.
Jean was followed by Mary Moynihan who did a speech from the Entertaining Speaker manual entitled ‘My First Flag’. Mary, who is an avid Kerry Supporter, entertained the group as she recounted how her first flag, which was made from the jacket of her Confirmation suit, was wrenched from her hand by a Cork Supporter as she waved it out the car window as she and her family returned from a Munster Final. Mary’s speech was evaluated by Loretta Barry.
The third speaker of the night was Claire O Connell. Claire’s speech was entitled ‘Breaking the ice’. Claire recently joined the Club. The first speech a member gives at their Toastmaster Club from the basic manual is called the ice breaker. During her speech Claire told the group that one of her greatest loves is writing poetry and with that she recited a verse of one of her poems. Claire’s speech was evaluated by Pat Duggan.
Claire was followed by Bridget Breen, who delivered a stage 3 project from the basic manual. In her speech entitled ‘The Present’ Bridget informed the group that we cannot manage time but that we can manage ourselves. She encouraged the group to live in the present and by doing that we would live happier, healthier and more successful lives. Bridget’s speech was evaluated by Angela Sheehan.
The final speaker for the night was Bridie O’ Connell. Bridie did a project from the Speaking to Inform manual. In her speech entitled ‘A moment of calm’ Bridie demonstrated to the group how music has the power to effect our mind, body and spirit. Music can bring harmony to our lives by listening to our favourite pieces. Bridie’s speech was evaluated by Sean Corcoran.
The topic sessions for the evening were conducted by Topicsmaster Marie Fitzpatrick. Marie’s topics were both varied and topical
Timekeeper Mary Buckley as time keeper reminded speakers/people contributing to topics when their allocated times were up while grammarian/ah counter Michael Cronin encouraged the use of the word ‘limpid’ meaning clear or transparent during the course of the meeting.
The Sergeant at Arms for the meeting were Mary McCarthy and Liam Flynn.
Ray Ryan, conducted the General Evaluation Session. Ray also addressed the meeting in his capacity as Area Governor.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, September 30th at 7:50PM. An enjoyable night is expected by all as it is the Club’s Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Speaker No 1 Jean Sayers did an interpretative reading from the short story ‘My Confirmation Suit’ written by Brendan Behan. Jean’s reading was evaluated by Pat Sexton.
Jean was followed by Mary Moynihan who did a speech from the Entertaining Speaker manual entitled ‘My First Flag’. Mary, who is an avid Kerry Supporter, entertained the group as she recounted how her first flag, which was made from the jacket of her Confirmation suit, was wrenched from her hand by a Cork Supporter as she waved it out the car window as she and her family returned from a Munster Final. Mary’s speech was evaluated by Loretta Barry.
The third speaker of the night was Claire O Connell. Claire’s speech was entitled ‘Breaking the ice’. Claire recently joined the Club. The first speech a member gives at their Toastmaster Club from the basic manual is called the ice breaker. During her speech Claire told the group that one of her greatest loves is writing poetry and with that she recited a verse of one of her poems. Claire’s speech was evaluated by Pat Duggan.
Claire was followed by Bridget Breen, who delivered a stage 3 project from the basic manual. In her speech entitled ‘The Present’ Bridget informed the group that we cannot manage time but that we can manage ourselves. She encouraged the group to live in the present and by doing that we would live happier, healthier and more successful lives. Bridget’s speech was evaluated by Angela Sheehan.
The final speaker for the night was Bridie O’ Connell. Bridie did a project from the Speaking to Inform manual. In her speech entitled ‘A moment of calm’ Bridie demonstrated to the group how music has the power to effect our mind, body and spirit. Music can bring harmony to our lives by listening to our favourite pieces. Bridie’s speech was evaluated by Sean Corcoran.
The topic sessions for the evening were conducted by Topicsmaster Marie Fitzpatrick. Marie’s topics were both varied and topical
Timekeeper Mary Buckley as time keeper reminded speakers/people contributing to topics when their allocated times were up while grammarian/ah counter Michael Cronin encouraged the use of the word ‘limpid’ meaning clear or transparent during the course of the meeting.
The Sergeant at Arms for the meeting were Mary McCarthy and Liam Flynn.
Ray Ryan, conducted the General Evaluation Session. Ray also addressed the meeting in his capacity as Area Governor.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, September 30th at 7:50PM. An enjoyable night is expected by all as it is the Club’s Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Toastmasters assist people in developing life skills
Many people join toastmasters to develop public speaking skills. However they soon realise that they are also developing life skills to be a better friend, daughter/son, husband/wife, co-worker. I would like to share with you hereunder the experience of a member of Speak Easy Toastmasters Club since that person has become a Toastmaster.
‘Since joining Speak Easy Toastmasters Club I have developed in the flowing ways:
Speaking:
By giving prepared speeches and participating in Table Topics Session (this is where members learn to think and speak on their feet) , I have learned that telling stories from my own life experiences is one of the best ways to connect with an audience.
After I realised this, I started sharing stories with family and friends, about experiences that have shaped me. I tell them about my dreams-some became goals that I have achieved, some are still work in progress while others have been replaced by an obligation to focus on current needs. I talk about the lessons I am learning such as taking responsibility, not expecting life to be smooth and seeing challenges as opportunities.
Listening:
By being an evaluator of other fellow toastmasters’ speeches and by participating in Table Topics I have become a better listener. Since I started sharing about my stories, family and friends have opened up about events in their lives. I listen intently to them.
Evaluating:
When I evaluate speeches in Toastmasters my goal is to try to help a fellow toastmaster improve. I present my evaluation in a positive way because I want the speaker to be receptive. I do not hurl insults. Since joining toastmasters, if asked for feedback by family and friends, I give it in a positive way.
Leading:
Additionally my toastmaster training helps me to improve in unexpected ways. For example when I encourage people to come to a meeting, I am doing it for the club. I soon realised I am also benefiting personally by developing skills to influence people.
