Nostalgia and New Beginnings

Paul Gallagher acted as Toastmaster/ MC for our first meeting of the new season. To open, Marie Lynes presented the poem of the evening, The Wild Swans at Coole by W.B. Yeats.

Bobby Buckley presented the first speech, ’The Magic Of a Speech for Me’. In it he took us on a humorous and nostalgic tour of the Mallow of his youth in the 1950’s. He shared his passion, challenges and ultimate success in the activity of long distance running. He recalled a previous speech that he gave in this club, ‘The Man on the Bike’, a tribute to his father, his coach. He confessed that giving that speech about his early experiences proved very cathartic for him. He expressed the hope that his example would motivate other members to create and share a speech from their own life journeys.

Paul Corcoran has been busy over the Summer refurbishing and remodelling our club website. In his speech, ‘Like and Subscribe, he gave a clear and informative talk on how somebody can set about building a strong social media presence. He explained how key information can be put on many platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X and Whatsapp and then all made more accessible by combining them on Linktree. He even solved the mystery of using a QR code for some of us technophobes. We are now even on Google Maps! He hopes many will ‘Like’ us and become followers.He succeeded in presenting a clear and engaging speech on a technical subject. 

Michael Cronin evaluated Bobby’s speech and Pat Sexton evaluated Paul’s. They both presented interesting and positive evaluations.

Rachel Liston posed a great variety of topics for members to express their opinions on, in the course of the evening.. Her topic on ‘What does Autumn signify for you?’ elicited a very emotional response from Jillian. She evoked images of golden and crimson leaves in New England, the taste of apple and cinnamon, memories of nuts and berries and Halloween. Pat, in contrast, declared he felt that the aura of Autumn is much diminished for him, since the much anticipated, annual G.A.A. finals are no longer played and celebrated in September. On the question of ‘Who would you pay €400 for a ticket to go to see?’ There was only one dissenting voice to Don’s reply ‘Nobody’.

A very enjoyable night was had by all with some very welcome guests. 

Our next meeting is on Thursday the 19th of September in the Tudor Room, upstairs, in the Hibernian Hotel.

Everyone is welcome and no pressure to speak.

Bobby, Rachel, and Paul

Pat, Michael, Bobby, and Paul

Speak Easy Toastmasters-‘Cultivating Hope’

In time of doom and gloom it is important to cultivate a sense of hope. The power of hope allows us to pull through just about any kind of dark demanding time. In the extreme, it can mean the difference between life and death.

Hope is a learnable practice. Here are thoughts that offer insight on the subject:
1. Surrender
This is the remarkable ability to go with the flow without expecting a predetermined outcome. It is a willingness to let events unfold in their time- not our time.
2. Vision
When hope is fading, it is easy to think negatively. Work to keep the bleak aspects of your life in perspective. Rather than saying to yourself ‘ My world is falling apart’ try saying and thinking to yourself-‘ This is a very difficult time for me, but I will take on the challenge and see it through.’
Consider what steps you need to take in order to strengthen yourself for these challenges. Do not be afraid to seek help from family and friends or alternatively experts in order to guide you through this difficult time.

3. Persistence
This is the determination to keep moving forward no matter what happens. Life rewards those who are persistent.

4. Humor
No matter how difficult and complex your circumstances may become work to retain a sense of humor.

5. Present Time
Live in the present tense, not the past tense nor the future tense. Health, happiness and hope emerge when we live in the present moment. Learn from the past but do not limit hope by constantly reliving unhappy yesterdays or fearing the future.

Whether a challenge is personal, financial, business related or all three… the aforementioned thoughts and the wisdom they carry can save lives. One must not forget that others have survived seemingly impossible situations in the past. The first step, for all, was a sense of hope.

As Eric Aronson once said-
‘Things may not seem to be working out for me right now, but I know that I will make the best of the situation. I know that I will do everything that I can, one day at a time….I will not worry but rather look at what I am going through as a challenge: a time to develop patience and self confidence and realise that I can change my attitude even if I cannot change my circumstances. I am a survivor. I am going to handle this. I am going to find strength I did not know I had.’

