Galway Toastmasters - 10 June 2026 - Perspective

The meeting got off to a lively start with President Warren’s update on the upcoming End-of-Year Social Evening, set for Wednesday 17th June with our Galway neighbours—Corrib Oranmore and East Galway. Judging by the buzz, this is shaping up to be the social event of the season! Excitement didn’t stop there, with plenty of enthusiasm also building for our own Toastmasters potluck party the following Wednesday, 24th June—so it looks like we’ve officially entered back-to-back social mode.

Martin, taking on the Grammarian role for the evening, introduced “Perspective” as his word of the day—and casually mentioned it was also a song title. This sent your scribe down a mini research rabbit hole, only to discover that “Perspective” is clearly a popular favourite across the music world! From Peter Gabriela’s rock vibes in 1978, to Cafuné’s indie-pop take in 2023, Bailey Byran’s country-pop spin in 2019, and even a showtune from Micheal McGrath in 2016—the options are plentiful. The big question now is… which one did Martin have in mind? We’ll be eagerly awaiting the reveal at the next meeting!

Jessica kindly stepped in as Toastmaster for the evening when the assigned Toastmaster was unexpectedly unavailable—taking on a true double act as she was also the Topicsmaster. Elisa bravely took on the Ah-Counter role for the first time, keeping a watchful ear on the group’s favourite crutch words (of which there were a few contenders!). The Creative Corner was led by Ali, and to conclude the session, Martin helped round out the agenda for the next meeting, with President Warren formally closing the evening.

Speaker 1 was Cliona, followed by Pat, with Kathy as the third speaker of the evening. Evaluations were delivered by Eoin, Michal and Warren. All speakers engaged the audience effectively, each sharing personal stories throughout their speeches.

Pat gave an overview of the history of Toastmasters, outlining how it began and sharing several interesting statistics on the growth and number of clubs worldwide. He also offered practical advice and encouragement to new members, highlighting the importance of choosing a pathway, exploring the Toastmasters website, and getting started on their journey.

A highlight of the evening was how engaging the Topicsmaster session became, with 12 people taking part. It was a really enjoyable and energetic segment, with contributions from Pat, Eoin, Martin, Kathy, Avril, Michael, Ali, Philip, Michael, Emmet, Deirdre and Frances.

Galway Toastmasters - 27 May 2026 - Hot, Hot, Hot!

 Despite the exceptionally warm evening, there was a fantastic turnout for our Galway Toastmasters meeting on 27 May, with members gathering for another enjoyable and thought-provoking night of learning, laughter and connection.

Our President, Warren, opened the meeting by inviting members to reflect on possibilities for an end-of-year social gathering with our neighbouring clubs, Oranmore and East Galway. In Warren’s words, it would be an opportunity to “shoot the breeze” with fellow Toastmasters and strengthen the friendships between our clubs.

Toastmaster for the evening, Pat brought his trademark humour and energy to the role, keeping the meeting flowing smoothly and ensuring there was plenty of laughter throughout the night.

Warren, acting as Grammarian, introduced the Word of the Day — “Sparkling” — a fitting choice for such a lively summer evening.

Pat then introduced the evening’s role holders:

• Deirdre as Ah-Counter
• Warren as Grammarian
• Christoffer as Timekeeper
• Eoin leading a wonderfully interactive Creative Corner featuring a unique segment based on the gameshow Would I Lie To You?
• Frances DTM as General Evaluator
• Martin DTM as Topicsmaster

The Table Topics session inspired a range of entertaining and reflective responses. Topics included:

• Favourite things to do when the sun is shining in Galway
• The biggest challenges good weather can bring
• Summer memories and expectations versus reality
• Childhood summer days and how we spent them
• Whether the school calendar should be reconsidered

The prepared speeches were both engaging and thought-provoking.

Jessica delivered a powerful speech titled “The Bystander Effect.” She opened with the tragic incident on Henry Street in Dublin, using it to explore the concept of responsibility diffusion and the ways individuals can fail to act when others are present. It was a compelling and socially relevant speech that encouraged deep reflection.

Michael’s speech, “The Good Life,” invited the audience on a personal journey. Beginning with the words, “Come with me, live this small part of my life,” he transported us back to 1979 when he first walked into the post office — a place he would remain connected to for 41 years. His vivid descriptions, including the smell of the canvas mail bags, brought the memories to life as he reflected warmly on why he loved his work so much.

Spencer presented his Pathways Presentation Mastery Level 1 project, “Version 5.0.” Speaking candidly about recently turning 50, he shared reflections on life, change and personal growth with honesty and humour.

