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
Showing posts with label buttevent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buttevent. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas Cheer
The clubs final meeting of 2009 took place on the 10th of December and those present were treated to five excellent speeches. The toastmaster for the evening Pat Duggan put all the speakers at ease as he gave all of them a great introduction.
The first speaker of the evening was Jean Sayers who gave a very powerful speech on why everybody should carry an organ donor card. Her speech gave very compelling reasons as to the benefits of organ donation ever though it’s a time of sadness for the family of the donor. Jeans evaluator Mary Buckley commended her on the great work she put into the speech.
The next two speeches were readings. First we had Noel O’Connor who read a very funny story by Joseph O’Connor, which had the audience in fits of laughter. Following this we heard a speech from Winston Churchill, which was read by Joe Hassett. Joe set the scene for the reading, which allowed the audience to fully understand the message of the speech.
Our final two speakers for the evening had very strong festive themes. Anne Buckley gave a very though provoking speech as to what the spirit of Christmas should be. She encouraged us all to think back to times past when there was a real spirit and maybe it was now time to find again the true values of this time of the year.
Sean Corcoran was our final speaker of the night. He shared with us a very entertaining story about how as a young electrician in the 70’s he put up the Christmas lights in Limerick city. He then gave us the full story as to how the Lord Mayor switched them on and how that all was not as it seemed.
The clubs meeting will take place on the Thursday 7th January 2010. In the meantime we would like to wish everybody a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.
The first speaker of the evening was Jean Sayers who gave a very powerful speech on why everybody should carry an organ donor card. Her speech gave very compelling reasons as to the benefits of organ donation ever though it’s a time of sadness for the family of the donor. Jeans evaluator Mary Buckley commended her on the great work she put into the speech.
The next two speeches were readings. First we had Noel O’Connor who read a very funny story by Joseph O’Connor, which had the audience in fits of laughter. Following this we heard a speech from Winston Churchill, which was read by Joe Hassett. Joe set the scene for the reading, which allowed the audience to fully understand the message of the speech.
Our final two speakers for the evening had very strong festive themes. Anne Buckley gave a very though provoking speech as to what the spirit of Christmas should be. She encouraged us all to think back to times past when there was a real spirit and maybe it was now time to find again the true values of this time of the year.
Sean Corcoran was our final speaker of the night. He shared with us a very entertaining story about how as a young electrician in the 70’s he put up the Christmas lights in Limerick city. He then gave us the full story as to how the Lord Mayor switched them on and how that all was not as it seemed.
The clubs meeting will take place on the Thursday 7th January 2010. In the meantime we would like to wish everybody a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Woodhouse and Italy
A great attendance
The club had a great meeting last Thursday night with over thirty people present. Many of those present on the evening were guests and they enjoyed what they saw. Anne Buckley chaired the meeting. As Toastmaster Anne ensured the meeting ran smoothly throughout.
We had four excellent speakers on the night and Joe Hassett was the first to speak. Joe gave us a very entertaining reading from the works of PG Woodhouse, which went down very well with the audience. Joe’s evaluator on the night was Declan Curtis and he gave some great suggestions to Joe for his future speeches.
Jean Sayers then followed with a speech about Halloween, which was very topical with Halloween just around the corner. Her speech enlightened the audience to the meaning behind many of the traditions of the time of the year. Marie Fitzpatrick gave Jean a very motivating evaluation. Sean Corcoran followed with a very powerful display of speechmaking whereby he took a famous historical speech and delivered it to a present day audience with great effect. Tony O’Regan as evaluator commended Sean on his fine delivery.
The final speech of the night was a very entertaining one delivered by Cait Murray in which she described her cycling holiday in Italy and questioned as to whether or not you could call it a holiday with all the steep hills that had to be negotiated. Loretto Barry gave Cait a very helpful evaluation.
The clubs next meeting will take place on Thursday 12th of November. It’s a special night as it will be the annual Schools Contest whereby students from the local schools will get an opportunity to demonstrate their speaking skills. The meeting will begin at 8pm and finish at 10pm and takes place in the Munster room in the Hibernian Hotel.
Guests are always very welcome and will never be asked to speak. For more information about the club please go to our website at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
The club had a great meeting last Thursday night with over thirty people present. Many of those present on the evening were guests and they enjoyed what they saw. Anne Buckley chaired the meeting. As Toastmaster Anne ensured the meeting ran smoothly throughout.
