No Mon(ey) No Fun? Oh yes there is, at Speak Easy Toastmasters

No Mon(ey) No Fun?

No Mon(ey) No Fun? Oh yes there is, at Speak Easy Toastmasters  

Christmas is gone – the pockets are empty, and you cannot afford a night out.

Solution 

-You will get for the total cost of € 5.00 - coffee/tea and biscuits ; a warm comfortable room; convivial company; many laughs; the greatest personal satisfaction and sense of achievement when you take part; no hangover; no sore head; no empty pockets; you will make new friends and go home energized. Can you find a better offer than that? I doubt it.

Where 

-Hibernian Hotel Mallow on alternate Thursdays, at 8 pm sharp for the first meeting ofSpeakeasy Toastmasters Club  Thursday 8th January.

Why -
Because you will learn to

• Think and speak on your feet through impromptu speaking
• Prepare and deliver effective presentations
• Provide constructive and structured feedback
• Successfully lead and energise meetings
• Network
• Build self confidence when communication skills in all areas of life
• These tools will help you to fulfill individual potential in and out of the work place.

Relaxing Speak Easy Toastmasters Meeting in
 The Hibernian Hotel
Mallow

May I clear up some misapprehensions about coming to a Toastmasters Meeting. It is widely understood or should I say misunderstood that you will be asked to speak, and worse still, if you do stand up to speak, you will become asphyxiated, and will have to be resuscitated - NOT TRUE. You may come along as a guest to meetings and keep your mouth shut for as long or as short a period as you wish to do so. However, you will, should you request it, be ‘mothered’ and ‘mentored’ for a limited period. I say ‘limited’ because it would not be in your own interest for you to sit on your pretty little ‘tot’ and do nothing month after month. We are a learning by doing Club.There is a great feeling of achievement and self-satisfaction when one takes part at a meeting.

So my dear readers take that gigantic step (we will be there should you trip), and come to our next meeting with an open mind. Give us a chance to impress you, and you will be suitably pleased with us. We are ‘awfully nice’ people.

For further information visit our website at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

 

  or by contact Liam 087 6380053 or Marie 087-9746947

Toastmasters And You - 2015!

Toastmasters And You - 2015!

Why not come to the first meeting of 2015 Speak Easy Toastmasters?  Its January, and you deserve the chance to spend one evening every fortnight than with friends, enjoying yourself, having a chat, learning and having fun!

Speak Easy Toastmasters are part of Toastmasters International which is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations.
Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization has hundreds of thousands of members in clubs in worldwide. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.

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

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

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

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

Speak Easy Toastmasters is one of many clubs that can be found all over Ireland and was formed in 1993. Since its formation Speak Easy members have won numerous toastmaster contests at both local and district (Ireland and UK) level. The club is constantly recognised by Toastmasters International, and has just presented with a “distinguished area award.”along with its sister clubs.

Now for 2015, why not come along to any one of our meetings as a guest? Guests are never asked to speak at a toastmasters meeting so come along, relax and enjoy the evening.

The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on 8^th January at 8.00pm. Rona Coghlan PRO. Further information visit our website at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

 

  or by contact Liam 087 6380053 or Marie 087-9746947

Speakeasy Celebrate Distinguished Award

Speakeasy Celebrate Distinguished Award

Speakeasy Toastmasters are delighted to announce that Area 17 (Mallow, Fermoy, Mitchelstown and Charleville) has won the prestigious “Distinguished Area Award” under the stewardship of Speakeasy club member, Anne Buckley. Anne Buckley’s gentle and caring manner inspires confidence in those she meets. Her attention to detail was beneficial to all, in her role as Area Governor last year.

The Distinguished Area Programme recognises Areas that plan, set goals and achieve success. The programme builds on club success and compliments the goals that Divisions and Districts set, to earn distinguished recognition.

Areas earn Distinguished Awards by meeting the goals outlined in the Toastmasters International Programme. In 2013-2014 the Area 17 achieved this award. This award recognises clubs that provide positive and supportive environments that leads to member success, which is at the heart of Toastmasters.

Roles in toastmasters help to develop confidence and provide experience in everything from budgeting, organising a meeting, planning a program and booking venues. If these are skills which would benefit you, why not visit our website to learn more.

The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on 8^th January at 8.00pm. Rona Coghlan PRO. Further information visit our website at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

 

  or by contact Liam 087 6380053 or Marie 087-9746947

Santa Came to Speakeasy

Santa Came to Speakeasy

Our meeting was thrown into complete disarray by the unexpected arrival of Santa Claus. Welcoming committee Margaret O’Regan, Helsa Giles and Brendan Foley were initially stunned when Santa arrived and asked for advice on where to park his reindeer and sleigh. Ruldoph wore a hat over his shiny red nose to avoid dazzling cars on Main Street, from his parking spot on the roof of the Hibernian Hotel.

