Speak Easy Toastmasters Club

Hello everybody - Before I begin this week’s party political broadcast on behalf of Speakeasy – apologies to all who came to the 18^th January 2007 meeting, which was cancelled after press release. Sincere apologies for our not being there to meet and greet you. Please come again. Every guest is important to us.

This week you and I together will explore the damage done by self criticism. Thoughtless self criticism can be more damaging to a speaker than a poor evaluation. A harsh evaluation in a club will only last two minutes. In my experience I have never heard a harsh evaluation but should it happen, the other club members will rush to boost your moral. Self Criticism can go on and on and on, because there is no one to refute it. Negative self evaluation is not only hurtful but it is harmful to the victim. According to Barbara Hoberman Levine, author of “Your Body Believes Every Word You Say”. Any negative self-talk can have a punishing effect on the mind, body, and spirit. If we tell ourselves we are hopeless – then sure enough we end up loosing hope. Sadly people at all levels of accomplishment engage in such harmful self-talk. The next time you engage in this destructive practise – stop and ask your self – “what would I tell myself if I were someone else? Remember when we are down on ourselves we tend to magnify our weaknesses and forget the very strengths that others recognise in us. Take a leaf out of Mohamed Ali’s book, and tell yourself “I am the greatest” and give yourself a clap on the back. It works because who is 100%, 100% of the time?

Nobody. In Toastmasters every member is supportive and helpful. All you have to do is ask. It is the maxim by which our clubs runs so well. It comes naturally to all members. If you don’t believe me, come and see for yourself.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 8^th March at the Hibernian Hotel Mallow at 7.50. sharp. This meeting is slightly different – it is a competition night. Speakers within the club compete against one another. All very politically correct, because we import a fleet of judges. The Club Finalist goes on to the next stage where clubs in four areas compete against one another. See you all on Thursday. We will welcome you with open arms. We are a very warm friendly bunch. Further details at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com