‘We did it once’

Speak Easy Toastmasters meeting on November 25th 2010 was another in which guests and members enjoyed themselves.

Joining President Margaret O’ Regan at the top table was Sean Corcoran, Toastmaster who chaired the meeting and Michael Cronin who was Topicsmaster.

First to the lectern was Bridget Breen with a speech entitled ‘Goal Setting’. Bridget informed the group that goal setting does work. If one believes in it, write it down and it will happen. The only thing that will stop one from achieving ones goals is oneself. She advised the group to make a habit out of setting goals


Following Bridget was David Clarke with his icebreaker entitled The E Mathematician. David’s ice breaker speech provided the group with details on the significant areas of his life in a chronological order. It was very entertaining speech peppered with humor. A night which includes an icebreaker speech (the first speech a member gives to the group) is always an exciting the night for a Toastmaster Club.

Next it was the turn of Claire O’ Connell with her imaginative, entertaining thought provoking speech entitled ‘The Death of a Picnic’. She commenced her speech by setting out the origins of the picnic, continued with where the word picnic originated from and how it was the central part of family life and concluded by informing the group that life is not a picnic anymore.

Claire was following by Mary Moynihan with her humorous speech entitled ‘Driving Test Blues’. Mary relayed to the group her niece’s experience of learning to driving as well as giving a detailed account of her niece’s actual driving test. Mary’s advice to her niece is to practice, practice before she re-sits the test.

Finally it was the turn of Pat Duggan with his speech entitled ‘We did it once’. Pat gave a thought provoking speech regarding the suicide epidemic taking place in Ireland at present. At one stage Finland had a similar problem to Ireland regarding suicide but the situation has been alleviated there as a result of the Government taking the decision to provide funds for better research, better education as well as increasing support for people at risk. Pat concluded on a positive note- ‘we did it once with deaths on the road, I believe we can do it again.’

The topic session for the evening was conducted by Topicsmaster Michael Cronin. Michael’s topics were both varied and topical and caused great amusement.

Timekeeper Bill Martin reminded speakers/people contributing to topics when their allocated times were up while grammarian/ah counter Loretto Barry gave feedback at the end of the meeting on how the group performed regarding the use of ‘crutch words’ and ‘fillers’ e.g. um’s and ah’s. She encouraged the use of the word ‘ perspicuity’ which means clearly expressed, easily understood throughout the meeting.

Joe Hassett, conducted the General Evaluation Session and conducted the part of the meeting in which speakers received feedback from their assigned evaluators who were Bridie O’ Connell, Jerry Mulcahy, Ray Ryan, Margaret O’ Regan and Marie Fitzpatrick. The Sergeant at Arms for the meeting was Jerry Mulcahy.


Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, December 9th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

‘Changing Times’

Speak Easy Toastmasters meeting on November 11th 2010 was another in which guests and members both learned from, and enjoyed and enjoyed themselves.

Joining President Margaret O’ Regan at the top table was Angela Sheehan, Toastmaster who chaired the meeting and Ray Ryan who was Topicsmaster.

First to the lectern was Helen Buckley with a speech entitled ‘Changing Times’. Helen told us about the differences she has experienced in her life as a result of moving from living in the country to living in a town. While living in the Country Helen enjoyed listening to the birds as well as gazing at the stars at night. Living in a town now allows her to be in close proximity to shops and services as well as meeting people.

Following Helen was Jean Sayers with her reading of the poem ‘The Highwayman’ written by Alfred Noyes. The poem was tragic with the death of both the Highwayman and his lover Bess. Alfred Noyes was best known for his Ballads, ‘The Highwayman’ being his most famous.

Next it was the turn of Bill Martin with his speech entitled ‘From oil tankers to ice breakers’. Bill’s ice breaker speech provided the group with details on the significant areas of his life in a chronological order. It was very entertaining speech peppered with humor. A night which includes an icebreaker speech (the first speech a member gives to the group) is always an exciting the night for a Toastmaster Club.

