Stories, Bubbly and Nibbles

Wednesday 27th of March saw another brilliant meeting of Speak East Toastmasters. A meeting which had everything from Storytelling to education, plus of course, fun, laughter and what Speak Easy Toastmasters are famous for….”craic” this night we had the added enjoyment of a glass of champaign. But more about that later.

President Anne Buckley welcomed us, one and all to the meeting and introduced us to Joe Hassett, our Toastmaster for the evening. Joe guided us smoothly and efficiently through the meeting with plenty of humour as he introduced the speakers and officers.

Next to the lectern was guest speaker and visiting toastmaster, Dick Lyons from the Galtees Toastmasters in Mitchelstown .Dick entertained us with a light hearted storytelling project entitled, “Once upon a time”. Storytelling is something that is ingrained in us all and Dick certainly showed his talents in this skill.

Following Dick to the lectern was our club EVP (Educational Vice President) with a “Speaking to Inform” project called “The Abstract Concept” in which he had to research and organize the thought of experts on an abstract concept, theory, historical force, or social/political issue and
present the ideas in a clear and interesting manner. The title of Ray’s speech was “The Porter Diamond” which was a business concept.

Finally it was the turn of Vivien Buckley who was presenting an educational session. Vivien gave us a presentation entitled, “Don’t put them to sleep” in which she told us how to present an interesting talk to any audience taking into consideration items such as audience age and gender, educational background, and much more. Vivien emphasised her presentation with a dynamic Power Point Presentation.

A special presentation was made by the club to Mike Cronin to celebrate his winning the Mallow Sports and Leisure, Club Person/Leisure Award 2008. The presentation as made by Toastmasters International Area Governor, Pat Duggan who praised Mike for his dedication to the Speak Easy Club over the years holding many different officer roles within and outside the club. Mike replied appropriately.

Then club members and guests toasted Mike with a glass of bubbly and some nibbles (edible ones)

After the break it was the turn of Mary Buckley who led a most entertaining topics session in which she made certain that every toastmaster present had a chance of answering a topic.

General Evaluator was Angela Sheehan.

The next meeting of Speak Easy Toastmasters will take place in the Hibernian Hotel on April 3^rd at 7.50 for and 8.00pm start.

Area 17 (North Cork) finals of the International Speech and Evaluation Contests will take place in the Charelville Park Hotel tonight, Thursday 27 in which Pat Sexton represents Speak Easy Toastmasters.

Best of luck, Pat.

Further information on Speak Easy Toastmasters can be had on our website www.speakeasytoastmasters.com or contact Club PRO on 086 5054784

Speciality Speeches

Occasionally you may be called upon to give a special kind of speech, one presented in honour of a friend, relative or co-worker. Perhaps a loved one has passed away and you will be saying a few words at the service. Or you have been invited formal awards dinner at which you will be a recipient.

Speeches such as these can be difficult to give because they often involve sentiment or special decorum. If the occasion is a sad or even a happy one, you may be hesitant to speak for fear of breaking down or inadvertently saying something that will offend. Perhaps modesty and embarrassment also contribute towards making you hesitant to accept an award.

Such speeches are indeed challenging, but you can give them successfully.

The Speciality Speeches Program in Toastmasters contains five speaking assignments which will help a person develop the necessary skills for giving special occasion speeches.

In the first project, one would present a special occasion toast. In project two, requires one to give a speech in praise of another individual. In the third project, a person can have fun participating in a “roast”. The following project asks a person to present an award to someone and finally, in the last project, one will learn how to accept an award with style and ease.

Skills such as these can come into play not just during the dramatic events of your life, but during day-to-day experiences when a special comment or reply is required. However you apply the skills acquired in The Speciality Speeches Program you will be sure to expand your presentation skills and become a proficient special occasion speaker.

The Speciality Speeches Program is just one of the many programs that are practiced by Toastmasters to hone their presentation skills. Before a Toastmaster “graduates” to the more advanced programs he/she must complete the Competent Communicator Program.

This is where the basic skills of public speaking are learned.

Of course, as well as the skills of speaking, we also practice listening or evaluating. This is how we learn to give feedback to a speaker in such a way that gives praise and encouragement but also to tactfully make suggestions for improvement.

It is now Easter week and we have just five more meetings to go before the summer break.

Why don’t you take the opportunity to come along to one of our meetings after Easter and see what we do in Speak Easy Toastmasters? You will be very welcome indeed and I will guarantee that you will enjoy the Toastmaster experience and don’t worry, non Toastmasters are never asked to speak at a Toastmasters meeting.

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