We had four excellent speakers on the night and Joe Hassett was the first to speak. Joe gave us a very entertaining reading from the works of PG Woodhouse, which went down very well with the audience. Joe’s evaluator on the night was Declan Curtis and he gave some great suggestions to Joe for his future speeches.
Jean Sayers then followed with a speech about Halloween, which was very topical with Halloween just around the corner. Her speech enlightened the audience to the meaning behind many of the traditions of the time of the year. Marie Fitzpatrick gave Jean a very motivating evaluation. Sean Corcoran followed with a very powerful display of speechmaking whereby he took a famous historical speech and delivered it to a present day audience with great effect. Tony O’Regan as evaluator commended Sean on his fine delivery.
The final speech of the night was a very entertaining one delivered by Cait Murray in which she described her cycling holiday in Italy and questioned as to whether or not you could call it a holiday with all the steep hills that had to be negotiated. Loretto Barry gave Cait a very helpful evaluation.
The clubs next meeting will take place on Thursday 12th of November. It’s a special night as it will be the annual Schools Contest whereby students from the local schools will get an opportunity to demonstrate their speaking skills. The meeting will begin at 8pm and finish at 10pm and takes place in the Munster room in the Hibernian Hotel.
Guests are always very welcome and will never be asked to speak. For more information about the club please go to our website at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Humorous Speech Contest and Rehearsing that Speech
Previously, we discussed the way to structure a speech or presentation with the “Opening, Body and Conclusion”, this week we look at preparing yourself to make that presentation.
How do you do that? By rehearsing.
Practice the talk until you are comfortable with it.
You won’t need to memorise the body of the talk since you already know all about the subject. As mentioned already, you should memorise your opening and conclusion.
Present the talk to a family member or friend and ask for comments.
They may give you some helpful suggestions. If you have a tape recorder, record the talk and listen to it carefully making any necessary improvements to improve your speaking ability. Rehearse as often as it takes until you are comfortable with your presentation. Use visualizing techniques in which you imagine yourself in front of your audience delivering that perfect presentation.
Another very important aspect of making your presentation is appearance.
Be well groomed and appropriately dressed. When you look right, you feel good about yourself. You will then forget about your appearance and concentrating about presenting your talk. You will have increased confidence because you know you have made a good first impression on your audience.
All these presentation skills and many more are learned and practiced at every toastmaster meeting. A toastmaster meeting is not a classroom or lecture but a workshop in which the emphasis is on mutual support, learning but most importantly on enjoyment, fun and friendship.
Don’t just take my word for it, come along and see for yourself.
As a guest you will be most welcome and you will not be asked to speak.
Last Thursday night saw the Club Finals of the Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contests.
Entrants in the Humorous Speech Contests were Ray Ryan with his speech, "Extra Luggage", Michael Cronin with, "Bright Spots", and Pat Sexton with, "Winners Podium".
Club members taking part in the Table Topics Contest were Michael Cronin, Pat Duggan, Tony O'Regan, Ray Ryan and Declan Curtis.
Winners were Michael Cronin in the Speech Contest and Ray Ryan in the Table Topics Contest.
Both will represent the club in the Area 17 Final on October 20 in the Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown.
Further information on The Speak Easy Toastmasters Club can be obtained by logging on to our website at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
How do you do that? By rehearsing.
Practice the talk until you are comfortable with it.
You won’t need to memorise the body of the talk since you already know all about the subject. As mentioned already, you should memorise your opening and conclusion.
Present the talk to a family member or friend and ask for comments.
They may give you some helpful suggestions. If you have a tape recorder, record the talk and listen to it carefully making any necessary improvements to improve your speaking ability. Rehearse as often as it takes until you are comfortable with your presentation. Use visualizing techniques in which you imagine yourself in front of your audience delivering that perfect presentation.
Another very important aspect of making your presentation is appearance.
Be well groomed and appropriately dressed. When you look right, you feel good about yourself. You will then forget about your appearance and concentrating about presenting your talk. You will have increased confidence because you know you have made a good first impression on your audience.