Finally it was the turn of Ellen O’ Mahony with her speech entitled ‘Important matters of State, Philosophy and Chocolate. Ellen was invited by Speak Easy Toastmasters to give her speech to the Club prior to competing in the District Humorous Speech Contest Final to be held in Dublin on the 13th of November 2010. Ellen concluded her speech by advising the group that ‘arrogance and stereotyping can lead to an unforgivable waste of perfectly good chocolate’. It was an excellently structured speech with a chocolate image weaved throughout it.

The topic session for the evening was conducted by Topicsmaster Ray Ryan. Ray’s topics were both varied and topical and caused great amusement.

Timekeeper Sean Corcoran reminded speakers/people contributing to topics when their allocated times were up while grammarian/ah counter Jerry Mulcahy gave feedback at the end of the meeting on how the group performed regarding the use of ‘crutch words’ and ‘fillers’ e.g. um’s and ah’s.

Noel O’ Connor, conducted the General Evaluation Session and conducted the part of the meeting in which speakers received feedback from their assigned evaluators who were Pat Duggan, Bridget Breen, Anne Buckley and Pat Sexton. The Sergeants at Arms for the meeting were Liam Flynn and Jerry Mulcahy.

Speak Easy Toastmasters is hosting the ‘Public Speaking Schools Contest’ on the 18th of November 2010. To support the students speaking in public come along to the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at 7.50pm.

Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, November 25th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

Speak Easy Toastmasters-Schools Contest

On Thursday the 18th of November 2010 Speak Easy Toastmasters is hosting the ‘Speak Easy Public Speaking Schools Contest’.

Each year students from Local Schools participate in the Contest. This is a very important opportunity for students to acquire the skills that allow them to stand up before a group of people and present on a topic. As their confidence in speaking grows so too does their ability to research a topic and understand the issue arising in the public speaking forum.
The importance of acquiring public speaking skills at an early age cannot be underestimated.

Everyday we interact with people- we talk to our family, say hello to neighbours, converse with our workmates/school friends; in effect we communicate with those around us. Communication is the transfer of meaningful information that can be understood, anything that sends a message is communication.

There are many ways to communicate including body language, writing, facial expression, sounds, posture, hand gestures to name but a few. However the best way to communicate is through Speech. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but if you have a question about the picture you need to use words to explain it. And through communication we can see the importance of public speaking. This is why it is important to learn to present our thoughts and feelings meaningfully. If we are not effective in expressing ourselves then miscommunication can arise. Many issues and misconceptions come from someone misinterpreting what someone else said.

Public speaking IS an essential ingredient to a successful, empowered life. If as human beings we can master the finer points of public speaking, there's a fairly good chance we will be able to tackle and master other opportunities and obstacles that come our way.

So why not come along on the 18th of November 2010 to the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, at 7:50PM and support the students in their forthcoming ‘Speak Easy Public Speaking Schools Contest’. I am sure the students would value your support.

Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, November 11th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

Speak Easy Toastmasters-‘Dog Days’

Speak Easy Toastmasters recent meeting was opened by the Club President, Margaret O’ Regan. Toastmaster Bridie O Connell chaired the meeting.

Speaker No 1 Cait Murray delivered a stage 7 project from the basic manual.
In her speech entitled ‘Dog Days’ Cait informed the group how the bond between humans and dogs originated. The strongest instinct in dogs is the pack instinct. This led them to find the pack leader in human beings. Dogs originated from wolves. It was a very informative and interesting speech. Cait’s speech was evaluated by Ann Buckley.

Cait was followed by Liam Flynn who did a project from the Interpretative Reading manual. Liam read John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s inaugural address of 1961. In his introduction Liam informed the group that John F Kennedy was the youngest man ever to be elected President of the United States as well as being the first President of the United States to visit Ireland. The famous line from the speech is as thought provoking in today’s world as it was back in 1961- ‘"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country ". Liam’s speech was evaluated by Michael Cronin.

The third speaker of the night was Bridget Breen, who delivered a stage 4 project from the basic manual. Bridget vividly described to the group in her speech entitled ‘That is one off my bucket list’ her experience of hand gliding. Bridget had dreamt about flying but said that her hand gliding experience was 10 times better. It was one of her life long ambitious. She encouraged all the thrill seekers in the audience to go hand gliding. Bridget’s speech was evaluated by Noel O’ Connor.