Our evaluators provided thoughtful and encouraging feedback throughout the evening. Ali evaluated Jessica’s speech, highlighting its many strengths while offering constructive suggestions. Kathy evaluated Spencer’s presentation, while Martin DTM evaluated Michael’s speech. Each evaluator acknowledged what speakers did particularly well while also offering valuable challenges for future growth.

Another sparkling evening of Toastmasters, full of warmth, humour, insight and inspiration.

Thanks to everyone who showed up and made it such a bright, engaging, and sparkling summer evening! See you at the next meeting.

Galway Toastmasters - 29 April 2026 - A warm atmosphere on a warm Spring Evening.

 

The 29^th of April was an exceptionally sunny day for Galway and still those of us trying to learn the art of a good speech were drawn to the bright upstairs room in Sccul Enterprise Centre to try command the art of public speaking.

Following a warm welcome from our Toastmaster for the night Christoffer he then introduced the meeting role holders. Deidre took on her first role of Ah Counter and introduced herself and the role seamlessly, followed by our wonderful Grammarian Cliona who choose the word Marvellous as the word of the evening. This word went on to be mentioned 19 times on the night in lots of interesting and different ways. How marvellous! We also had the captivating Rob as timekeeperand humorous Sarah as scribe.

Spencer brought us a very entertaining and revealing Creative Corner where he put interesting questions to the floor were members and guests stood up if they had for example been in a work meeting and in fact had no idea what was going on or if they had ever been escorted out of a place. This brought a great sense of fun and devilment to the room.

Our General Evaluator Kathy spoke passionately about the role and purpose of constructive evaluation to help us better ourselves as she wonderfully reminded us that this community is a space for learning.

Bea had us intrigued and bemused as she took a large bag of interesting props to the top of the room for a very stimulating and intellectual Topicsmaster session. She challenged members to speak off the cuff for 2 minutes on thought provoking topics from charity scandals, 4 day working weeks to what the household hammer or tin whistle reminds you of.

Pat who has only been a Toastmaster for 2 years delivered an exceptional Level 4 Presentation titled ‘Giving a Toastmasters Speech’ while being interrupted and heckled by an engrossed audience on purpose. He brought laughs and skill to an already wonderful atmosphere. This speech was later brilliantly evaluated by Ian who described Pat’s ‘killer eyes’ perfectly and with great wit.

Eoin had the tough job of evaluating seasoned Toastmaster Martin who delivered a motivating speech entitled ‘Shifting Sands’ that gave us rich food for thought that had us reflecting on what gives us a sense of security or life meaning.

The esteemed Mark praised our Sergeant in Arms Frances on her Storytelling Speech which she delivered with class and seasoned confidence. She took us right back to the house she grew up in and rich memories from her childhood.

 Kathy our general evaluator highlighted the excellent atmosphere that evening and how to be able to get so many members and guests in attendance even on a super sunny evening in Galway was a testament to the club and what it brings to people.

Martin, our VP of Education, filled the roles for our next meeting and detailed how it will comprise of our AGM and explained how to get involved as an officer. Warren then, as always closed, the meeting with a opportunity for anyone who wished to speak to come up and saw a few words which inspired a guest of the evening to come up to the podium and say a few words which were very warmly received.

A warm evening made even warmer by great people, discussions and sharing.

Galway Toastmasters - 15 April 2026 - Navigating Life's Journey

 At Toastmasters meetings, themes often emerge without planning or discussion, and this evening was no exception. A strong theme of Navigating Life’s Journeys was evident throughout.

• President Warren opened the meeting by announcing that Galway Toastmasters has achieved Distinguished Club status, thanks to the efforts of all members.
• Committee elections will take place on 13th May, with seven roles open for consideration.
• An end-of-year event is planned for 24th June, more details to follow.
• Special thanks were given to Martin for his dedicated work on the committee this year.

• The Toastmaster for the evening, Cathy, clearly explained her role and smoothly introduced each speaker with professionalism and poise and each role holder briefly outlined their responsibilities before the speeches began.

• The word of the evening was ‘Navigate’ which was used throughout the evening.

• The Topics Master, Jennifer, brought a unique style to the evening’s proceedings, when  chosen toastmasters selected a question from a box – questions that proved to be complex but thought provoking, challenging yet, thoroughly enjoyable. Members were asked to reflect on ‘advice you would give to a person facing an existential crisis’ to comment on ‘ a social/scientific experiment that touched you’ to sharing our thoughts on ‘Feminazi’ to ‘what would our rules be for a new founded country’.