All these presentation skills and many more are learned and practiced at every toastmaster meeting. A toastmaster meeting is not a classroom or lecture but a workshop in which the emphasis is on mutual support, learning but most importantly on enjoyment, fun and friendship.
Don’t just take my word for it, come along and see for yourself.
As a guest you will be most welcome and you will not be asked to speak.
Last Thursday night saw the Club Finals of the Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contests.
Entrants in the Humorous Speech Contests were Ray Ryan with his speech, "Extra Luggage", Michael Cronin with, "Bright Spots", and Pat Sexton with, "Winners Podium".
Club members taking part in the Table Topics Contest were Michael Cronin, Pat Duggan, Tony O'Regan, Ray Ryan and Declan Curtis.
Winners were Michael Cronin in the Speech Contest and Ray Ryan in the Table Topics Contest.
Both will represent the club in the Area 17 Final on October 20 in the Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown.
Further information on The Speak Easy Toastmasters Club can be obtained by logging on to our website at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Thursday, January 01, 2009
New Years Resolution is to.....................
Happy New Year from Speak Easy Toastmasters and we hope you had a great Christmas.
Oh, and by the way, have you made your new years resolution yet?
It is said that 90% of New Year resolutions will be discarded by the end of January and some of the reasons are, setting yourself too high a goal, not having a specific plan, keeping your resolution to yourself, not having the will power and so on.
So what about making a resolution that you really can keep, one whose goals are readily reachable and in which you will have a specific plan.
One with whom you do not have to keep to yourself and as for will power, all you need, is to want to, and you won’t believe the will power that you will achieve.
No one, but no one, will disagree that communication or lack of it is a serious issue in today’s world and it seems that face to face communication, in some situations, is a dying art.
In other words, people are not talking enough. People sending text messages instead of using their vocal chords. Even when one decides to make a phone call, you are likely to hear, “please leave your name” or the dreaded, “press 1 for accounts, 2 for repairs, “etc. People are spending hours staring bug eyed at tv or computer screens, be it at work or at home with the Xbox or ps3.
So what about in 2009 learning the art of communication? Communication is a two way process, talking and listening, meeting and interacting with people, oh yeah, I nearly forgot, enjoying yourself and having fun while you are at it.
Ok, I hear you asking, “what’s in it for me?”, why should I?”
How about this then? Personal Impact for a start.
You see, personal impact includes key elements of Communication; Presentation; Assertiveness and Influencing techniques. All these components enable you to make the impact you want. We all can improve our ability to influence others. You all cringe at that interview that went badly wrong or that appraisal you wish to forget.
Here is an opportunity to ensure that you will not repeat these experiences. In order to know making an impact works, there are a few areas you have to consider, and study.
Knowing how and why things go wrong
Improving your ability to influence others
Understanding rules and conventions and boundaries
Speaking your mind without offending
Finding our how others see you
An awareness of all of these will increase confidence and raise self esteem. Come along to the next meeting, of Speak Easy Toastmasters, as a guest and see for yourself how we put these skills into practice. We do it in stages and in an encouraging way and you will be most welcome and don’t worry, guests are never asked to speak at a Toastmasters meeting and you can come as a guest as often as you like.
Speak Easy Toastmasters meet just once a fortnight, on Thursday nights, for two hours, 8-10pm in The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow and our first meeting of 2009 is on Thursday, January 8th.
Now, two hours every two weeks to learn the art of communication, meet new friends from all walks of life and all ages, and to really enjoy yourself is a must for 2009, don’t you agree?
After all, “you’re worth it”
So put Thursday, January 8’th at 8pm, in your brand new 2009 diaries and alternate Thursdays from then on until the end of May.
Further information on Speak Easy Toastmasters can be had by contacting our PRO, Sean, on 086 6054784 and on our continually updated website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Oh, and by the way, have you made your new years resolution yet?
It is said that 90% of New Year resolutions will be discarded by the end of January and some of the reasons are, setting yourself too high a goal, not having a specific plan, keeping your resolution to yourself, not having the will power and so on.
So what about making a resolution that you really can keep, one whose goals are readily reachable and in which you will have a specific plan.
One with whom you do not have to keep to yourself and as for will power, all you need, is to want to, and you won’t believe the will power that you will achieve.
No one, but no one, will disagree that communication or lack of it is a serious issue in today’s world and it seems that face to face communication, in some situations, is a dying art.
