Patricia breaks the ice in style.

Dealing with adversity was the central theme of speeches at last week's meeting of Speakeasy Toastmasters Club. Patricia Buckley presented her Icebreaker Speech. The purpose of an Icebreaker is to introduce yourself to your audience and to begin speaking in public. Patricia did this with style and passion as she spoke movingly of the challenges she had to overcome in early childhood. "I survived" was her mantra. Her evaluator, Marie Fitzpatrick commended her on her presentation as "composed and confident, delivered with grace and humour". 

Claire O'Connell delivered an entertaining speech - "I am the Greatest!" She outlined the three sources of contentment in her life - being positive, avoiding comparing herself to others because when you compare it leads to despair and being creative. As always, Claire provided humorous anecdotes to support her entertaining message. 

Michael Donegan took us for a trip down memory lane as he waxed nostalgically on - "Radio - what's new?" He celebrated the influence of the wireless or the transistor  on his life - from his early days listening to Radio Éireann when set dancing was on the wireless. He described his enjoyment of the comedy programmes on BBC Radio. And then he recalled the heady days of the Pirate Station,  Radio Caroline which broadcast from the English Channel. Like many an impressionable youth Michael was besotted with the wide range of music that crackled through the Medium Waveband. To many of "a particular age", Radio Caroline brings back very fond memories. 

The final speaker of the evening was Kevin O'Neill who addressed a subject that is familiar to  every Toastmaster- "Public Speaking - what's the problem?" In a friendly, conversational manner, Kevin spoke about overcoming his own fears of standing up before an audience and feeling nervous and self conscious. He strongly suggested to keep speaking. "The more often you do it, the better it gets". In the words of the writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson -" Once you do the thing you fear, the death of fear is certain". Throughout it's existence, Speakeasy Toastmasters has helped many members to overcome their anxieties and flourish as confident and competent communicators. And, you are never too young, too old or too busy to learn a new and important skill. 

Each of the speakers on the programme were comprehensively evaluated by their assigned evaluator. Marie Fitzpatrick, Liam Flynn, Mary Buckley and Marie Lynes provided appropriate commendation and recommendations to the speakers.

Michael Donegan, Claire O'Connell, Patricia Buckley & Kevin O' Neill

Topicsmaster Ray Ryan encouraged members to sound off on a broad range of issues from the Winter Olympics to the opening of Public Houses on Good Friday with detours to Smartphones for children and members' hidden talents along the way. Drug cheats, neglectful parents and stories of smuggled phones in prisons being used to download "Adult Content"were called out by various members. The amazing story of Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan was recalled which was rather appropriate with the release of the movie -" I Tonya".

At the Meeting's conclusion, awards were presented to Patricia Buckley, First Timer; Marie Lynes, Best Evaluation and Michael Donegan, Best Speaker. 

Meanwhile, plans are progressing for Speakeasy Toastmasters 25th Anniversary Celebration Night on Friday, 2nd March in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow. Tickets for this special event are available on the night and from Club President, Helsa Giles. This promises to be a wonderful showcase for Toastmasters as well as a great night of entertainment. 

The next Speakeasy Toastmasters meeting takes place on Thursday, 22nd February in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at 8.00PM. As always, guests are welcome and will not be obliged to speak unless they wish to do so. For more information please visit our website speakeasytoastmasters.com or on Facebook. Alternatively you can contact Helsa Giles - 0838858848.