By continuing to be a member of Speak Easy Toastmasters I am benefiting personally by developing life skills. So why not come along and take your first step in your own personal growth.’
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, September 16th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
‘Since joining Speak Easy Toastmasters Club I have developed in the flowing ways:
Speaking:
By giving prepared speeches and participating in Table Topics Session (this is where members learn to think and speak on their feet) , I have learned that telling stories from my own life experiences is one of the best ways to connect with an audience.
After I realised this, I started sharing stories with family and friends, about experiences that have shaped me. I tell them about my dreams-some became goals that I have achieved, some are still work in progress while others have been replaced by an obligation to focus on current needs. I talk about the lessons I am learning such as taking responsibility, not expecting life to be smooth and seeing challenges as opportunities.
Listening:
By being an evaluator of other fellow toastmasters’ speeches and by participating in Table Topics I have become a better listener. Since I started sharing about my stories, family and friends have opened up about events in their lives. I listen intently to them.
Evaluating:
When I evaluate speeches in Toastmasters my goal is to try to help a fellow toastmaster improve. I present my evaluation in a positive way because I want the speaker to be receptive. I do not hurl insults. Since joining toastmasters, if asked for feedback by family and friends, I give it in a positive way.
Leading:
Additionally my toastmaster training helps me to improve in unexpected ways. For example when I encourage people to come to a meeting, I am doing it for the club. I soon realised I am also benefiting personally by developing skills to influence people.
By continuing to be a member of Speak Easy Toastmasters I am benefiting personally by developing life skills. So why not come along and take your first step in your own personal growth.’
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, September 16th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
One For The Road
Speak Easy Toastmasters First Meeting 2nd of September
Speak Easy Toastmasters commenced the 2010-11 Season on September 2nd, with our first meeting being opened by the new Club President, Margaret O’ Regan. Toastmaster Jean Sayers chaired the meeting.
The first speaker was Joe Hassett, who delivered a speech entitled “One for the Road” as a fact finding report from the Speaking to Inform Manual. After the report, Joe conducted a question and answer session with the audience. Joe provided the socking statistics that 37 out of 100 road deaths are caused by alcohol. Cait Murray was Joe’s evaluator.
Joe was followed by Kieran Butler, who delivered a stage 7 project from the basic manual. In his speech entitled “The Burning Question”, Kieran highlighted the fact that Climate Change is everybody’s responsibility. Kieran’s speech was evaluated by Angela Sheehan.
The third speaker was Liam Flynn, who did an interpretive reading from the play ‘The Field’. Liam brought the piece to life with his excellent use of vocal variety. Liam’s reading was evaluated by Jerry Mulcahy.
Following Liam, came Sean Corcoran who did a project from the story telling manual. The humorous story entitled ‘All is not as it seems to be’ gave an insight into the fact that most publications are geared towards a certain section of society. Sean was evaluated by Noel O’ Connor.
The final speaker for the night was Pat Sexton who delivered a stage 7 project from the basic manual. In his speech entitled ‘The evening recital’ Pat gave us an insight into the importance of music as a backdrop to our lives. Pat’s speech was evaluated by Marie Fitzpatrick.
A humorous topics session was conducted by Topicsmaster Pat Duggan, with Pat leaving everybody at the meeting in a positive frame of mind after the topics session.
Timekeeper Jerry O Callaghan kept everybody on their toes as time keeper while grammarian/ah counter Ray Ryan encouraged the use of the word ‘paragon’ meaning a model of excellence during the course of the meeting.
The Sergeant at Arms for the meeting were Josephine O’ Sullivan-Lenihan, Mary McCarthy and Liam Flynn.
Michael Cronin conducted the General Evaluation Session. Finally, the Club’s achievements for the previous year were recognized by Toastmaster International with the presentation of an award to Michael Cronin, the immediate past president of Speak Easy Toastmasters.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, September 16th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Speak Easy Toastmasters commenced the 2010-11 Season on September 2nd, with our first meeting being opened by the new Club President, Margaret O’ Regan. Toastmaster Jean Sayers chaired the meeting.
The first speaker was Joe Hassett, who delivered a speech entitled “One for the Road” as a fact finding report from the Speaking to Inform Manual. After the report, Joe conducted a question and answer session with the audience. Joe provided the socking statistics that 37 out of 100 road deaths are caused by alcohol. Cait Murray was Joe’s evaluator.
Joe was followed by Kieran Butler, who delivered a stage 7 project from the basic manual. In his speech entitled “The Burning Question”, Kieran highlighted the fact that Climate Change is everybody’s responsibility. Kieran’s speech was evaluated by Angela Sheehan.
The third speaker was Liam Flynn, who did an interpretive reading from the play ‘The Field’. Liam brought the piece to life with his excellent use of vocal variety. Liam’s reading was evaluated by Jerry Mulcahy.
Following Liam, came Sean Corcoran who did a project from the story telling manual. The humorous story entitled ‘All is not as it seems to be’ gave an insight into the fact that most publications are geared towards a certain section of society. Sean was evaluated by Noel O’ Connor.
The final speaker for the night was Pat Sexton who delivered a stage 7 project from the basic manual. In his speech entitled ‘The evening recital’ Pat gave us an insight into the importance of music as a backdrop to our lives. Pat’s speech was evaluated by Marie Fitzpatrick.
A humorous topics session was conducted by Topicsmaster Pat Duggan, with Pat leaving everybody at the meeting in a positive frame of mind after the topics session.
Timekeeper Jerry O Callaghan kept everybody on their toes as time keeper while grammarian/ah counter Ray Ryan encouraged the use of the word ‘paragon’ meaning a model of excellence during the course of the meeting.
The Sergeant at Arms for the meeting were Josephine O’ Sullivan-Lenihan, Mary McCarthy and Liam Flynn.
