Finding Our Voice: A Reflective and Inspiring Evening at Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters

The third meeting of the 2025/26 Toastmasters year took place on Thursday, October 2nd at the Hibernian Hotel, where members and guests gathered once again to share ideas, stories, and inspiration in a warm, supportive atmosphere.

Opening the Meeting

Club President Paul C opened the evening by reaffirming the Toastmasters motto — “to provide a supportive and positive learning experience where members develop communication and leadership skills, leading to increased self-confidence and personal growth.”

Paul also paid tribute to the late Jane Goodall, sharing one of her timeless reflections on humanity and compassion — a fitting opening for an evening centred on communication and connection.

Announcements and Contest News

Members were reminded of the upcoming Online Speech Contest, taking place on Sunday, October 5th at 6pm, with the winner progressing to the next round on October 19th. These contests provide an excellent opportunity for members to challenge themselves, receive feedback, and showcase the speaking and leadership skills honed throughout the year.

The Evening’s Roles and Flow

Serving as Toastmaster for the evening, Margaret O’R guided proceedings with professionalism and poise, supported by Michael C as Topicsmaster and Gillian H as General Evaluator.

With four guests in attendance, the energy in the room was bright and welcoming — a true reflection of Speak Easy Mallow’s reputation as a friendly and encouraging club.

Poet’s Corner

The evening began with a thoughtful reading by Liam F, who shared “Digging” by Seamus Heaney. The poem’s themes of work, roots, and reflection resonated deeply with the audience, setting a contemplative tone for the speeches that followed.

Prepared Speeches

Three engaging and varied speeches filled the evening:

• “You Remind Me of the Baroque” — a motivational and creative address by Bobby B, exploring personal inspiration and artistic influence.

• “The Leaving” — a presentation mastery speech by Marie L, blending emotional insight with eloquent delivery.

• “The Warm-Up Act” — a humorous and engaging talk from Paul C, offering a light-hearted close to the prepared speeches.

Each presentation showcased the diversity of speaking styles and subjects that make every Toastmasters meeting unique.

Table Topics and Evaluations

The impromptu speaking session, led by Michael C, invited participants to think quickly and creatively on their feet — always a highlight of the evening. The subsequent evaluations, coordinated by General Evaluator Gillian H, offered speakers constructive and encouraging feedback, reinforcing the club’s ethos of growth through positivity.

Looking Ahead

The meeting concluded on a high note, with members and guests alike leaving inspired by the quality of speeches and camaraderie shared.

The next meeting of Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters will be held on Thursday, October 16th at 8pm at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow. Guests are always welcome to attend — no prior speaking experience required.

Reflecting, Remembering and Re-Energising: Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters September Meeting

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.