The final speaker for the night was Sean Corcoran. Sean did a project from the Interpretative Reading Manual. Sean read ‘A letter from a Matchmaker’ by John B Keane in the form of a soliloquy. In his introduction Sean explained that the Matchmaker Dickie Mick Dickie was writing to his brother Jack in America. The group was highly entertained by the humourous letter. The sincerity of Dickie Mick Dickie was borne out through Sean’s excellent delivery. Sean’s speech was evaluated by Jean Sayers.

The topic sessions for the evening were conducted by Topicsmaster Joe Hassett. Joe’s topics were both varied and topical

Timekeeper Mary Buckley reminded speakers/people contributing to topics when their allocated times were up while grammarian/ah counter Angela Sheehan encouraged the use of the word ‘obdurate’ meaning stubborn or hard hearted during the course of the meeting.

Loretta Barry, conducted the General Evaluation Session. The Sergeant at Arms for the meeting was Liam Flynn.

Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, November 11th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

The Power of Persuasion

Have you ever needed to persuade anyone in your life?

- your kids to clean their room
- your co-worker to assist you
- your boss to give you time off.

Research shows that while most people believe they cannot be sold, the fact is those same people can indeed be persuaded if they do not recognize that a ‘sales’ technique is being used.

For persuasion to work, whatever message you are conveying must be based in truth and delivered with the right intentions. After all you are persuading someone to your point of view, not conning someone to do or think something questionable.

Tips that will give you an edge in getting others to adopt your ideas are listed hereunder:

1. Aim at a narrow target

When attempting to coax someone to adopt their ideas, many people give every possible fact, figure and feature in hope that some of the information will stick and persuade the other party.
However, if you want to be effective at persuasion then you need to keep your focus during the conversation as narrow as possible. One of the ways to uncover what is important to the other person is either to ask directly or couch your question within a statement.
Allow the person to answer and give you the information you need. Then you can gauge how to direct your conversation based on their response.


2. Use stories to convey your message

Stories are an extremely effective way to persuade. One of the best ways to use stories as a persuasion tool is to simply tell your listener about something that is similar to your concept.

This indirect approach works wonders and keeps people from feeling like they are being sold.

3. Use a quote

The goal is to deliver truthful news or make a point in a way that does not reflect poorly on you or make you appear insincere.
An example would be to say ‘My father always used to tell me…..’ and then tell them what you want to tell them. Who could argue with your father?

None of these persuasion tools are magic or ‘smoke and mirrors’. They are designed to give you a slight edge in your dealings with others. A slight edge goes a long way.

Participating in Speak Easy Toastmasters would allow you to practice these persuasive tools. By using these tools you will find that others are more apt to adopt your ideas, resulting in more winning solutions for everyone involved.

Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, October 28th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

‘Sharpen your mind’

Speak Easy Toastmasters-‘Sharpen your mind’

Sharp thinking and reasoning processes are at the heart of clear speaking. However not enough people use their thinking skills. Mental stimulation improves brain function and protects against cognitive decline.

The brain is a muscle. Just as physical exercise helps keep your body in shape mental exercise helps your brain increase its power to analyze. You can improve your thinking processes at any age. As the Franklin Institute once wrote

‘Your brain is a thinking organ that learns and grows by interacting with the world through perception and action.’

Here are some suggestions for improving mental processes:

Ask Questions:

Asking questions is the core of critical thinking. Your mind should be alive to possibilities. Seek out reasons behind rationales. If an issue contains several elements, separate the aspects and arrange them in different order.

Become a skeptic:

Never accept anything at face value. Know that people can make both sides of the argument simply by marshaling different facts. Realize that experts do not necessarily have the answers.

Become a reader:

Reading is to a person what fuel is to a car. It stimulates the mind to keep churning. It increases your vocabulary and challenges your perceptive. As you read take down thoughts and ideas. The act of writing down something helps you to remember it.

Make people your school of life:

Everyone has something to share. Never end a personal encounter without learning something.

Participating in Toastmasters is a great form of mental stimulation.

Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, October 14th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

Rich Pickings

Speak Easy Club Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest was opened by the Club President, Margaret O’ Regan. Toastmaster Gerry Kelleher chaired the meeting.