Michael Cronin conducted the General Evaluation Session. Finally, the Club’s achievements for the previous year were recognized by Toastmaster International with the presentation of an award to Michael Cronin, the immediate past president of Speak Easy Toastmasters.
Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, September 16th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Speak Easy Toastmasters Club, Mallow return on Sept 2nd 2010- one week to go
Where can you meet new friends, learn interesting and unusual information, develop your unrealised public speaking and leadership skills, and, most of all, enjoy yourself! The Speakeasy Toastmaster Club, Mallow offers all this and more.
We are different to other clubs/organisations. We like to provide an environment where you are centre stage. We bring to you entertainment and good coffee. You choose whether you want to speak or not. You are welcome to SPEAKEASY TOASTMASTERS Club, where a little difference makes all the difference. There is no pressure, just come, sit back and relax.
Speakeasy Toastmasters Club, Mallow, new season starts on Thursday 2nd of September 2010, at the Hibernian Hotel, at 7.50 p.m. We meet alternate Thursdays.
For more information go to www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
We are different to other clubs/organisations. We like to provide an environment where you are centre stage. We bring to you entertainment and good coffee. You choose whether you want to speak or not. You are welcome to SPEAKEASY TOASTMASTERS Club, where a little difference makes all the difference. There is no pressure, just come, sit back and relax.
Speakeasy Toastmasters Club, Mallow, new season starts on Thursday 2nd of September 2010, at the Hibernian Hotel, at 7.50 p.m. We meet alternate Thursdays.
For more information go to www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Speak Easy Toastmasters Club, Mallow returns on Sept 2nd 2010
Speak Easy Toastmasters Club, Mallow returns on Sept 2nd 2010
Are you afraid of speaking in Public?
Does the thought of your next presentation send shivers down your spine?
Surveys show that presentation skills are crucial to success in the work place.
Speakeasy Toastmasters is a Public Speaking Club, founded in 1992, that helps people develop life enhancing presentation, communication, and leadership skills.
The Club continues to develop and grow, so in joining our Club you will be part of that growth and will have made the right first step in your own personal growth.
With job shortages at present, it is a good idea to enhance your communication and body language skills before presenting yourself at an interview.
This is a wonderful place to meet new people, make new friends and enjoy yourself while improving yourself and helping others to improve.
You will find a warm welcome and a supportive atmosphere on your first and every visit. So come along and we will give you a ‘cead mile failte’ when you arrive, and a cup of tea
Speakeasy Toastmasters Club, Mallow, new season starts on Thursday 2nd of September 2010, at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, at 7.50 p.m. We meet alternate Thursdays.
For more information go to www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Are you afraid of speaking in Public?
Does the thought of your next presentation send shivers down your spine?
Surveys show that presentation skills are crucial to success in the work place.
Speakeasy Toastmasters is a Public Speaking Club, founded in 1992, that helps people develop life enhancing presentation, communication, and leadership skills.
The Club continues to develop and grow, so in joining our Club you will be part of that growth and will have made the right first step in your own personal growth.
With job shortages at present, it is a good idea to enhance your communication and body language skills before presenting yourself at an interview.
This is a wonderful place to meet new people, make new friends and enjoy yourself while improving yourself and helping others to improve.
You will find a warm welcome and a supportive atmosphere on your first and every visit. So come along and we will give you a ‘cead mile failte’ when you arrive, and a cup of tea
Speakeasy Toastmasters Club, Mallow, new season starts on Thursday 2nd of September 2010, at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, at 7.50 p.m. We meet alternate Thursdays.
For more information go to www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Friday, May 21, 2010
Toastmaster Awards
The 2009-2010 season for Speakeasy Toastmasters is drawing to a close and the final meeting of the year, to which all are welcome, will be held on the 27th May, at our usual venue, the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm. This year, a number of our members will be achieving educational awards, based on the number of manual speeches delivered. The Competent Communicator award is bestowed on Toastmasters who complete the basic manual of ten speeches. Subsequent educational awards are based on completing advanced manuals, with five speeches in each manual. The Advanced Communicator Bronze is awarded for completing two advanced manuals, the Advanced Communicator Silver is awarded for completing a further two advanced manuals and the Advanced Communicator Gold is achieved when another pair of advanced manuals are completed.
Organizational achievements are acknowledged by leadership awards. The Competent Leader award recognizes members who have performed meeting duties, such as timekeeper, the Advanced Leader Bronze recognizes Toastmasters who have served on the Club Committee while the Advanced Leader Gold recognizes Toastmasters who have taken up leadership positions outside of their club. Toastmasters who achieve both the Advanced Communicator Gold and Advanced Leader Gold are eligible for the Distinguished Toastmaster Award (DTM). Former and current members of Speakeasy Toastmasters who achieved the DTM include Joe O’ Connor, Matt Lawlee and Pat Sexton. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog containing our press release archive, or from Ray at 086-3675706.
Organizational achievements are acknowledged by leadership awards. The Competent Leader award recognizes members who have performed meeting duties, such as timekeeper, the Advanced Leader Bronze recognizes Toastmasters who have served on the Club Committee while the Advanced Leader Gold recognizes Toastmasters who have taken up leadership positions outside of their club. Toastmasters who achieve both the Advanced Communicator Gold and Advanced Leader Gold are eligible for the Distinguished Toastmaster Award (DTM). Former and current members of Speakeasy Toastmasters who achieved the DTM include Joe O’ Connor, Matt Lawlee and Pat Sexton. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog containing our press release archive, or from Ray at 086-3675706.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Speak Easy's AGM
Speakeasy Toastmasters held their regular fortnightly meeting and the club AGM on the 13th of May.
Delivering speeches were Bridget Breen, who completed stage 2 of the Competent Communicator manual, and Declan Curtis who completed Stage 7 of the same manual. Mary Moynihan evaluated Bridget while Joe Hassett evaluated
Declan. The officers for the meeting were Ray Ryan, Toastmaster, Tony O' Regan Topicsmaster, Cait Murray General Evaluator, Noel O' Connor Timekeeper and Marie Fitzpatrick Grammarian.