In other words, people are not talking enough. People sending text messages instead of using their vocal chords. Even when one decides to make a phone call, you are likely to hear, “please leave your name” or the dreaded, “press 1 for accounts, 2 for repairs, “etc. People are spending hours staring bug eyed at tv or computer screens, be it at work or at home with the Xbox or ps3.
So what about in 2009 learning the art of communication? Communication is a two way process, talking and listening, meeting and interacting with people, oh yeah, I nearly forgot, enjoying yourself and having fun while you are at it.
Ok, I hear you asking, “what’s in it for me?”, why should I?”
How about this then? Personal Impact for a start.
You see, personal impact includes key elements of Communication; Presentation; Assertiveness and Influencing techniques. All these components enable you to make the impact you want. We all can improve our ability to influence others. You all cringe at that interview that went badly wrong or that appraisal you wish to forget.
Here is an opportunity to ensure that you will not repeat these experiences. In order to know making an impact works, there are a few areas you have to consider, and study.
Knowing how and why things go wrong
Improving your ability to influence others
Understanding rules and conventions and boundaries
Speaking your mind without offending
Finding our how others see you
An awareness of all of these will increase confidence and raise self esteem. Come along to the next meeting, of Speak Easy Toastmasters, as a guest and see for yourself how we put these skills into practice. We do it in stages and in an encouraging way and you will be most welcome and don’t worry, guests are never asked to speak at a Toastmasters meeting and you can come as a guest as often as you like.
Speak Easy Toastmasters meet just once a fortnight, on Thursday nights, for two hours, 8-10pm in The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow and our first meeting of 2009 is on Thursday, January 8th.
Now, two hours every two weeks to learn the art of communication, meet new friends from all walks of life and all ages, and to really enjoy yourself is a must for 2009, don’t you agree?
After all, “you’re worth it”
So put Thursday, January 8’th at 8pm, in your brand new 2009 diaries and alternate Thursdays from then on until the end of May.
Further information on Speak Easy Toastmasters can be had by contacting our PRO, Sean, on 086 6054784 and on our continually updated website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Mulled Wine and the Christmas Spirit
“Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way” , Not only was there bells a-jingling at Speak Easy Toastmasters meeting last Thursday night in the Hibernian Hotel but the sound of glasses a-tinkling as members and guests were met by a combination of the delicious aroma of mulled wine, mince pies, sweets and Christmas crackers during the evening.
President, Ray Ryan welcomed us all to the meeting and then left us in the capable hands of Marie Fitzpatrick for the remainder of the evening.
Maire introduced the officers of the meeting and their roles for the evening and then introduced the
speakers.
First to the lectern was Grant March who was presenting his second speech to the club with the title “Look Behind You” and after Grant was Joe Hassett with an Interpretive Reading Project entitled “Christmas Carroll”
This was the first of the Interpretive Reading Projects of the evening as following Joe was Pat Sexton with “The Selfish Giant”.
Next came Mary Buckley with, “The Christmas Bear” and Jerry Mulcahy with, Eamon Kelly’s ,
“After Hours”.
After the break it was the turn of Liam Flynn who was Topicsmaster for the evening.
Liam kept us on our toes with both seasonal and up to date topics. The topics session is the part of the meeting in which the members are given a topic to speak on, without any preparation, and must try to speak for two minutes.
Gerry Kelleher was out General Evaluator and conducted the “Evaluation” part of the meeting.
This is where the speakers receive feedback from assigned members, the purpose of which is to encourage the speaker and suggest any areas where the he/she could improve.
It is also an exercise in listening for the person evaluating, as all speakers have objectives to their speech projects and the evaluator must listen carefully in order to give a proper evaluation.
Other officers for the meeting were, Sean Corcoran as Grammarian, Angela Sheehan, Ah-Counter, Timekeeper, Jean Sayers and Sgt at Arms was Cáit Murray.
Last Thursday night’s meeting was also the last meeting of the year for Speak Easy Toastmasters as we break for Christmas time.
Meetings again on Thursday, January 11th at the usual time of 8pm sharp.
If you are wondering what “resolution” you will make for the new year, let me make a suggestion.
Forget about giving up anything, in 2009, take up something instead.
If you feel like making new friends and learning a skill that will benefit you wherever you go.
