Well Done, Mike

Speak Easy Toastmasters brought February to a close with another brilliant meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow with four great speeches from three members and one guest speaker.

The meeting was opened by President Anne Buckley who welcomed members and guests and introduced the officers for the evening, Toastmaster, Marie Fitzpatrick and Topicsmaster, Joe Hassett.

Marie, explained the duties of the various officers of the evening and then brought us smoothly through the meeting in her own style of humour and efficiency.

Marie introduced our first speaker of the evening, Jean Sayers. Not only was Jane the first speaker of the evening, it was also her first speech (Icebreaker Speech) to the club, with the title of, “Me” in which she introduced herself to the club members. “Welcome to Speak Easy Toastmasters, Jean”.

Following Jean was Mary Moynahan with a speech entitled, “The Real Deal” in which she told us of her love of traditional music and sessions with plenty of anecdotes to enhance her speech.

Next to the lectern was our guest speaker, Helen Buckley from the “Nice and Easy Club”. In a speech called, “My Day Trip”, Helen told us of a trip to Dublin which took in a visit to the Guinness Brewery. Helen’s visit and speech was most appreciated by members and guests alike and we hope it will not be too long before Helen is back in Speak Easy again.

Finally it was the turn of Pat Duggan with an Interpretive Reading project in which he recited a poem by Tennyson.

Pat Duggan is also Area Governor for Area 17 (North Cork) and in his address to the meeting he praised the Club and officers for Toastmasters achievements

After the break, Topicsmaster, Joe Hassett both entertained and kept us on our toes with a varied and innovative topics session and Margaret O’Regan conducted the evaluation session giving both praise and suggestions for improvement as necessary.

Congratulations to Speak Easy member Michael Cronin who received the “Club Person/Leisure Award 2008 at the Annual Mallow Sports and Leisure Awards Ceremony last Friday night in Springfort Hall. Michael is a very popular and long time member of the Club and members are delighted that he has achieved the recognition that he so richly deserved for his dedication not only to the Speak Easy Club but to Toastmasters International.

Our next meeting is on Thursday, March 6^th and will be the club heats of the International Speech Contest and Evaluation Contest. It is one of the highlights of our year and a night not to be missed.

Further information on Speak Easy Toastmasters can be had from our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com or contact our PRO, Sean on 086 6054784

Storytelling

Storytelling has been a form of communication throughout the history of mankind. It’s part of every civilisation on every continent. Early storytellers told of the deeds of their heroes; these stories were expanded over the years to include tales and fables.

The earliest known epic was “Gilgamesh” first told by the Sumerians. Later, came the Anglo Saxton tale of “Beowulf”. Storytellers related the Greek myths, which included gods with supernatural powers.

Storytelling continued during the Middle Ages, with tellers delighting their listeners with tales of war and love. In the 14^th century Geoffrey Chaucer retold the stories he’d heard from a band of pilgrims travelling from London to Canterbury. Chaucer put the stories on paper in his “Canterbury Tales”.

In Ireland we have a long tradition of storytelling and tales from “Na Fianna” “Cuchullan” etc are well known to generations. We also are so lucky to have our Seanchai (which means a bearer of old lore), The late Eamon Kelly possibly being the most famous. Speak Easy Toastmasters were indeed honoured that Eamon launched the Area 17 book of speeches, “ A Taste of Toastmasters” in March 1996.

Storytelling continues to be popular. People love to hear and tell stories.

Storytelling is great entertainment, yet it has a purpose, too. We tell stories to children to introduce them to the world of literature.

In many families, tales about family history and ancestors are passed down from generation to generation through storytelling. Many public speakers tell stories as part of their presentations. They find that a well-told story will attract listeners attention and can emphasize or illustrate a point.

Toastmasters International have a program which is very popular with members and is aptly named “Storytelling”. This program has 5 projects, “The Folk Tale”, “Lets Get Personal”, “The Moral of the Story”, “The Touching Story” and “Bringing History to Life”

Each of these projects are designed to progressively increase the Toastmasters skills in the art of Storytelling and great emphasis is placed on such skills as tempo and rhythm, bringing a story to life, keeping a story simple, introducing a twist and to arouse emotion.

So you see, in Toastmasters we have a much varied program that keeps members both entertained and constantly increasing their communication skills.

So why not come along to any of our meeting and see for yourself. You will be very welcome and don’t worry, you will not be asked to speak as guests at a Toastmasters meeting never are.

Tonight, Thursday 21 we meet as usual in the Hibernian Hotel, Davis St. Mallow at 7.50 for an 8pm sharp start.

Joining President Anne Buckley at the top table will be Toastmaster for the evening, Marie Fitzpatrick, Topicsmaster, Joe Hassett. General Evaluator is Margaret O’Regan.

Speakers on the program are Jean Sayers, Mary Moynahan, Dennis Taylor and guest speaker, Helen Buckley from the “Nice and Easy Club”

Speak Easy Toastmasters are also honoured to have an address by Toastmasters Area 17 Governor, Pat Duggan.

So come along tonight to the Hibernian Hotel in Mallow, tonight, we will be delighted to meet you.

Further information on Speak Easy Toastmasters can be had by visiting our website at www.speakeasytoastmasters.org or contact our PRO, Sean on 086 6054784