Following the meeting the Cllub AGM was held and the following committee was elected for 2010-11.
Margaret O' Regan President.
Tony O' Regan,Education Vice President,
Jean Sayers, Vice President Public Relations
Mary Moynihan, Vice President Membership
Cait Murray, Secretary,
Noel O' Connor, Treasurer.
Liam Flynn, Mary McCarthy & Joesphine O' Sullivan-Linehan, Sergeants at Arms.
Speakeasy Toastmasters will hold their final meeting of the 2009-10 season on May 27th, at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, 8;OOpm. Members of the public are welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak, Details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog or from Ray at 086-3675706.
Finally, Speakeasy Toastmasters wishes to express our sympathies to the family of the late Pat Owens, who was an invaluable ally of the club in its early years.
Delivering speeches were Bridget Breen, who completed stage 2 of the Competent Communicator manual, and Declan Curtis who completed Stage 7 of the same manual. Mary Moynihan evaluated Bridget while Joe Hassett evaluated
Declan. The officers for the meeting were Ray Ryan, Toastmaster, Tony O' Regan Topicsmaster, Cait Murray General Evaluator, Noel O' Connor Timekeeper and Marie Fitzpatrick Grammarian.
Following the meeting the Cllub AGM was held and the following committee was elected for 2010-11.
Margaret O' Regan President.
Tony O' Regan,Education Vice President,
Jean Sayers, Vice President Public Relations
Mary Moynihan, Vice President Membership
Cait Murray, Secretary,
Noel O' Connor, Treasurer.
Liam Flynn, Mary McCarthy & Joesphine O' Sullivan-Linehan, Sergeants at Arms.
Speakeasy Toastmasters will hold their final meeting of the 2009-10 season on May 27th, at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, 8;OOpm. Members of the public are welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak, Details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog or from Ray at 086-3675706.
Finally, Speakeasy Toastmasters wishes to express our sympathies to the family of the late Pat Owens, who was an invaluable ally of the club in its early years.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Speak Easy's AGM next Thursday night
Speakeasy Toastmasters will meet on May 13th, at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm. After the regular meeting the Club AGM will be held and the 2010-2011 committee elected. In addition to the President, the other officer roles are Vice-President Education, who draws up the progamme of speakers for each meeting, Vice-President Public Relations, Vice-President Membership, Treasurer,Secretary and finally the Sergeants at Arms who set up the meeting room.
The final meeting of the year will be held on the 27th May. Members of the public are welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog containing our press release archive, or from Ray at 086-3675706.
The final meeting of the year will be held on the 27th May. Members of the public are welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog containing our press release archive, or from Ray at 086-3675706.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Communication and Leadership with Speakeasy
Members of Speakeasy Toastmasters have extended the opportunities provided by Toastmasters, the development of communication and leadership skills, beyond our organization. Toastmaster member Jerry Mulcahy established the Nice ‘n Easy Club at the COPE foundation in Quartertown. Members of the Nice ‘n Easy Club have delivered speeches at Speakeasy Toastmasters for many years.
Former club President Mary Buckley inaugurated the Speakeasy Toastmasters Schools Public Speaking Competition. Held each November, teams representing various secondary schools throughout North Cork have taken part.
The contribution made by members of Speakeasy Toastmasters to Mallow has been recognized by the Sports and Leisure Council. Pat Sexton, Matt Lawlee, Jeremiah Roynane and Michael Cronin have received awards from the Sports and Leisure Council.
Our next meeting will be held on May 13th, at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog containing our press release archive, or from Ray ay 086-3675706.
Former club President Mary Buckley inaugurated the Speakeasy Toastmasters Schools Public Speaking Competition. Held each November, teams representing various secondary schools throughout North Cork have taken part.
The contribution made by members of Speakeasy Toastmasters to Mallow has been recognized by the Sports and Leisure Council. Pat Sexton, Matt Lawlee, Jeremiah Roynane and Michael Cronin have received awards from the Sports and Leisure Council.
Our next meeting will be held on May 13th, at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog containing our press release archive, or from Ray ay 086-3675706.
Gardai swoop on meeting.
Gardai swoop on meeting.
There was a very strong Garda presence at the clubs last meeting. Four non-uniformed members of the force from Cork City sat in on and took control of part of the meeting. However everything was above board as they members of the Guardians Club in Cork city and the Speakeasy Club was delighted to host a joint meeting with them.
One of their members acted as topicsmaster for the evening and as nobody decided to exercise their right to remain silent, he got a great response to his entertaining topics. Also one of their members gave an excellent speech about dreams that had the audience enthralled.
From Speakeasy, Anne Buckley gave an excellently written speech about her memories about her time in Irish college and it struck a chord with many in the audience. Angela Sheehan followed with a very strong speech regarding the problem of litter and how if everybody did their share of cleaning up great improvements could be achieved for all to enjoy. Finally Sean Corcoran shared a very entertaining folk tale entitled ‘The Wise Washerwomen of Mungret’ which had us all laughing out loud.
The Speakeasy clubs next meeting will take place on this Thursday 13th May. The meeting will begin at 8pm and finish at 10pm and takes place in Club Xperience in the Hibernian Hotel. Everybody is welcome and guests will not be asked to speak.
There was a very strong Garda presence at the clubs last meeting. Four non-uniformed members of the force from Cork City sat in on and took control of part of the meeting. However everything was above board as they members of the Guardians Club in Cork city and the Speakeasy Club was delighted to host a joint meeting with them.
One of their members acted as topicsmaster for the evening and as nobody decided to exercise their right to remain silent, he got a great response to his entertaining topics. Also one of their members gave an excellent speech about dreams that had the audience enthralled.
