A New Year’s Resolution

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

It’s that time of year again when we reflect on our lives and make resolutions.

Usually, we think in terms of “losing” something, like a bad habit, but perhaps we should consider “finding” something—like a new interest or skill.

The ability to communicate with clarity and confidence is an invaluable life skill and can transform your life. It can help you speak more effectively at work or in social situations. It can even prepare you to give that wedding or special occasion speech.

Toastmasters offers people the opportunity to develop these skills in a friendly and helpful environment.

The founder of Toastmasters, Ralph C. Smedley, believed that “We learn best in moments of enjoyment,” and we certainly abide by that motto at Speakeasy Toastmasters.

A Toastmasters meeting consists of:

• A session of prepared short speeches and evaluations by members.
• A session of impromptu speaking on various topics. These topics can be trivial or informative but are always entertaining.

A Toastmasters meeting isn’t just about speaking—it also helps develop listening skills. Guests will never be called on to speak unless they volunteer.

And, of course, the tea break is a vital part of each meeting! It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and chat.

So why not make it your New Year’s resolution to come along to a Speakeasy Toastmasters meeting and be entertained? Guests are always welcome.

Our first meeting of 2025 will be held on Thursday, January 23rd, and meetings will continue on alternate Thursdays in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow.

For more details, visit: linktr.ee/speakeasymallow

Finishing on a High

 Noel O’Connor acted as our Toastmaster for our last meeting of 2024 last Thursday. To open, Paul Murphy treated us to a poem he composed himself, entitled ‘Toastmasters’!

In his speech, ‘A Tune for the Road’, Bobby Buckley gave us an insight into a method he has developed for sparking inspiration for speeches. He walks a familiar route with a favourite song playing on a loop. As he allows ‘the beat to take him along’, he keeps an open mind and observes what is around him. And hey presto, he is sometimes surprised by an idea that culminates in a speech! The challenge? ‘Can we all produce a walking speech?’

‘How I Got into Heaven’ was the intriguing title of Michael Cronin’s speech. Michael was in fine jocose form as he related his yarn as the last of three desperate men seeking to justify their admittance to Heaven by St Peter. Space does not permit me to elaborate on how Michael found himself naked in a fridge being flung from a fifteenth-storey apartment balcony!

Pat Sexton bemoaned his decision to go AWOL from school for a day in his speech, ‘Things that Happen While You are Planting Your Potatoes’. ‘After enduring years of boredom’ at a local secondary school, Pat claimed that there was more excitement in that one day than in the four years preceding it. This was a school tale in which he feels justice was served.

Claire O’Connell certainly challenged members with her original topics. ‘Who was your best friend when you were 21?’ evoked some emotional responses, while ‘What is your least favourite TV programme?’ aroused passionate ones, ranging from ‘Love Island’ to ‘Wheeler Dealers’.

‘What celebrity would you like to be married to?’ warranted a careful reply from a married member. ‘Could you produce a tasty dish with a mixture of vegetables and fruit?’ and ‘The use of AI in educational assignments’ also elicited varying responses.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to making it a very lively and entertaining meeting. We look forward to our next meeting on Thursday, January 9th. Why not make it part of your New Year’s resolutions? Come along to one of our meetings. You will be made very welcome and will not have to say a word unless you want to.

Paul Murphy (poem), Bobby Buckley, Michael Cronin, and Pat Sexton (speeches)

The evaluators: Donal Jones, Brendan Foley, and Trevor O'Sullivan

Toastmaster Noel O'Connor, Topicsmaster Claire O'Connell, and President Bobby Buckley