Speakeasy Toastmasters extend their congratulations to Pat Sexton who won first prize at the Division A Final, which is for clubs in the Cork/Kerry region. Pat will be in Belfast on November 8th, and will be competing against English and Irish division winners. Pat’s creativity in answering the topic, ‘what’s the most important thing we can teach our children?’ earned him first place. He highlighted the role of the little white lie in society, and the consequences of ignoring these conventions.
The club was delighted to see two of our members who joined in September delivering their first speeches. The ice-breaker speech aims to discover speaking skills you already have and to give you your first experience of public speaking. Marrian Oviawe spoke on her upbringing and her dream of becoming a make-up artist who inspires confidence in her clients. Paul McCarthy shared details of his mother’s unique motivational skills and his love of extreme sports. He also confessed to losing his grip on a hurley and accidentally knocking out a team-mate with the airborne implement. Hopefully the effects of the concussion have worn off by now.
Tony O’Regan, a former president of the club, gave us a very clear-eyed view of the effect of Common Agricultural Policy reforms. The abolition of milk quotas will have far-reaching effects on local and global markets. Mallow, as one of the homes of Dairygold, was a very fitting place to deliver this speech. Nicola Waterman convinced us of the importance of being occupied. As an occupational therapist she is well qualified to talk on this topic. She explained how little changes can make the world of difference to someone.
Bill Martin was a fantastic toastmaster, bringing his original and unique style to the role. The ‘Name Game’ created some panic among members but thankfully we all managed to play along.
Our Topicsmaster for the night was Helsa Giles. Her topics had us all talking, with everything from ‘the Ebola virus’ to ‘your dream car’ covered. ‘Is food the way to a man’s heart?’ Ray Ryan won best topic with his reply, which I can simply summarise as a resounding yes!
Our president Liam O’Flynn has returned from his visit to the Number One Toastmasters Club in America where he received a warm welcome. Michael Cronin was General Evaluator with Michael Boyle as time keeper.
Speakeasy Toastmasters meets at the Hibernian Hotel tonight, Thursday, at 8 p.m. We meet on alternate Thursdays. For more information go to www.speakeasytoastmasters.com, or contact Liam on 087 6380053 or Marie 087-9746947.