Ray Ryan (Division A Governor) Anne Buckley (Former Area 17
 Governor) Pat Duggan EVP Guardian Toastmasters

Congratulations to club member Ray Ryan who has assumed the role of Division A Governor in succession to Eddie O’Mahony.Ray Ryan was our Toastmaster for our Christmas meeting with David Roche assisting with timekeeping. Ray was having a musical night, treating us to a song from both himself and his red and white singing tie. Both were fantastic, although only one required batteries.

Tonight’s speakers included; Anne O’Donovan, Noel O’Connor, Helsa Giles, Claire O’Connell and Liam Flynn. Anne’s speech called “Done Deal,” provided tips for using the site successfully. Her technical advisor (her son) had taught her well and I might just try putting her tips to use! Noel gave a beautiful Christmas speech entitled, “What You Get.” Every present should create a memory. Noel had a list of thoughtful gift ideas for all ages. Santa was taking notes during this speech! Noel also let a secret out of the bag. If you go to Doneraile Park on Christmas morning you might just see some very tired reindeer resting up after a busy night pulling Santa’s sleigh. Helsa gave a speech entitled, “Why Santa Is Real.” Perhaps this is the reason Santa came along to our meeting? Santa certainly found the speech very entertaining, chuckling away to himself throughout the speech as Helsa provided evidence of his existence. Claire gave a thought provoking speech simply titled, “Rebecca.” Claire’s heroes are ordinary people who make a change. Rebecca turned her life from negative to positive, earning Claire’s admiration. It was a timely reminder to look around our local community this Christmas and see the struggles and triumphs of those around us. Liam gave a tribute to the larger than life character who was, “Jackie Healy Rae.” He shared many of his distinctive quotes and some of his achievements for his constituency. Tonight’s evaluator

Mary Moynahan and Marie Fitzpatrick

s were Tony O’ Regan, Mary Moynihan, Angela Sheehan, Anne Buckley and Pat Sexton .

The topicsmaster for the night was Michael Cronin. Michael loves to ask questions and he had thought up a fantastic and in some cases, unprintable, set of questions. “Do you like Brussel sprouts?”, “What’s your favourite Christmas song?” “What was your favourite Christmas present?” The meeting was evaluated by Pat Duggan who awarded ribbons to Anne O’Donovan (speeches), Pat Sexton (evaluation) and Bridie O’Connell (topics). Santa gave a special thanks to everyone for their warm welcome and on behalf of his reindeers, he thanked the Hibernian Hotel for the carrots and oats.

The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on 8^th January at 8.00pm. Rona Coghlan PRO. Further information visit our website at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

 

  or by contact Liam 087 6380053 or Marie 087-9746947

Join The Festive Fun!

Join The Festive Fun!

Tonight’s meeting will be the Christmas meeting. There will be light hearted speeches and Christmas themed impromptu topics.  Find out what people really think of Santa and his elves. Discover people’s true feelings about cold turkey and Christmas trees and if you’re feeling talkative, throw in your own comments whether it’s during the tea break or the formal impromptu session.

Christmas is a time for nostalgia! Looking back to 2010  Sean Corcoran, Bridie O'Connell, Margaret O'Regan, Angela Sheehan 

If you see a piece holly or a picture of Santa what pops into your mind?  Welcome to the power of the visual aid. In our image rich world people have become visual learners so when making a speech or presentation it is important to use an effective visual aid or prop to enhance your message and to make your audience remember it.

Here are a number of tips that will help you use such visual aids correctly.

Visual aids should be easy to see. Whatever aid is chosen it should be seen by all of your audience, so choose the size and colour so that the people at the back of the room can see it clearly.

Visual aids should look professional. Your audience should be able to look at your aid and immediately get the point. If you are using a Flip Chart or Powerpoint, keep text or bullet points to a minimum.

Visual aids should be explained clearly. Don’t assume that your audience will automatically know what the prop means. Explain what it is for, and what it represents.

Visual aids should not be distracting. The aid that you use is meant to enhance your speech. Show the aid at the appropriate stage in your presentation. As a rule of thumb, you should not pass around a visual aid around a room during your presentation as the audience will be looking at it and not listening to you.

Visual aids should be appropriate to your audience. Use common sense when choosing an aid to use in your presentation. Choose a visual aid with the same care and attention that you prepare your speech with.

The above are just a few tips on the use of visual aids for a speech or presentation. Use of such aids is an important skill that needs to be practised regularly.

In Speak Easy Toastmasters every fortnight, this skill and indeed all of the many skills that go into making competent and professional speeches are practised and perfected by club members. A Toastmasters Club is not a classroom but a workshop where Toastmasters meet to hone their skills and most importantly to enjoy themselves.