From Speakeasy, Anne Buckley gave an excellently written speech about her memories about her time in Irish college and it struck a chord with many in the audience. Angela Sheehan followed with a very strong speech regarding the problem of litter and how if everybody did their share of cleaning up great improvements could be achieved for all to enjoy. Finally Sean Corcoran shared a very entertaining folk tale entitled ‘The Wise Washerwomen of Mungret’ which had us all laughing out loud.
The Speakeasy clubs next meeting will take place on this Thursday 13th May. The meeting will begin at 8pm and finish at 10pm and takes place in Club Xperience in the Hibernian Hotel. Everybody is welcome and guests will not be asked to speak.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tall Tales and True
Speakeasy Toastmasters held the tall tales competition and a regular meeting on April 15th. Noel O’ Connor was Toastmaster for the normal meeting and chaired the competition. Kieran Butler was Topicsmaster. The evening commenced with the regular meeting. Delivering speeches were Mary Moynihan who described the economic and health benefits of farmer market produce, Cáit Murray who explained the phenomenon of spring and Michael Buckley, a long-standing member of the Crusaders Toastmasters Club in Cork, who delivered an entertaining speech, which described the attraction between the sexes. The speech evaluators were Tony O’ Regan, Pat Sexton and Ray Ryan Jnr.
After the tea break the Tall Tales competition was held. The speakers had to deliver a quirky speech of a humorous nature. Taking part in the competition were Sean Corcoran, Michael Cronin, Mary Buckley, Ray Ryan Jnr and Danielle Lenihan. Michael Cronin won the competition with Ray Ryan Jnr placed second. Finally Pat Sexton was congratulated on winning the Area 17 speech evaluation competition, and will be representing the area in the division final, which will be held at the Oriel Hotel, Ballincollig on April 25th.
Our next meeting will be held on April 29th at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, starting at 8:00pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog containing our press release archive, or from Ray ay 086-3675706.
After the tea break the Tall Tales competition was held. The speakers had to deliver a quirky speech of a humorous nature. Taking part in the competition were Sean Corcoran, Michael Cronin, Mary Buckley, Ray Ryan Jnr and Danielle Lenihan. Michael Cronin won the competition with Ray Ryan Jnr placed second. Finally Pat Sexton was congratulated on winning the Area 17 speech evaluation competition, and will be representing the area in the division final, which will be held at the Oriel Hotel, Ballincollig on April 25th.
Our next meeting will be held on April 29th at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, starting at 8:00pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog containing our press release archive, or from Ray ay 086-3675706.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Speak Easy Members as Leaders
Members of Speakeasy Toastmasters have made a significant contribution to the wider Toastmaster organization. Club members who served as area governors since the 1990’s include Joe O’ Connor, Matt Lawlee, Jeremiah Roynane, Jerry Kelleher, Michael Cronin, Sean Corcoran, Pat Duggan, Margaret O’ Regan and Tony O’ Regan. Division Governors drawn from our have been Pat Sexton, Jeremiah Roynane, Tony O’ Regan and Sean Corcoran, while Pat Duggan served as an assistant division governor. Jeremiah Roynane served as District 71 Governor in 2003, the highest ranking Toastmaster in Ireland and the UK. Dermot Meaney and John Stack have also served on the District 71 Committee.
Not alone have members of Speakeasy Toastmasters served in leadership roles but they have contributed to the wider Toastmaster community through the establishment of new clubs and supporting the efforts of our neighbouring clubs. The contribution of Sean Corcoran was recognized recently when he was presented with the Paul G. Murphy award which honours the Toastmaster of the year in Division A. In addition to Sean’s work with Toastmaster clubs in the Division, Sean maintains our club website and was webmaster for the District 71 website.
Details of the Tall Tales competition will feature on next week’s report. Our next meeting will be held on April 29th at our usual venue; the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com , which features a blog containing meeting reports and a photo gallery, or from Ray at 086-3675706. Non-members are more than welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak.
Not alone have members of Speakeasy Toastmasters served in leadership roles but they have contributed to the wider Toastmaster community through the establishment of new clubs and supporting the efforts of our neighbouring clubs. The contribution of Sean Corcoran was recognized recently when he was presented with the Paul G. Murphy award which honours the Toastmaster of the year in Division A. In addition to Sean’s work with Toastmaster clubs in the Division, Sean maintains our club website and was webmaster for the District 71 website.
Details of the Tall Tales competition will feature on next week’s report. Our next meeting will be held on April 29th at our usual venue; the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com , which features a blog containing meeting reports and a photo gallery, or from Ray at 086-3675706. Non-members are more than welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak.
Monday, April 05, 2010
The Glass Half-Full Club
Speakeasy Toastmasters met on Wednesday March 31st. Jerry Mulcahy was Toastmaster for the evening and Bridie O’ Connell was Topicsmaster. The other officers for the meeting were Joe Hassett who was general evaluator, Pat Sexton who was timekeeper and Jean Sayers who was grammarian.
Four speakers were on the night’s program. Helen Buckley, from the Nice ‘n Easy Club, delivered a speech about soil cultivation. Kieran Butler argued in favour of equality for both men and women, Ray Ryan Jnr recounted humorous incidences of heckling at political meetings. Pat Duggan invited us to join the “Glass half-full Club” and embrace the power of positive thinking. The speech evaluators were Angela Sheehan, Anne Buckley, Noel O’ Connor and Sean Corcoran.
The next meeting of Speakeasy Toastmasters will be held at our usual venue, the Hibernian Hotel Mallow, Thursday April 15th, commencing at 8:00pm. On that night we will be holding the club Tall Tales contest. Contestants will deliver a short humorous speech which will have bizarre twists. Further details about the club are available from our website,
www.speakeasytoastmasters.com , which features a blog containing meeting reports and a photo gallery, or from Ray at 086-3675706. Non-members are more than welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak.
