‘I should have said nothing’

Speak Easy Toastmaster’s meeting on April 20th 2011 was another in which guests and members enjoyed themselves.

Joining Immediate Past President Michael Cronin at the top table was Loretto Barry, Topics Master and Cait Murray who was Toast Master.

First to the lectern was Claire O’ Connell with a speech entitled ‘Jump Suits Fashion Supreme or Fashion Dud’. Claire’s speech was very entertaining. She informed the group of her fashion dislikes including the jump suit, culottes and skinny jeans on men. Claire gave some of the practical uses where jump suits could be used but was adamant that they should not be seen on the cat walk.

Following Claire was Pat Duggan with a speech entitled ‘Grumpy old men’. Pat decided to do his ice breaker again. His speech was very philosophical and optimistic. He reminded the audience that happiness happens without money and recommended to the audience that they should ask for support when they require it.

Pat was followed by Angela Sheehan with an educational session on giving an impromptu talk. Angela’s presentation was very informative as impromptu speaking is a valuable skill to be acquired for every day living. This skill can be developed in Toastmasters and used elsewhere. The key aspects of giving such a talk include listening; pausing; confirming; telling and most importantly knowing when to stop.

Next to the lectern was Mary Buckley with a speech entitled ‘I should have said nothing.’ Mary’s speech was entertaining and emotive. Mary recounted a true story from her childhood. The lesson she learnt from the specific incident came to light at a recent school reunion where the story was retold.

Mary was followed by Kieran Butler with a speech entitled Pieta House- Bringing Hope’. Kieran gave a very effective speech on the subject of Suicide. He informed the group of the great work Pieta House does in the area of suicide prevention and the assistance it gives people in regaining the zest for life.

Finally it was the turn of Jerry Mulcahy with an interpretative reading from the poem ‘Lines from Adonais’ by Percy Bysshe Shelley.

The topic session for the evening was conducted by Topicsmaster Loretto Barry. Loretto had a huge amount of topics which were varied and various.

Timekeeper Mary Moynihan reminded speakers/people contributing to topics when their allocated times were up while grammarian/ah counter Bridget Breen 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.

Sean Corcoran, conducted the General Evaluation Session and conducted the part of the meeting in which speakers received feedback from their assigned evaluators who were Michael Cronin, Bill Martin, Tony O’ Regan, Bridie O’ Connell, Ray Ryan and Dave Clarke. 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, Thursday May 5th 2011 (Club AGM) 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 or why not follow Speak Easy Toastmasters on Facebook?