"Confidence building, leadership skills, and goal setting were just 3 of the gifts I acquired in Toastmasters." This was how Margaret O'Regan described her journey through Toastmasters in a wonderful speech at last week's Speakeasy Toastmasters meeting.
"Just so you know" was an inspiring recollection of how Speakeasy has helped Margaret in many aspects of life. From dipping the toe in the water by presenting an occasional speech to becoming immersed in various leadership roles, Margaret reflected on how Toastmasters can be a positive experience.
She also reflected on the charisma of former Club President, Jeremiah Ronayne, and how his influence shone brightly during the recent marathon cycle from Malin Head to Mizen in his memory, which has been a spectacular fundraiser for Marymount Hospice in Cork.
Michael Cronin has a reputation for humour, and his speech "The Heart of the Matter" did not disappoint in that regard. He spoke of his fascination with advertising and marketing, referencing the famous adverts for Harp with Sally O'Brien, Barry's Tea and the Train Set, and the Wonderbra billboard campaign of the mid-nineties. He has wondered if there is a market in North Cork for Rolex watches because of the recent billboard displays in Mallow. Currently, he has become enthralled by the Bon Secours campaign announcing its open-heart surgery programme. He wonders if making such a programme so readily available will encourage people to throw caution to the wind in terms of lifestyle and diet because a trip to the Bons is so convenient.
Trevor O'Sullivan gave us "A Tale of the Unexpected from LinkedIn." Having joined the ranks of the self-employed, Trevor decided to build his social media presence on LinkedIn. This site is designed as a networking opportunity for businesspeople to advertise their expertise. And then, he waited and waited for enquiries to flood in. Alas, nothing happened! But eventually, just as he was losing all hope, a "digital marketer" contacted him, offering all sorts of options for "creating content," which came with a hefty price tag! In life, you get out what you put in, but on LinkedIn, no such guarantees exist!
In the poetry corner, Jillian Harris presented a thoughtful and enjoyable poem called "Kitchen." It described the usual items you may find in the kitchen—the pots, pans, ladles, the beetroot and turmeric, and the well-used table. But the child is now grown, and the nest is empty—a reflection on the inevitable passing of time.
All speeches were comprehensively evaluated by the team of Claire O'Connell, Bobby Buckley, and Don McSweeney. "Evaluate to motivate" is the motto we apply to feedback we give our members. In this instance, humour was very much in vogue in the appraisal of the speakers.
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| Noel, Margaret, and Brendan - our cycle crew |
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| Top Table: Toastmaster Rachel Liston, President Bobby Buckley, Topicsmaster Helsa Giles |
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| Speakers: Trevor O'Sullivan, Margaret O'Regan, and Michael Cronin |
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| Evaluators: Don McSweeney, Claire O'Connell, and Bobby Buckley |
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