Four experienced speakers took part in the Humorous Speech contest. Speaker No 1 Jerry Mulcahy’s speech was entitled ‘You don’t have to believe it’. He spoke humorously about the various drinks and cocktails available today but concluded that his orange with ice was what gave him his good health.

Gerry was followed by Margaret O’ Regan with a speech entitled ‘Free holiday how are you?’ Margaret was wined and dined in France with her family but pay back time came when she had to return the compliment and invite the French family to her Irish abode. A good time was had by all but not without parting with some hard earned cash.

Next came Michael Cronin who has successfully represented Speak Easy Toastmasters in the District 71 final and came home with the Silver. Michael’s speech on this occasion was entitled ‘Rich Pickings’. He gave several tips on how to embrace the recession during these recessionary times including substituting candles for 100 watt bulbs as well as taking out batteries out of alarm clocks in the morning and putting them back in at night (this action would allow the batteries to last for a year).

The final speaker was Michael Walsh who discussed the value of ‘Ghost Writers’.
He had a humorous take on pseudo experts in sport or weight management or other such so called important people who decide to publish books at Christmas to augment their already full bank account.


The humorous speech contest was followed by the table topic contest. Here there were 5 contestants who spoke on the topic ‘The best thing about memories is creating them. What do you think?’

All contestants were winners but unfortunately as in all competitions there can be only one winner and one runner up. (There were Judges from outside clubs so all was fair as they say in love and war.)


The winner of the humorous speech contest was Michael Walsh and the runner up was Michael Cronin. The winner of the table topic contest was Pat Sexton and the runner up was Liam Flynn.

Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, October 14th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

Laughter is the best medicine’

Humour is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together.
Good humour springs from the heart, not the mind. It is a shock absorber that helps us get over the bumps in life. Those with a good sense of humour have a good sense of life.

Much research has been done on the effects of humour and laughter on our health. The benefits are enormous and include boosting our immune system, reducing stress and hastening the healing process.

By now, almost everyone is familiar with the link between our body and mind that has been proven. For example, it has been shown that our attitude is more important than our physical health in determining how long we live. That is, people with a good sense of humour and a positive attitude, but poor health, survive longer than those that are in good health but have poor attitudes.

Use the acronym L.A.U.G.H.T.E.R. to remind yourself of some of its benefits when the skies are grey for you:

'L' stands for LIVE life to the fullest. When we share humour, we are living in the moment and spreading joy.

'A' stands for an AWARENESS and APPRECIATION for the incongruities of life. The inconsistencies and ironies you face offer unlimited opportunities to laugh at them.

'U' stands for USE your brain to drain pain with laughter. USE humour to discover delight, joy, and peace of mind.

'G' stands for GOOD HUMOUR at all times.

'H' stands for HEALTH. Laughter detaches us from our problems and releases negative emotions; it is the best medicine.

'T' stands for TRANSFORM. Laughter transforms our thoughts, which in turn transforms our feelings for the better.

'E' stands for EXUBERANCE, which is the zest that laughter brings to our lives.

And 'R' stands for the RESILIENCE we acquire by learning to deal with hardship and pain, for humour is the strongest weapon against adversity

Laughter and good fun are two things that Speak Easy Toastmaster Club has an abundance of.
This is a club with people who laugh easily–both at themselves and at life’s absurdities–and who routinely find the humour in everyday events. Their playful point of view and laughter are contagious

Remember Laughter is the best medicine, so you can become your own best medicine by attending Speak Easy Club Humourous Speech and Table Topics Contest at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, September 30th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

A Moment of Calm

Speak Easy Toastmasters recent meeting was opened by the Club President, Margaret O’ Regan. Toastmaster Jerry Mulcahy chaired the meeting.

Speaker No 1 Jean Sayers did an interpretative reading from the short story ‘My Confirmation Suit’ written by Brendan Behan. Jean’s reading was evaluated by Pat Sexton.

Jean was followed by Mary Moynihan who did a speech from the Entertaining Speaker manual entitled ‘My First Flag’. Mary, who is an avid Kerry Supporter, entertained the group as she recounted how her first flag, which was made from the jacket of her Confirmation suit, was wrenched from her hand by a Cork Supporter as she waved it out the car window as she and her family returned from a Munster Final. Mary’s speech was evaluated by Loretta Barry.