A skill that does not require you to be a certain standard beforehand, a skill that will make you stand out in the crowd, a skill that you can learn no matter who or what you are, why not consider Toastmasters?
Speak Easy Toastmasters are one of 11,500 clubs in 92 countries with a membership of 235,000.
There are over 5000 members of Toastmasters Clubs in Ireland and the UK, with 500 members in Cork, Kerry and West Limerick.
If you get a few minutes over the Christmas period, look us up on the internet at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com. and call to see us in The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on January 11th at 8pm.
From Speak Easy Toastmasters, A Happy and Peaceful Christmas to you and yours.
President, Ray Ryan welcomed us all to the meeting and then left us in the capable hands of Marie Fitzpatrick for the remainder of the evening.
Maire introduced the officers of the meeting and their roles for the evening and then introduced the
speakers.
First to the lectern was Grant March who was presenting his second speech to the club with the title “Look Behind You” and after Grant was Joe Hassett with an Interpretive Reading Project entitled “Christmas Carroll”
This was the first of the Interpretive Reading Projects of the evening as following Joe was Pat Sexton with “The Selfish Giant”.
Next came Mary Buckley with, “The Christmas Bear” and Jerry Mulcahy with, Eamon Kelly’s ,
“After Hours”.
After the break it was the turn of Liam Flynn who was Topicsmaster for the evening.
Liam kept us on our toes with both seasonal and up to date topics. The topics session is the part of the meeting in which the members are given a topic to speak on, without any preparation, and must try to speak for two minutes.
Gerry Kelleher was out General Evaluator and conducted the “Evaluation” part of the meeting.
This is where the speakers receive feedback from assigned members, the purpose of which is to encourage the speaker and suggest any areas where the he/she could improve.
It is also an exercise in listening for the person evaluating, as all speakers have objectives to their speech projects and the evaluator must listen carefully in order to give a proper evaluation.
Other officers for the meeting were, Sean Corcoran as Grammarian, Angela Sheehan, Ah-Counter, Timekeeper, Jean Sayers and Sgt at Arms was Cáit Murray.
Last Thursday night’s meeting was also the last meeting of the year for Speak Easy Toastmasters as we break for Christmas time.
Meetings again on Thursday, January 11th at the usual time of 8pm sharp.
If you are wondering what “resolution” you will make for the new year, let me make a suggestion.
Forget about giving up anything, in 2009, take up something instead.
If you feel like making new friends and learning a skill that will benefit you wherever you go.
A skill that does not require you to be a certain standard beforehand, a skill that will make you stand out in the crowd, a skill that you can learn no matter who or what you are, why not consider Toastmasters?
Speak Easy Toastmasters are one of 11,500 clubs in 92 countries with a membership of 235,000.
There are over 5000 members of Toastmasters Clubs in Ireland and the UK, with 500 members in Cork, Kerry and West Limerick.
If you get a few minutes over the Christmas period, look us up on the internet at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com. and call to see us in The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on January 11th at 8pm.
From Speak Easy Toastmasters, A Happy and Peaceful Christmas to you and yours.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Seeing is believing, Tips and Tricks
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, Overhead Projector 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.
Tonight in the Hibernian Hotel it will be no different….well maybe a little different as it will be our Christmas meeting. Members will be getting into the festive spirit which means that another great Speak Easy Toastmasters meeting will be a certainty.
Tonight’s meeting, Dec 11th, will be the last for 2008 but Speak Easy Toastmasters will return on Thursday January 8th. There will also be a meeting on January 22nd.
So come along tonight, and any or our meeting nights, to the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at 7.50 for an 8.00pm sharp start. You, as our guest will be most welcome, the craic will be 90 and remember guests will not be asked to speak.
For further information on Speak Easy Toastmasters, contact our Club PRO, Seán on 086 6054784 and also visit our website at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
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, Overhead Projector 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.
Tonight in the Hibernian Hotel it will be no different….well maybe a little different as it will be our Christmas meeting. Members will be getting into the festive spirit which means that another great Speak Easy Toastmasters meeting will be a certainty.
Tonight’s meeting, Dec 11th, will be the last for 2008 but Speak Easy Toastmasters will return on Thursday January 8th. There will also be a meeting on January 22nd.