Four speakers were on the night’s program. Helen Buckley, from the Nice ‘n Easy Club, delivered a speech about soil cultivation. Kieran Butler argued in favour of equality for both men and women, Ray Ryan Jnr recounted humorous incidences of heckling at political meetings. Pat Duggan invited us to join the “Glass half-full Club” and embrace the power of positive thinking. The speech evaluators were Angela Sheehan, Anne Buckley, Noel O’ Connor and Sean Corcoran.
The next meeting of Speakeasy Toastmasters will be held at our usual venue, the Hibernian Hotel Mallow, Thursday April 15th, commencing at 8:00pm. On that night we will be holding the club Tall Tales contest. Contestants will deliver a short humorous speech which will have bizarre twists. Further details about the club are available from our website,
www.speakeasytoastmasters.com , which features a blog containing meeting reports and a photo gallery, or from Ray at 086-3675706. Non-members are more than welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Toastmasters Community is.........
The Speakeasy Club is part of a wider Toastmasters Community. Our club is a constituent of Area 17, which includes other clubs such as the Galtees Club in Mitchelstown, Fáilte Toastmasters in Charleville and Fermoy Toastmasters.
In turn Area 17 is part of Division A, which comprises of all the Toastmaster Clubs in Cork. Kerry and Limerick County. DivisionA forms part of Toastmaster District 71, which includes Ireland and Great Britain.
The other Toastmaster Divisions in Ireland are Division C, which comprises the Greater Dublin area, Division D which covers the South-East of the country, and Division F which consists of the West , North-West and the Midlands.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday April 15th at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm. Non-members are more than welcome and will not be asked to speak. Details of our previous meeting, which was held on April 31st, will appear in next week’s issue of the Mallow Star.
Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com , which features a blog containing meeting reports and a photo gallery, or from Ray at 086-3675706
In turn Area 17 is part of Division A, which comprises of all the Toastmaster Clubs in Cork. Kerry and Limerick County. DivisionA forms part of Toastmaster District 71, which includes Ireland and Great Britain.
The other Toastmaster Divisions in Ireland are Division C, which comprises the Greater Dublin area, Division D which covers the South-East of the country, and Division F which consists of the West , North-West and the Midlands.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday April 15th at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm. Non-members are more than welcome and will not be asked to speak. Details of our previous meeting, which was held on April 31st, will appear in next week’s issue of the Mallow Star.
Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com , which features a blog containing meeting reports and a photo gallery, or from Ray at 086-3675706
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Contests Coming
One of the highlights of the toastmaster year is the international speech and evaluation competition night. To compete in the international speech competition, one deliverers a five to seven minute speech.
The winner at club level then progresses onto the area stage, which locally is area 17, including the clubs in Fermoy, Mitchelstown and Charleville. The Area winner then competes at the Division Final. We are part of Division A, which includes all clubs in Cork, Kerry and Limerick County.
The Division Winner then progresses onto the District Final, competing against speakers from other divisions, across the UK and Ireland. The district winner then competes at the Toastmasters world convention.
In the evaluation competition, a guest speaker from another club delivers a speech. The competitors in the evaluation competition are led away to another room to prepare their evaluations. The competitors are then brought back one by one to deliver their evaluations.
The evaluation competition progresses to district level.
You can see this in action when Speakeasy Toastmasters will hold our club evaluation and international speech competition, on March 18th at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm.
Further details about the club are available from our website www.speakeasytoastmasters.com which features a blog containing all our past press reports, or from Ray at 086-3675706. Non-members are welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak.
The winner at club level then progresses onto the area stage, which locally is area 17, including the clubs in Fermoy, Mitchelstown and Charleville. The Area winner then competes at the Division Final. We are part of Division A, which includes all clubs in Cork, Kerry and Limerick County.
The Division Winner then progresses onto the District Final, competing against speakers from other divisions, across the UK and Ireland. The district winner then competes at the Toastmasters world convention.
In the evaluation competition, a guest speaker from another club delivers a speech. The competitors in the evaluation competition are led away to another room to prepare their evaluations. The competitors are then brought back one by one to deliver their evaluations.
The evaluation competition progresses to district level.
You can see this in action when Speakeasy Toastmasters will hold our club evaluation and international speech competition, on March 18th at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm.
Further details about the club are available from our website www.speakeasytoastmasters.com which features a blog containing all our past press reports, or from Ray at 086-3675706. Non-members are welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Tinsmiths, Radio Eireann and Hairstyles
Speakeasy Toastmasters held yet another successful meeting on March 4th. The Toastmaster for the evening was Liam Flynn, who chaired the proceedings with his characteristic good humour. Our most recent new member, Bridget Breen, delivered her first speech. The first speech delivered by all new members is one where the member introduces themselves to the other club members. Bridget delivered an accomplished and entertaining “icebreaker”, describing her childhood in North Kerry and her interest in traditional music. Bridget’s speech was evaluated by Jean Sayers.
Following Bridget was one of our former Presidents, Anne Buckley, who gave a witty account of the importance of the hair styling industry. Loretto Barry was Anne’s evaluator. The third speaker was Jerry O’ Callaghan who spoke about the famous Radio Eireann personalities of past years, such as Joe Lynch, Bridie Gallagher, Frankie Byrne and Din Joe. Joe Hassett evaluated Jerry’s speech.
Following Jerry was Angela Sheehan who read an extract from Alan Bennett’s novel “The uncommon reader”, which is a fictional depiction of the current monarch of the UK. Noel O’ Connor evaluated Angela’s speech. The final speaker was Jerry Mulcahy, who described the art of the tinsmith. Declan Curtis evaluated Jerry’s speech.
After the tea break Ray Ryan jnr conducted the topics session, while Sean Corcoran conducted the General Evaluation Session. The other officers for the night included Mary Buckley, who was Timekeeper and Pat Duggan who was the Grammarian. Finally the room was set up by Mary Moynihan and Declan Curtis, the Sergeants at Arms.
Our next meeting, which will be held on March 18th at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm, will feature the club evaluation and international speech competitions. Further details about the club are available from our website www.speakeasytoastmasters.com which features a blog containing all our past press reports, or from Ray at 086-3675706. Non-members are welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak.
