"Better than drinking cans!"

On a beautiful Wednesday evening we were welcomed by our President Sarah who complimented us on making the journey into the Menlo Park Hotel instead of staying at home “painting a fence or drinking cans down by the Spanish Arch”!

Jennifer entertained, encouraged and inspired us to get on our feet with her topics session during which one of the Pats recanted feeling “not shaken but a little stirred” when encountering a beautiful receptionist in a posh hotel in Cork! Lucia enthralled us with her speech entitled “The way we talk” in which she gave us a flavor of Spanish culture and reminded us “Don’t talk when I interrupt you”. She convinced us - she was right!

In the second speech of the night, Shane give us a wonderful introduction to his background and what brought him to Toastmasters. One recommendation that stuck with this Toastie was to read a book called “Deep Work” by Cal Newport.

Margaret regaled us with an inspiring and convincing speech about the need to reduce waste in the name of Climate Change and protection of Biodiversity. She left us with a great Audrey Hepburn quote: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow!”

In the last speech of the meeting, Eugene shared powerful tips on how to be a good leader such as planning for mistakes and learning from them – as everybody makes them. The importance of knowing the strengths and weaknesses of Team members was highlighted and acknowledging Leaders and Followers as co-dependant in a two-way street relationship.

Another takeaway was that Managers should be providing support and filling the gaps for their Team instead of leading the Cavalry charge as in battle. Another top tip was building in some extension time into deadlines.

Ann-Marie got physical in the Creative Corner and reminded us of the importance of body posture and how it can improve our physical and mental well-being. She certainly helped us end the meeting on a high! 

Next meeting is Wednesday 29^th May as usual in Menlo Park Hotel at 8pm; all are welcome!