So come along tonight, and any or our meeting nights, to the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at 7.50 for an 8.00pm sharp start. You, as our guest will be most welcome, the craic will be 90 and remember guests will not be asked to speak.
For further information on Speak Easy Toastmasters, contact our Club PRO, Seán on 086 6054784 and also visit our website at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
Thursday, August 28, 2008
7 days and counting
Only a week to go to the return of Speak Easy Toastmasters after our summer break.
Just a reminder on what the Toastmasters International organization is..
A brief history; the Toastmasters organization began in 1924,more than three million men and women have benefited from its the communication and leadership programs. The first club was formed in October 1924, when a group of men assembled by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley met in the basement of the Santa Ana, California YMCA to form a club "to afford practice and training in the art of public speaking and in presiding over meetings, and to promote sociability and good fellowship among its members."
The group took the name "Toastmasters."
A year later, a second club was started in Anaheim, California, followed by a third in Los Angeles. By 1930, it was apparent that a federation was necessary to coordinate activities of the clubs and to provide standard methods. After formation of a club in Victoria, British Columbia, the group became known as Toastmasters International.
Growth was slow during the early years, but the number of clubs increased steadily. The forerunner of today's Communication and Leadership program, Basic Training, was introduced in 1942 and has been expanded and updated many times since then to keep abreast of the times and members' needs.
Membership in Toastmasters International increased rapidly after the end of World War II, and by 1954 the number of Toastmasters clubs had approached 1,500.
Today there are over 11.700 clubs with 235,000 members in 92 countries worldwide.
In Ireland and the UK (Toastmasters District 71) as of July 2008 there were 196 Clubs with 11,368 members meeting, mostly, once a forthnight.
Speak Easy Toastmasters were founded in 1993 and since then has been one of the most active clubs in the country, constantly achieving top Toastmasters International Club Awards and also Speak Easy members achieving top positions in speech contests.
In leadership roles, Speak Easy members have been continuously to the fore.
So don’t forget, Speak Easy Toastmasters meetings resume on Thursday September 4th in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, at 7.50 for an 8pm sharp start.
If you are looking for something different to get involved in this September, why not try Toastmasters?
You will be delighted you did. Guests are very welcome and will not be asked to speak.
For further information on Speak Easy Toastmasters log on to our website at www.speakeasymasters.com or contact our Club PRO, Seán on 086 6054784.
Just a reminder on what the Toastmasters International organization is..
A brief history; the Toastmasters organization began in 1924,more than three million men and women have benefited from its the communication and leadership programs. The first club was formed in October 1924, when a group of men assembled by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley met in the basement of the Santa Ana, California YMCA to form a club "to afford practice and training in the art of public speaking and in presiding over meetings, and to promote sociability and good fellowship among its members."
The group took the name "Toastmasters."
A year later, a second club was started in Anaheim, California, followed by a third in Los Angeles. By 1930, it was apparent that a federation was necessary to coordinate activities of the clubs and to provide standard methods. After formation of a club in Victoria, British Columbia, the group became known as Toastmasters International.
Growth was slow during the early years, but the number of clubs increased steadily. The forerunner of today's Communication and Leadership program, Basic Training, was introduced in 1942 and has been expanded and updated many times since then to keep abreast of the times and members' needs.
Membership in Toastmasters International increased rapidly after the end of World War II, and by 1954 the number of Toastmasters clubs had approached 1,500.
Today there are over 11.700 clubs with 235,000 members in 92 countries worldwide.
In Ireland and the UK (Toastmasters District 71) as of July 2008 there were 196 Clubs with 11,368 members meeting, mostly, once a forthnight.
Speak Easy Toastmasters were founded in 1993 and since then has been one of the most active clubs in the country, constantly achieving top Toastmasters International Club Awards and also Speak Easy members achieving top positions in speech contests.
In leadership roles, Speak Easy members have been continuously to the fore.
So don’t forget, Speak Easy Toastmasters meetings resume on Thursday September 4th in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, at 7.50 for an 8pm sharp start.
If you are looking for something different to get involved in this September, why not try Toastmasters?
You will be delighted you did. Guests are very welcome and will not be asked to speak.
For further information on Speak Easy Toastmasters log on to our website at www.speakeasymasters.com or contact our Club PRO, Seán on 086 6054784.
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