Following Bridget was one of our former Presidents, Anne Buckley, who gave a witty account of the importance of the hair styling industry. Loretto Barry was Anne’s evaluator. The third speaker was Jerry O’ Callaghan who spoke about the famous Radio Eireann personalities of past years, such as Joe Lynch, Bridie Gallagher, Frankie Byrne and Din Joe. Joe Hassett evaluated Jerry’s speech.
Following Jerry was Angela Sheehan who read an extract from Alan Bennett’s novel “The uncommon reader”, which is a fictional depiction of the current monarch of the UK. Noel O’ Connor evaluated Angela’s speech. The final speaker was Jerry Mulcahy, who described the art of the tinsmith. Declan Curtis evaluated Jerry’s speech.
After the tea break Ray Ryan jnr conducted the topics session, while Sean Corcoran conducted the General Evaluation Session. The other officers for the night included Mary Buckley, who was Timekeeper and Pat Duggan who was the Grammarian. Finally the room was set up by Mary Moynihan and Declan Curtis, the Sergeants at Arms.
Our next meeting, which will be held on March 18th at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm, will feature the club evaluation and international speech competitions. Further details about the club are available from our website www.speakeasytoastmasters.com which features a blog containing all our past press reports, or from Ray at 086-3675706. Non-members are welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
And the beginning was in....
The Speakeasy Toastmasters Club has been in existence for seventeen years. The club emerged from trial toastmaster meetings held in Mallow in 1992, and was officially established, or chartered, in the following year. Over the years that time members of the Speakeasy Club have performed exceptionally at competition level and have held leadership roles in the Toastmaster organization. Speakeasy Toastmaster members have assisted in establishing other Toastmaster clubs, including the Failte Club in Charleville and the Galtees Club in Mitchlestown.
Toastmasters provides a world of experience, offering development of communication skills, leadership abilities and an added bonus: enjoyment and friendship. All this is waiting for you at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, first and third Thursday of the month. Our meetings are open for non-members to attend and you will not be asked to speak. Our next meeting is on March 4th, Hibernian Hotel, commencing at 8:00pm. More information about the club is available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com or from Ray at 086-3675706.
Toastmasters provides a world of experience, offering development of communication skills, leadership abilities and an added bonus: enjoyment and friendship. All this is waiting for you at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, first and third Thursday of the month. Our meetings are open for non-members to attend and you will not be asked to speak. Our next meeting is on March 4th, Hibernian Hotel, commencing at 8:00pm. More information about the club is available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com or from Ray at 086-3675706.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Hew we work
Expect to find the following at a typical Speakeasy Toastmaster meeting. One of the club members will chair the meeting, acting as “Toastmaster for the evening”. A different club member acts as Toastmaster for each meeting. Then the prepared speeches will be delivered. We have an average of four speeches each night.
All our speeches are based on manuals from Toastmasters International. The manuals comprise different projects which set criteria, such as organizing one’s speech, and so on. However, speeches can be on any subject once the manual objectives are adhered to.
After the tea break, we have a topics session. A club member, again a different person for each meeting, acts as Topicsmaster. The Topicsmaster asks other club members to speak on an unexpected topic for up to two minutes. Needless to say, non-members will not be asked to speak in the topics session, but are welcome to contribute. Following the topics session, the evaluation session takes place.
A club member will act as General Evaluator, making observations on how the meeting was organized. The prepared speeches will be evaluated by other club members, who will comment on the features on the speech, and make recommendations on how the speaker can improve. Recommendations are given in a friendly and constructive manner. Finally, all contributions are timed by a Timekeeper.
See the above in reality at our next meeting which will be held at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, February 18th, at 8:00pm. We meet on the first and third Thursday of each month. Further details on the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com.
All our speeches are based on manuals from Toastmasters International. The manuals comprise different projects which set criteria, such as organizing one’s speech, and so on. However, speeches can be on any subject once the manual objectives are adhered to.
After the tea break, we have a topics session. A club member, again a different person for each meeting, acts as Topicsmaster. The Topicsmaster asks other club members to speak on an unexpected topic for up to two minutes. Needless to say, non-members will not be asked to speak in the topics session, but are welcome to contribute. Following the topics session, the evaluation session takes place.
A club member will act as General Evaluator, making observations on how the meeting was organized. The prepared speeches will be evaluated by other club members, who will comment on the features on the speech, and make recommendations on how the speaker can improve. Recommendations are given in a friendly and constructive manner. Finally, all contributions are timed by a Timekeeper.
See the above in reality at our next meeting which will be held at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, February 18th, at 8:00pm. We meet on the first and third Thursday of each month. Further details on the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com.
"Speak Easy" plus "Nice and Easy"
Speakeasy Toastmasters had a notable joint meeting with members of the Nice ‘n Easy Club , based at the COPE foundation, Quartertown, on February 4th. The Nice ‘n Easy Club was set up by Toastmaster member Jerry Muclahy and members of the Nice ‘n Easy Club have delivered speeches at Speakeasy Toastmasters for many years.
Gerry Mullane, Manager of COPE Mallow, made a presentation to Speakeasy Toastmasters in recognition of the cooperation between both organizations.
Participating at the meeting were Nice ‘n Easy members Michael Broderick and Patricia Coleman who delivered speeches, while Helen Buckley was the Toastmaster for the evening. Speakeasy participants were Pat Duggan, Mary Moynihan and Joe Hassett who delivered speeches. Jerry Mulcahy was Topicsmaster,
Anne Buckley was General Evaluator while Mary Buckley was Timekeeper. The evaluators for the speakers were Noel O’ Connor, Tony O’ Regan, Marie Fitzpatrick, Sean Corcoran and Cait Murray.
Our next meeting will be held at the Hibernian Hotel on Thursday February 18th at 8:00pm. Non-members are welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details on the club are available from our website www.speakeasytoasmasters.com.