• The three speeches offered thought-provoking ideas:
• Eoin – “A Journey to Authenticity”
• Emphasised that authenticity is not a journey of the mind, but of the heart.
• Spencer – “Are You Living on Autopilot?”
• Highlighted how ambition can lead to routine and comfort highlighting how life can pass quickly in autopilot mode, but awareness can help break the cycle.
• Bea – “Mentoring Boundaries, and Being My Own Guide”
• Stressed the importance of pausing before saying yes, encouraged trusting yourself, setting boundaries, and growing at your own pace.

• The General Evaluator this evening, Francis, praised the organisation of the meeting and reminded evaluators to offer constructive advice.

• Pat provided detailed and insightful feedback to Eoin while Cliona and Philip, both relatively new members, delivered clear and impressive evaluations on Spencer’s and Bea’s speeches, highlighting the importance of contacting speakers beforehand.

• The Creative Corner, provided by Florinda, added a light-hearted element, as everyone collaborated to create a story, resulting in much laughter—especially during the tale of the dog and the cupboard.

• The Ah-Counter and Grammarian delivered a comprehensive report, increasing awareness of language use throughout the meeting.

• The meeting concluded on a positive note, with attendees leaving a little wiser than when they arrived two hours earlier.

 

Galway Toastmasters - 01 April 2026 - No ones fool!

 

April Fools Day but no fools at Galway Toastmasters as we enjoyed a very full, fun and educational evening.

Our President Warren introduced the evening and then handed over to Toastmaster Paul who introduced the role holders. This was followed by a lively Topics Session run by Sarah. A debate, talk of nappies for seagulls and a rude remedy for people crossing at a red light. A great fun session.

Then came the prepared speeches.  Phillip for his first speech gave valuable advice on escaping our phone and other addictions. Then Robert with his speech Nature’s Pharmacy gave us an insightful look at the world of beekeeping.  Then mark celebrated finishing a pathway with an inspiring speech on tackling his difficulty as a native Irish speaker getting his words out in English.  It is a credit to both him and Toastmasters how far he has come.

Then came a break which gave the evaluators a chance to connect with their speakers.

Our general evaluator Helen ran the second half of the meeting.  We got excellent evaluations from Spencer, Eoin and Pat. All gave good insight and hints for improvement.

We got the officer reports and as our Creative Corner volunteer was held up at work Paul stepped in.  He started a story of going to the market to buy shoes and it went from person to person. A flock of sheep a van with a collie dog at the ready another dog.  A comet landing on St Nicholas was ignored and by twists and turns it went back to the shoes. Everyone contributed and it was great fun.

Helen handed back to Warren who gave those who hadn’t spoken a chance to speak.  Then he told us that a new committee will be needed soon and closed a very enjoyable meeting.

Galway Toastmasters - 18 March 2026 - From Spud Guns to Social Algorithms: Community in the Chaos

Spring was in the air as President Warren Healy opened the meeting, noting the welcome "stretch in the day" and the shift towards summertime. The evening’s energy mirrored the season, vibrant and full of unexpected turns. By the time the final gavel fell, we had covered everything from the ethics of TikTok to the life-saving statistics of joining a club.

Table Topics: St Patrick’s, Spud Guns, and Secret Skills
Spencer led a spirited Table Topics session that began with reflections on St Patrick’s Day. We heard about local floats going viral and the profound "boohoo moment" of a member feeling a surge of Irish pride in a parade that brought them to tears. The room also celebrated a staggering 45+ year wedding anniversary, a reminder of a different kind of long-term commitment.

• The prompt "Any job for a day" sparked diverse dreams:
• The Caretakers: Aspirations to work with animal rescues like Dogs Trust.
• The Barista: A heartwarming story of a son’s first day behind the espresso machine.
• The Daredevil: A call to become a skydiving instructor.
• The Realist: One member admitted his driveway is where cars go to stay rather than be fixed, while another dreamt of the high-pressure kitchen of a top-class restaurant.

Things took a mechanical turn when we discussed "silver linings." We learned about a career-ending firing that became a fresh start, and a spud gun project that escalated quickly. What started as a toy ended up powered by a compressor and a metal ball, a piece of DIY engineering so potent it unfortunately claimed the life of a local deer.
Finally, we looked at the "Magical Master" prompt. While some wanted the fighting skills of The Matrix, the room eventually settled on a more grounded desire: the skill of silence. The ability to truly hear and understand people, it was agreed, is the ultimate superpower.