The third speaker of the night was Claire O Connell. Claire’s speech was entitled ‘Breaking the ice’. Claire recently joined the Club. The first speech a member gives at their Toastmaster Club from the basic manual is called the ice breaker. During her speech Claire told the group that one of her greatest loves is writing poetry and with that she recited a verse of one of her poems. Claire’s speech was evaluated by Pat Duggan.

Claire was followed by Bridget Breen, who delivered a stage 3 project from the basic manual. In her speech entitled ‘The Present’ Bridget informed the group that we cannot manage time but that we can manage ourselves. She encouraged the group to live in the present and by doing that we would live happier, healthier and more successful lives. Bridget’s speech was evaluated by Angela Sheehan.

The final speaker for the night was Bridie O’ Connell. Bridie did a project from the Speaking to Inform manual. In her speech entitled ‘A moment of calm’ Bridie demonstrated to the group how music has the power to effect our mind, body and spirit. Music can bring harmony to our lives by listening to our favourite pieces. Bridie’s speech was evaluated by Sean Corcoran.

The topic sessions for the evening were conducted by Topicsmaster Marie Fitzpatrick. Marie’s topics were both varied and topical

Timekeeper Mary Buckley as time keeper reminded speakers/people contributing to topics when their allocated times were up while grammarian/ah counter Michael Cronin encouraged the use of the word ‘limpid’ meaning clear or transparent during the course of the meeting.

The Sergeant at Arms for the meeting were Mary McCarthy and Liam Flynn.

Ray Ryan, conducted the General Evaluation Session. Ray also addressed the meeting in his capacity as Area Governor.

Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, September 30th at 7:50PM. An enjoyable night is expected by all as it is the Club’s Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

Toastmasters assist people in developing life skills

Many people join toastmasters to develop public speaking skills. However they soon realise that they are also developing life skills to be a better friend, daughter/son, husband/wife, co-worker. I would like to share with you hereunder the experience of a member of Speak Easy Toastmasters Club since that person has become a Toastmaster.

‘Since joining Speak Easy Toastmasters Club I have developed in the flowing ways:

Speaking:
By giving prepared speeches and participating in Table Topics Session (this is where members learn to think and speak on their feet) , I have learned that telling stories from my own life experiences is one of the best ways to connect with an audience.

After I realised this, I started sharing stories with family and friends, about experiences that have shaped me. I tell them about my dreams-some became goals that I have achieved, some are still work in progress while others have been replaced by an obligation to focus on current needs. I talk about the lessons I am learning such as taking responsibility, not expecting life to be smooth and seeing challenges as opportunities.

Listening:
By being an evaluator of other fellow toastmasters’ speeches and by participating in Table Topics I have become a better listener. Since I started sharing about my stories, family and friends have opened up about events in their lives. I listen intently to them.

Evaluating:
When I evaluate speeches in Toastmasters my goal is to try to help a fellow toastmaster improve. I present my evaluation in a positive way because I want the speaker to be receptive. I do not hurl insults. Since joining toastmasters, if asked for feedback by family and friends, I give it in a positive way.

Leading:
Additionally my toastmaster training helps me to improve in unexpected ways. For example when I encourage people to come to a meeting, I am doing it for the club. I soon realised I am also benefiting personally by developing skills to influence people.

By continuing to be a member of Speak Easy Toastmasters I am benefiting personally by developing life skills. So why not come along and take your first step in your own personal growth.’

Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, September 16th at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

Speak Easy Toastmasters Club, Mallow return on Sept 2nd 2010- one week to go

Where can you meet new friends, learn interesting and unusual information, develop your unrealised public speaking and leadership skills, and, most of all, enjoy yourself! The Speakeasy Toastmaster Club, Mallow offers all this and more.

We are different to other clubs/organisations. We like to provide an environment where you are centre stage. We bring to you entertainment and good coffee. You choose whether you want to speak or not. You are welcome to SPEAKEASY TOASTMASTERS Club, where a little difference makes all the difference. There is no pressure, just come, sit back and relax.

