Off the cuff

We have all experienced the discomfort of being "put on the spot". Our brains slow down,  we can't find the right words and we feel dissatisfied with the responses we make. And then the right response comes to us later! 

In Speakeasy Toastmasters, we help our Members become more accomplished at impromptu  speaking.  Our Table Topics Session puts Members on the spot in a friendly  and non threatening way. And over a period of time, we become more adept at speaking confidently in interpersonal situations,  be it in conversations with family,  friends and work colleagues. It helps Members to put the right message across in job interviews and work situations. 

James McConville did the honours as Topicsmaster at our last Meeting. Like a discussion leader,  he elicited responses on a range of subjects. "What is your favourite smell" evoked some beautiful images. We were reminded of the mix of smells in Buckley Brothers Hardware store and the fresh fragrance we experience after rain. The plans for the regreening of Africa led to the question of similar initiatives in Ireland.  Reflections on the Summer just passed  included the prevalence of "the green and red of Mayo". Other subjects included a member's experience of his first night at a Toastmasters Meeting,  a very desirable magic power and the relearning of a skill. 

The Session was both enjoyable and insightful. And the part of the brain that engages with impromptu speaking  was well exercised. It was a hugely beneficial exercise in the art of "thinking on our feet".

Our next Speakeasy Meeting takes place on this Thursday night, 17th September in The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at 7.45pm. 

As always,  guests are welcome to attend our Meetings and are never obliged to speak unless they wish to do so.

For more information,  please check out our website speakeasytoastmasters.com or on our Facebook page. 

Michael Cronin in full flight as he speaks off the cuff.

James McConville,  Topicsmaster at the last Speakeasy Toastmasters Meeting. 

In full voice!

Speakeasy Toastmasters returned to it's Meeting Programme last week, not with a whisper but in full voice. In front of a large crowd of Members and guests, it was a Meeting that had humour, reflection and inspiration in equal measure.

Margaret O'Regan asked the question  - "Who do you think you are?" How do we introduce ourselves? And in this mad world of Artificial Intelligence, what does our profile look like? Quite boring it seems!

Bobby Buckley regaled us with a warning "Leave the kids alone!" It was a tale of a teacher trying to "herd mice" or rather Secondary School students at star studded productions of Shakespeare plays. What can possibly go wrong with a wild group of teenage boys who become over involved in the scene where Desdemona dies in Ophelia or in the great monologue in Hamlet? Quite a lot it seems. 

Don McSweeney gave an inspiring talk on the power of Altruism. "Help" is not just the title of a Beatles song, it is a cry for assistance from the less fortunate.  Even in these dark times,  people are willing to reach out and help others or contribute to the community. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has given thousands of children worldwide the gift of reading. Doctors give their time and expertise to volunteer for organisations like Doctors without Borders. Random people provide vital organs to save the lives of others. Altruism is a quality to be found among religious believers and non believers alike. Altruism is the power to transform lives,  of both the givers and the receivers. 

In Toastmasters, all speeches are evaluated. Michael Cronin, Pat Sexton and Paul Corcoran provided positive and helpful feedback to the speakers. In Speakeasy,  we have a motto - "Evaluate to Motivate". This is how all Members develop the skills and the confidence to communicate with ease. 

Our programme is designed to allow Members to progress at their own pace, while acquiring the necessary skills of good communication. 

Our next Meeting takes place on Thursday, 17th September  in The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at 7.45pm.  As always,  guests are welcome to attend our Meetings and are under no obligation to speak unless they wish to do so.

For more information,  please check out our Facebook page or on speakeasytoastmasters.com