Invitation to Toastmasters

An invitation.

Speakeasy Toastmasters Club invites you to attend our opening meeting of the new season in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on Thursday,6th September at 8.00 PM.

It is that time of year again.The nights are closing in, there is an Autumnal feel in the air and we seek out meaningful pursuits to prise us away from that "box in the corner". Adult education classes become popular. Speakeasy Toastmasters is an adult education course with a lot of entertainment attached.

Like all adult education classes, Speakeasy helps it's members acquire and develop a skill. Our focus is on effective communication.The skill of speaking with confidence is hugely beneficial in work related presentations,in sporting and other voluntary organisations and in interpersonal communication.

Members of Toastmasters come from all walks of life and have varying skill levels. Some have prior experience of speaking in front of an audience and wish to develop their skills further, others join as inexperienced beginners and over a period of time become adept at communicating their ideas.The Toastmasters programme is self- paced, members present speeches when they feel they are ready.

Now in our 26th year, Speakeasy draws it's membership from the large hinterland area of North Cork - from "the County bounds" with Kerry to the Tipperary border. Our members hail from Kiskeam to Kildorrery, from Cecilstown to Castletownroche, from Banteer to Buttevant as well as the Mallow area. Our meetings have been described as hotbeds of education, entertainment and "the occasional gush of hot air".

Our incoming President is Sean Corcoran of Baltydaniel. Sean describes Speakeasy as "having a hugely positive impact on his life.Over a few short years,I became comfortable about speaking before an audience and at chairing public meetings. Toastmasters enables us to speak out". Sean believes that the biggest gift that Toastmasters gives it's members is "self-confidence.You get better all the time.You believe that you can do it.And the help and goodwill you get from other club members is inspiring".

Club President Sean Corcoran with immediate Past President Helsa Giles

Sean's aim over the coming season is to preside over " enjoyable and rewarding meetings where new members and guests will feel at home".

So,why not let Speakeasy be your night class and forthnighly workout.You are welcome to attend our first meeting in The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on the 6th September at 8.00 PM.Guests are never obliged to speak unless they wish to do so.For further information, please check out our website Speakeasytoastmasters.com or Facebook.

The gift of confident communication can be yours

Can you always say what you really mean? Are you confident about speaking in public? Do you need to speak a few well chosen words on special occasions? If you find that you are apprehensive about speaking before an audience take consolation.You are good company! In various surveys, almost half the people questioned listed speaking in public as their number one fear,outranking even the fear of death.

This is where Speakeasy Toastmasters comes in. We are devoted to showing our members how to overcome this fear and to express their thoughts,ideas and opinions through an enjoyable,yet professional educational programme."Learning by doing" is the most effective way of learning, and this is how Toastmasters works. You will start speaking and just get better and better.

The Toastmasters programme will help you overcome the initial nervousness everyone experiences when speaking before an audience.It will show you how to make "your butterflies fly in formation". The first speech a  new member delivers is called "the ice breaker", an opportunity to introduce yourself to your audience.From then on you work at a pace that suits you.You will practice techniques on constructing a speech and grabbing the audience's attention.You will gain valuable experience in vocal variety and the use of body gestures.

To assist each member, the Toastmasters programme includes evaluation. Every speech delivered is evaluated by another member, providing helpful and positive feedback, enabling the speaker to grow in confidence and competence

Thinking "on the spot" is another skill you will acquire in Toastmasters.Each meeting has an impromptu segment known as the"Topics Session" where you respond to topic and give your opinions .Speaking "off the cuff"in this fashion hones your inter-personal communication skills which are essential in job interviews, home and workplace situations.

All of this takes place within the format of a meeting which are always varied, educational, entertaining and friendly.The motto of Speakeasy Toastmasters is -"We learn most in moments of enjoyment".Since our establishment in 1993, Speakeasy Toastmasters has assisted hundreds of members to speak out in style and confidence. If you wish to acquire or improve your communication skills why not pay us a visit? 

The first meeting of the new season is on Thursday,6th of September in The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at 8.00PM sharp.Guests are always welcome and are never coerced to speak unless they wish to do so.We look forward to seeing you.

In other news, Ray Ryan is this year 's recipient of The Jerry Mulcahy Award.

Jerry Mulcahy, former Club President and long term member,was a devoted club person, synonymous with his work behind the scenes. In presenting this award,outgoing President,Helsa Giles praised Ray for "his unseen work, his willingness to help in the smooth running of the club and his curating of the club's website and Facebook".,We congratulate Ray on receiving this coveted award.

For further information on Toastmasters, please check out our website, speakeasytoastmasters.com or on Facebook.Alternatively, you can contact President, Sean Corcoran -086-6054784.