Speakeasy Toastmasters Club, Mallow, new season starts on Thursday 2nd of September 2010, at the Hibernian Hotel, at 7.50 p.m. We meet alternate Thursdays.

For more information go to www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

Speak Easy Toastmasters Club, Mallow returns on Sept 2nd 2010

Speak Easy Toastmasters Club, Mallow returns on Sept 2nd 2010

Are you afraid of speaking in Public?
Does the thought of your next presentation send shivers down your spine?
Surveys show that presentation skills are crucial to success in the work place.

Speakeasy Toastmasters is a Public Speaking Club, founded in 1992, that helps people develop life enhancing presentation, communication, and leadership skills.

The Club continues to develop and grow, so in joining our Club you will be part of that growth and will have made the right first step in your own personal growth.

With job shortages at present, it is a good idea to enhance your communication and body language skills before presenting yourself at an interview.

This is a wonderful place to meet new people, make new friends and enjoy yourself while improving yourself and helping others to improve.

You will find a warm welcome and a supportive atmosphere on your first and every visit. So come along and we will give you a ‘cead mile failte’ when you arrive, and a cup of tea

Speakeasy Toastmasters Club, Mallow, new season starts on Thursday 2nd of September 2010, at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, at 7.50 p.m. We meet alternate Thursdays.

For more information go to www.speakeasytoastmasters.com

Toastmaster Awards

The 2009-2010 season for Speakeasy Toastmasters is drawing to a close and the final meeting of the year, to which all are welcome, will be held on the 27th May, at our usual venue, the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm. This year, a number of our members will be achieving educational awards, based on the number of manual speeches delivered. The Competent Communicator award is bestowed on Toastmasters who complete the basic manual of ten speeches. Subsequent educational awards are based on completing advanced manuals, with five speeches in each manual. The Advanced Communicator Bronze is awarded for completing two advanced manuals, the Advanced Communicator Silver is awarded for completing a further two advanced manuals and the Advanced Communicator Gold is achieved when another pair of advanced manuals are completed.

Organizational achievements are acknowledged by leadership awards. The Competent Leader award recognizes members who have performed meeting duties, such as timekeeper, the Advanced Leader Bronze recognizes Toastmasters who have served on the Club Committee while the Advanced Leader Gold recognizes Toastmasters who have taken up leadership positions outside of their club. Toastmasters who achieve both the Advanced Communicator Gold and Advanced Leader Gold are eligible for the Distinguished Toastmaster Award (DTM). Former and current members of Speakeasy Toastmasters who achieved the DTM include Joe O’ Connor, Matt Lawlee and Pat Sexton. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog containing our press release archive, or from Ray at 086-3675706.

Speak Easy's AGM

Speakeasy Toastmasters held their regular fortnightly meeting and the club AGM on the 13th of May.
Delivering speeches were Bridget Breen, who completed stage 2 of the Competent Communicator manual, and Declan Curtis who completed Stage 7 of the same manual. Mary Moynihan evaluated Bridget while Joe Hassett evaluated
Declan. The officers for the meeting were Ray Ryan, Toastmaster, Tony O' Regan Topicsmaster, Cait Murray General Evaluator, Noel O' Connor Timekeeper and Marie Fitzpatrick Grammarian.

Following the meeting the Cllub AGM was held and the following committee was elected for 2010-11.
Margaret O' Regan President.
Tony O' Regan,Education Vice President,
Jean Sayers, Vice President Public Relations
Mary Moynihan, Vice President Membership
Cait Murray, Secretary,
Noel O' Connor, Treasurer.
Liam Flynn, Mary McCarthy & Joesphine O' Sullivan-Linehan, Sergeants at Arms.


Speakeasy Toastmasters will hold their final meeting of the 2009-10 season on May 27th, at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, 8;OOpm. Members of the public are welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak, Details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog or from Ray at 086-3675706.
Finally, Speakeasy Toastmasters wishes to express our sympathies to the family of the late Pat Owens, who was an invaluable ally of the club in its early years.