The Speeches: Data, Delivery, and Doing it Alone
Three distinct perspectives challenged the room:

• Social Media & Me: Pat delivered an eye-opening history of the digital giants like Google, Meta, and TikTok. The speech pulled back the curtain on how algorithms manipulate groups rather than individuals. The takeaway was a sobering call to action: with data being harvested at every turn, we must actively vote for democracy and stay vigilant within the EU framework.
• The Contractor’s Life Cycle: Spencer took us into the chaos of high-stakes IT transformations. He contrasted the stable life of an employee with the contractor who is hired when things are broken. The core of his message was that it isn’t just about technical skill; it’s about relationships and trust. To survive the drift of large projects, one needs clear priorities, clear owners, and the confidence to move into chaos and figure it out.
• Bowling Alone: Warren delivered a persuasive look at social psychology based on Robert Putnam’s work. He dropped a staggering statistic: joining just one community group can cut your odds of dying in the next 12 months in half, an effect comparable to quitting smoking. Using the image of solitary bowlers in parallel lanes, he highlighted our post-Covid isolation and urged us to get out three to four nights a week to build a life-saving support structure.

Closing
The evaluators provided sharp, experience-led feedback, highlighting the strengths of the night’s delivery while offering paths for improvement. After a quick drive to fill the roles for next week, the meeting closed on a high note of connection and community.

Galway Toastmasters - 04 March 2026 - The start and end of a path

 

Warren, our President, opened the meeting and welcomed members and guests before sharing some good news from the club. Kathy had recently represented Galway Toastmasters at a competition and performed brilliantly, she came 2^nd in two competitions and 3^rd in the last competition.

Spencer took on the role of Toastmaster for the evening, his first time guiding the meeting. He led the first half, introducing the role holders and keeping everything moving smoothly.

Sarah was the ah-counter and she seamlessly weaved in humour to the role.

Our Grammarian, Pat, introduced the word of the day ‘Existential’. It was interesting to hear how members found opportunities to weave it naturally into their speaking.

Frances was our timekeeper, she expertly managed everyone’s time.

Michael took on the role of Topicsmaster for the evening which prompted thoughtful and often humorous responses from the floor. Questions ranged from whether Irish mothers spoil their sons more than their daughters, to guilty pleasures and what traits we might change in ourselves. One question asked members which country they might choose to live in besides Ireland, with Japan appearing as one intriguing option. The session sparked lively reflections and showed once again how the Topics sections offers everyone the chance to stand up and share an idea or story in the moment.

We then moved into the prepared speeches, where three speakers shared very different perspectives and experiences.

Jessica delivered her Icebreaker speech, reflecting on how she is choosing to grow. Icebreakers give new members the chance to introduce themselves and their story to the club. Jessica spoke openly about her motivations and her journey so far.

Helen followed with a speech titled Stories About the Matriarchy. Her speech was engaging and conversational, with good use of movement and expression to bring the stories to life.

Christoffer delivered the final speech of the evening, reflecting on his journey through the Toastmasters Pathways programme. Having completed 15 speeches, he finally completed his chosen Pathway. He shared what he had learned along the way, in both the Swedish Toastmasters and Galway Toastmasters club. He included insights into movement around the stage, using your voice to create interest at different parts of your presentation and performing tasks while presenting. It was a thoughtful reflection on the value of persistence and practice.

After a short tea break, the meeting continued with the evaluation session, where speakers receive constructive feedback designed to help them grow.

Robert, evaluating Jessica’s speech, commented on how engaging and relatable it was, highlighting the strength of the personal story she shared. He praised the speed at which she gave a speech and advised her to keep up the good momentum.

Ali, evaluating Helen’s speech, noted her use of humour and conversational tone, which helped deliver a clear and memorable message. He also praised Helen’s ability to speak and not rely on her notes.

Maud evaluated Christoffer’s speech, commenting on how well timed and engaging it was, and how effectively he intertwined personal memories with his Toastmasters achievements.

The Creative Corner added a reflective note to the evening. Bea read the poem Lost by David Wagoner, a thoughtful piece about finding your way when you feel uncertain or directionless.

The meeting wrapped up with reports from the supporting roles. Sarah, our Ah-Counter, noted that “um” appeared twenty times across ten speakers, while “ah” and “oh” made smaller appearances.

Pat, the Grammarian, highlighted some memorable phrases from the evening, including the line:
“When you dance, an ordinary person becomes extraordinary,”
and the wonderfully expressive:
“Work like a saint, paid like a sinner.”

Another enjoyable evening of learning, laughter and reflection.

Hope to see you at the next meeting!