Gerry Mullane, Manager of COPE Mallow, made a presentation to Speakeasy Toastmasters in recognition of the cooperation between both organizations.
Participating at the meeting were Nice ‘n Easy members Michael Broderick and Patricia Coleman who delivered speeches, while Helen Buckley was the Toastmaster for the evening. Speakeasy participants were Pat Duggan, Mary Moynihan and Joe Hassett who delivered speeches. Jerry Mulcahy was Topicsmaster,
Anne Buckley was General Evaluator while Mary Buckley was Timekeeper. The evaluators for the speakers were Noel O’ Connor, Tony O’ Regan, Marie Fitzpatrick, Sean Corcoran and Cait Murray.
Our next meeting will be held at the Hibernian Hotel on Thursday February 18th at 8:00pm. Non-members are welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details on the club are available from our website www.speakeasytoasmasters.com.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Speak Easy Toastmaseters and Schoil Mhuire, Kanturk
Speakeasy Toastmasters held another successful meeting on Thursday 18th February. Declan Curtis was the Toastmaster for the meeting and chaired the proceedings in a very capable and affable manner. Other officers for the meeting included Pat Duggan Timekeeper and Anne Buckley Grammarian.
In attendance were students from Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk, three of whom delivered speeches. Sinead Butler spoke on the futility and waste caused by war, Danielle Linehan spoke on the Haiti Earthquake and Sharon Buckley spoke about the experience of being a substitute member of a football team. Sinead’s speech was evaluated by Ray Ryan jnr, Danielle’s speech was evaluated by Michael Cronin and Sharon’s speech was evaluated by Tony O’ Regan.
The remaining speeches were delivered by club members Mary McCarthy who spoke on the adverse effects of procrastination on our lives and Jean Sayers who described the environmental and financial benefits arising from domestic composting. Mary’s speech was evaluated by Bridie O’ Connell while Jean’s speech was evaluated by Jerry Mulcahy.
The Topicsmaster for the night was Marie Fitzpatrick who asked club members to comment on a selection of famous quotations. The General Evaluation session was conducted by Pat Sexton. The meeting concluded with an address by Brian O’ Farrell, Area 17 Governor. Brian is a long-standing member of Fermoy Toastmasters. As Area Governor he is the link between the local clubs and the higher levels of the Toastmaster organization.
Our next meeting will be held on March 4th at our traditional venue and time; the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow 8:00pm. More details about the club can be found on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a club blog and photo gallery, or contact Ray at 086-3675706.
In attendance were students from Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk, three of whom delivered speeches. Sinead Butler spoke on the futility and waste caused by war, Danielle Linehan spoke on the Haiti Earthquake and Sharon Buckley spoke about the experience of being a substitute member of a football team. Sinead’s speech was evaluated by Ray Ryan jnr, Danielle’s speech was evaluated by Michael Cronin and Sharon’s speech was evaluated by Tony O’ Regan.
The remaining speeches were delivered by club members Mary McCarthy who spoke on the adverse effects of procrastination on our lives and Jean Sayers who described the environmental and financial benefits arising from domestic composting. Mary’s speech was evaluated by Bridie O’ Connell while Jean’s speech was evaluated by Jerry Mulcahy.
The Topicsmaster for the night was Marie Fitzpatrick who asked club members to comment on a selection of famous quotations. The General Evaluation session was conducted by Pat Sexton. The meeting concluded with an address by Brian O’ Farrell, Area 17 Governor. Brian is a long-standing member of Fermoy Toastmasters. As Area Governor he is the link between the local clubs and the higher levels of the Toastmaster organization.
Our next meeting will be held on March 4th at our traditional venue and time; the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow 8:00pm. More details about the club can be found on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a club blog and photo gallery, or contact Ray at 086-3675706.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Toastmasters is also a "Great Craic"
While toastmasters is an excellent way of improving a persons communication and leadership skills there is also a great social side to being a toastmaster. The meetings are run on time so that we can all have ample time in the bar afterwards so as to carry on the fun and banter that may have begun at the meeting. Also during the year we would have a number of nights out. On previous occasions we have gone mystery tours, meals out and visits to see a show.
As there are so many toastmasters clubs in the area, it provides a great opportunity to visit their meetings and meet others that are involved in toastmasters. The Speakeasy club shares an area with the clubs in Fermoy, the Failte club in Charleville and the Galtee’s in Mitchelstown. There is also a club in Blarney and a number of clubs in Cork city.
In both May and November of each year there are District conferences held. On these weekends members from clubs in both Ireland and the United Kingdom come together for a number of days. These are great social events as there are hundreds of people present and they are all out for a good time. The last conference took place in York and the next one will be held in Sligo.
The Speakeasy clubs next meeting will take place on this Thursday 21st of January. The meeting will begin at 8pm and finish at 10pm and takes place in the Hibernian Hotel. Everybody is welcome and guests will not be asked to speak.
As there are so many toastmasters clubs in the area, it provides a great opportunity to visit their meetings and meet others that are involved in toastmasters. The Speakeasy club shares an area with the clubs in Fermoy, the Failte club in Charleville and the Galtee’s in Mitchelstown. There is also a club in Blarney and a number of clubs in Cork city.
In both May and November of each year there are District conferences held. On these weekends members from clubs in both Ireland and the United Kingdom come together for a number of days. These are great social events as there are hundreds of people present and they are all out for a good time. The last conference took place in York and the next one will be held in Sligo.
The Speakeasy clubs next meeting will take place on this Thursday 21st of January. The meeting will begin at 8pm and finish at 10pm and takes place in the Hibernian Hotel. Everybody is welcome and guests will not be asked to speak.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Meeting for Jan 7th is cancelled
The Speak Easy Toastmasters meeting scheduled for Thursday January 7 is, unfortunately, cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. The next meeting is on Thursday 21nd.
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