The evening of Thursday, 18th September 2025 saw members and guests gather at the Hibernian Hotel for another engaging and inspiring Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters meeting. From thoughtful reflections to light-hearted exchanges, the night was a reminder of the power of words, stories, and supportive community.
Club Business and Announcements
President Paul C opened proceedings by updating the club on the recent District 71 Council Meeting and announcing an upcoming online speech contest on October 5th, with speeches running between five and seven minutes.
Our Vice President for Education, Margaret O’R, added a creative note to the evening by revealing the theme for an October meeting: “The Masks We Wear” — perfectly timed to coincide with the Halloween season.
Setting the Tone
The role of Toastmaster for the evening was confidently carried out by Paul G, who introduced the meeting roles with poise and clarity. Supporting him were Rachel L as Topicsmaster, Trevor O’S as Timer, and Marie L as Grammarian, who challenged us all to weave the word “disingenuous” into our contributions.
Paul G also reminded the group of a value at the very heart of Toastmasters: while civility in wider public discourse may be waning, within Toastmasters mutual respect and encouragement are part of our DNA.
Speeches that Resonated
Our first prepared speech came from James McC, who shared a moving self-written poem, “My Soul Remembers,” reflecting on the recent passing of a loved one. The heartfelt delivery created a moment of poignancy for all in attendance.
Next, Marie F delivered a thought-provoking speech entitled “8%”, complete with a bag of apples as props. With her trademark energy, Marie reminded us of the small surprises knowledge brings — such as the fact that the crab apple is the only native Irish apple. Few of us knew this before her talk, and it proved the power of Toastmasters to inform as well as inspire.
Breaking from the standard programme, Paul C then led the club through a “Moments of Truth” session. Widely used across Toastmasters clubs, this exercise helps members collectively reflect on achievements and identify areas for growth in the year ahead. It sparked enthusiastic contributions from members and guests alike, who valued the chance to share their perspectives.
Topics and Evaluations
After a much-appreciated tea break, the group launched into the always-popular Table Topics session, led by Rachel L. Topics ranged from first jobs (with tales of garden centres, strawberry picking, and beet thinning) to seasonal reflections. A highlight came when Helsa shared why Autumn is her favourite season, citing its colours, atmosphere, and energy.
The meeting concluded with evaluations, guided by General Evaluator Pat S. Evaluators provided constructive feedback on the prepared speeches, and Pat in turn offered insights into their delivery — ensuring every member left with encouragement and practical tips to improve.
Looking Ahead
It was an evening of heartfelt speeches, lively activities, and reflective discussion, reminding us of why Toastmasters is such a unique and rewarding experience.
📅 Next Meeting: Thursday, 2nd October 2025, 8pm
📍 Hibernian Hotel, Mallow
🎟️ Guests always welcome
Whether you are looking to improve your public speaking, boost your confidence, or simply enjoy an evening of stories and laughter, Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters promises a warm welcome.
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