Speak Easy's AGM next Thursday night

Speakeasy Toastmasters will meet on May 13th, at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm. After the regular meeting the Club AGM will be held and the 2010-2011 committee elected. In addition to the President, the other officer roles are Vice-President Education, who draws up the progamme of speakers for each meeting, Vice-President Public Relations, Vice-President Membership, Treasurer,Secretary and finally the Sergeants at Arms who set up the meeting room.

The final meeting of the year will be held on the 27th May. Members of the public are welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog containing our press release archive, or from Ray at 086-3675706.

Communication and Leadership with Speakeasy

Members of Speakeasy Toastmasters have extended the opportunities provided by Toastmasters, the development of communication and leadership skills, beyond our organization. Toastmaster member Jerry Mulcahy established the Nice ‘n Easy Club at the COPE foundation in Quartertown. Members of the Nice ‘n Easy Club have delivered speeches at Speakeasy Toastmasters for many years.

Former club President Mary Buckley inaugurated the Speakeasy Toastmasters Schools Public Speaking Competition. Held each November, teams representing various secondary schools throughout North Cork have taken part.

The contribution made by members of Speakeasy Toastmasters to Mallow has been recognized by the Sports and Leisure Council. Pat Sexton, Matt Lawlee, Jeremiah Roynane and Michael Cronin have received awards from the Sports and Leisure Council.

Our next meeting will be held on May 13th, at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, which features a blog containing our press release archive, or from Ray ay 086-3675706.

Speak Easy Members as Leaders

Members of Speakeasy Toastmasters have made a significant contribution to the wider Toastmaster organization. Club members who served as area governors since the 1990’s include Joe O’ Connor, Matt Lawlee, Jeremiah Roynane, Jerry Kelleher, Michael Cronin, Sean Corcoran, Pat Duggan, Margaret O’ Regan and Tony O’ Regan. Division Governors drawn from our have been Pat Sexton, Jeremiah Roynane, Tony O’ Regan and Sean Corcoran, while Pat Duggan served as an assistant division governor. Jeremiah Roynane served as District 71 Governor in 2003, the highest ranking Toastmaster in Ireland and the UK. Dermot Meaney and John Stack have also served on the District 71 Committee.

Not alone have members of Speakeasy Toastmasters served in leadership roles but they have contributed to the wider Toastmaster community through the establishment of new clubs and supporting the efforts of our neighbouring clubs. The contribution of Sean Corcoran was recognized recently when he was presented with the Paul G. Murphy award which honours the Toastmaster of the year in Division A. In addition to Sean’s work with Toastmaster clubs in the Division, Sean maintains our club website and was webmaster for the District 71 website.

Details of the Tall Tales competition will feature on next week’s report. Our next meeting will be held on April 29th at our usual venue; the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, commencing at 8:00pm. Further details about the club are available from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com , which features a blog containing meeting reports and a photo gallery, or from Ray at 086-3675706. Non-members are more than welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak.

The Glass Half-Full Club

Speakeasy Toastmasters met on Wednesday March 31st. Jerry Mulcahy was Toastmaster for the evening and Bridie O’ Connell was Topicsmaster. The other officers for the meeting were Joe Hassett who was general evaluator, Pat Sexton who was timekeeper and Jean Sayers who was grammarian.

Four speakers were on the night’s program. Helen Buckley, from the Nice ‘n Easy Club, delivered a speech about soil cultivation. Kieran Butler argued in favour of equality for both men and women, Ray Ryan Jnr recounted humorous incidences of heckling at political meetings. Pat Duggan invited us to join the “Glass half-full Club” and embrace the power of positive thinking. The speech evaluators were Angela Sheehan, Anne Buckley, Noel O’ Connor and Sean Corcoran.

The next meeting of Speakeasy Toastmasters will be held at our usual venue, the Hibernian Hotel Mallow, Thursday April 15th, commencing at 8:00pm. On that night we will be holding the club Tall Tales contest. Contestants will deliver a short humorous speech which will have bizarre twists. Further details about the club are available from our website,

www.speakeasytoastmasters.com , which features a blog containing meeting reports and a photo gallery, or from Ray at 086-3675706. Non-members are more than welcome to attend our meetings and will not be asked to speak.