Wise Owls at Toastmasters

 Every night is a whole new experience and a stimulating adventure of discovery at Toastmasters

Notes from the meeting of Wednesday the 30^th April

We began with the kind, genial and inviting style of our President Margaret, who sets everyone at their  ease,  and encourages us to find the best in ourselves and in each other.  Then there was the self-assured, affable Toastmaster Ruiari who did a competent job of chairing the proceedings for the evening.

Ellen had chosen “ Convolouted” as her Grammarian word of the night. It was used generously about 8 times; she reported that the grammar was excellent during the meeting with no slang phrases.

Our Topicsmaster  was the experienced Mike who, with all his charm, grace and easy, natural style   unrolled a series of topics ranging from:

• your first date' 
• 'smells of summer'
• given a choice what language would you like to be fluent in;
• If you were given a huge sum of money, would you still go to Garth Broooks
• What qualities do you most admire in a women

Mikes topics yielded 11 add-ons from 6 topics which got everyone fully participating and involved with enthusiasm and zest - a stimulating, humorous session. Its always gratifying and exciting to see people using their minds and giving spontaneously their views and ideas.

A good topics session rouses the meeting and leads the way to the set speeches.

There were four speeches tonight, three from the competent communicator manual.

1. John’s C stage 4 'East meets West': a technology production trip to India;
2. Eddie’s stage 4 'Things are not always what they seem': a reaction to a tragic accident in New York
3. Joe’s stage 5 'Astral Travel'
4. Margaret ATM Bronze about a visit to a township in Capetown South Africa. “A true entrepreneur is a doer and not a dreamer."

The speeches were delivered with knowledge, preparation and enthusiasm .using only a few notes as reminders.  Sharing our unique experiences and individual ideas is truly enlightening, bringing huge enjoyment to the meeting.

After our refreshment break, the speeches were then evaluated by Tom, Paul, Frances and Rita.  All gave positive feedback and recommendations for improvement. The standard was high as usual.

Pat, as General Evaluator gave his overall assesement of the meeting.

Creative Corner tonight was Aisling and she enthusiastically told us of a film she had seen.

The final twist to the night, and a first, came when Mike(Mr Topicsmaster) presented the prize of a wise owl ornament to Ciara, a first time guest at the meeting, for the best answered topic.

Discover Toastmasters in Galway for yourself at:
Corrib Toastmasters, Oranmore
Galway Toastmasters