Keeping the Art of Communication Alive

Keeping the Art of Communication Alive 

How many times have we witnessed it? A restaurant filled with diners, waiting to be served and everyone is on their smartphones. No verbal communication between diners as all eyes are glued to the screen with fingers moving with the dexterity of a concert pianist. It is one of life's true ironies - we can communicate with complete strangers on Social media, yet we are losing the skill of conversing with people beside us. 

We all have stories to tell and the best way of telling them is in real time rather than virtual time. The Irish are renowned as story tellers and yarn spinners - traditional skills that are under threat in the Social Media generation. But, oral communication continues to be hugely important in all aspects of everyday life, be it in interpersonal communication with friends, work colleagues and family or in more formal situations at work, in voluntary organisations and in job interviews. 

A quick browse on Google will reveal that there is a whole industry devoted to public speaking and leadership skills where ultra-expensive courses and one to one coaching is available. Toastmasters is the enjoyable and inexpensive way to acquire all the necessary skills. For the past 95 years, Toastmasters International has assisted millions of people worldwide to experience the self empowerment that being a competent communicator can bring. 

Throughout the island of Ireland, there are over a hundred Toastmasters Clubs. In County Cork, the number exceeds twenty. All have one thing in common - they assist their members to acquire good communication skills and to speak with confidence. Speakeasy Toastmasters has been to the fore in the North Cork Area in providing communication and leadership skills for hundreds of its members. Many of our members, current and previous, have used the skills learnt in Speakeasy to great effect in various voluntary organisations, be it the community, sporting or charity sector. Last month, former Club President, Kieran Buckley was an Award Winner at the inaugural Cork Volunteer Awards. Kieran's contribution as Chairperson of Mallow Day Centre was recognised by his receipt of The Board Member Award. 

The great thing about Speakeasy is learning can be enjoyable. Our programme is positive rather than prescriptive. It is self paced and tailored to the members needs. Everything from Chairing a Meeting, learning speech composing to "off the cuff" speaking is learned. And, we get to hear the stories that people tell. And, most importantly of all, we get to laugh out loud at a witty quip or a humorous Speech. Members come from all walks of life and all occupations and are of all ages. 

The next Speakeasy Toastmasters meeting will take place in The Hibernian Hotel Mallow on Thursday, 14th November at 8.00PM. The long, dark nights are a great opportunity to come along and witness a meeting. Guests are always welcome to attend and are never obliged to speak unless they wish to do so. We look forward to seeing you. 

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