The first meeting of 2022, a Zoom meeting, was well attended with a number of guests present. It was another enjoyable, interesting and indeed an ‘applaudable’ evening (‘applaudable’ being the grammarian’s chosen word for the evening).
Our President Eugene welcomed all and outlined the plan for the meeting. Initial logging-in problems were smoothly dealt with and in the usual Toastmasters fashion the meeting ran smoothly. Jenny, this evening’s Toastmaster, introduced all the members who held various positions and they in turn explained their roles for the evening. The meeting’s topicsmaster, Frances, presented a diverse range of discussable topics which ranged from reflections on ‘Oíche Nollag na mBan” to the Danish Hygge concept with a focus on our own happy place. Among the other topics discussed were ‘The importance of a Merry heart’, ‘Our must have gadgets’, ‘Excuses for not presenting homework’ and a reflection on our preferred holiday in 2022.
There were three Speeches this evening.
Pat’s speech entitled ‘Close Call’ focused on a minor historical event – his skilled oration kept us enthralled until the final sentence which revealed how European history would have been totally different if only this one event had a different outcome.
Eugene’s speech brought us back into history and focused on the workings of the pendulum and its subsequent impact on science. However, we learned that those with the greatest discoveries are not always rewarded in the annals of history.
The Dynamic leadership pathway’ speech from Margaret entitled ‘New Year Resolutions’ caused us to reflect on our New Year’s resolutions as she revealed her re-evaluated resolutions. The focus this year is on simpler, kinder deeds which she hopes will have an impact, not only on her own life, and on her acquaintances.
Martin was the evening’s general evaluator and introduced this evenings evaluators, Marie, Declan and Aisling. They complemented the speakers, highlighting good practices and forwarding constructive criticism with the aim of improving future presentations. The Creative Corner, brought us to by Avril, introduced us to a poem, first encountered at Junior Certificate entitled ‘The Early Purges’ by Seamus Heaney. Niamh, the timekeeper, kept a stringent eye on events throughout the evening being creative with the use of colours on her mobile phone, which reminded speakers of their timing. The ‘Ah Counter’ Lorraine gave a comprehensive account of the fillers and ah moments which were many, but complemented all speakers on the lack of additional words which added fluency to the evening’s presentations. Christopher, the grammarian, highlighted the five occasions in which this evenings word was used saying those who used it were applaudable !!! After roles were confirmed for the next meeting the president brought proceedings to a close.
We look forward to our next Zoom meeting on the 19th Jan at 20:00 - all guests welcome!
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