Galway Toastmasters - 21 January 2026 - Open Night: There be dragons!

 

With 2026 now in full swing Galway Toastmasters met for their open night. This event gave guests the chance to attend a meeting for free to see what a typical meeting is like. Members and especially guests were warmly welcomed by our Club President Warren. He handed over to our very experienced Toastmaster for the evening Frances to run the first half of the meeting. She introduced the officers for the meeting who each gave a short description of their role.

Ian was our Ah-Counter, Helen our Timekeeper and Connie our Grammarian. She introduced our word for the evening – Perplexed. Speakers were encouraged to use the word throughout the meeting whenever it could be appropriately included. We then had two members who were each double jobbing due to illness visiting two of our other members. Martin had the role of Scribe, who puts together the notes on the meeting for inclusion on our blog and also the role of General Evaluator who hosts the second half of the meeting and also evaluates the speech evaluators and the overall meeting. The final officer was Christoffer who held the role of Creative Corner which literally allows the member to present something short and entertaining near the end of the meeting e.g a short poem or story or even a dance! He also held the role of Topicsmaster which is where members practice their impromptu speaking.  He departed slightly from the traditional questions and answers by asking each member called upon to pick a number and he then asked them an associated question.

The Topics session included responses on:

The pros and cons of setting up a nuclear power plant in Galway;

Fighting off Vikings with a pasta spoon;

What you would place in a picture frame;

Whether the pen really is mightier than the sword and

How you would become rich quick.

There were a number of very good responses including from guests, which is a sign of how accessible the topics were. No one was perplexed in the least.

Following the Topics we had three wonderful prepared speeches. The first by Spencer, who is a relatively recent member, was called “The Contracting Life Cycle” relating to his experiences. The second by Michael was entitled “Don’t let the old man in” and dealt with keeping ourselves young while Pat’s speech called Toastmasters Time related time through the ages. These were three very different speeches by members at different levels of experience. This was a wonderful example for guests at our open night as it highlighted what members can achieve with the support of the club.

After our break Martin took over the meeting hosting duties as General Evaluator. He introduced the Speech Evaluators Warren, Ali and Bea who each evaluated one of the three speeches we heard before the break. All provided positive feedback while also suggesting potential areas for the speaker to challenge themselves.

Next Ian and Connie provided their reports on the Ah-counter and Grammarian roles respectively. This was followed by a wonderful Creative Corner hosted by Christoffer who was determined not to lower the high standard he had set with his Topics session. With the help of three volunteers he created a story of a princess and a dragon. One of our guests volunteered to take part in the Creative Corner which was wonderful to see.

Our General Evaluator, Martin then gave his feedback both on the Speech Evaluators, the officers for the meeting and the overall meeting. He highlighted all the effort the evaluators had put into their evaluations. He complimented all the officers on their role introductions which are very helpful to guests and new members in particular as they may not be familiar with the role of the Ah-counter for example. He recommended that the club look at the layout of seats at the meeting to make the best use of space. He then asked for volunteers to help fill the agenda for the next meeting on 04 February 2026. Finally, he handed back to the President Warren who closed the meeting.

Overall it was a wonderful Open Night ad showcased what our club has to offer. We look forward to welcoming our  new members into the club over the coming weeks.

Dragon image Easy-Peasy Ai (https://easy-peasy.ai/ai-image-generator/images/friendly-dragon-clipart-cheerful-design)

Galway Toastmasters - 29 October 2025 - Samhain treats without the tricks

The Club President, Warren, opened the meeting and introduced the Toastmaster for evening, Maud.  She outlined her role to lead the first half of the meeting and invited each meeting officer to the lectern to outline their respective role(s); Michael, the Timekeeper, to prompt speakers with visual/audible cues to ensure they remained within their allotted time; Connie, the “Ah Counter”, to raise speakers’ awareness of usage of crutch or filler words/phrases; Martin, the Grammarian, introduced the word of the day, “Apparition”; Ali, the Scribe, to take meeting minutes; Pat, assigned Creative Corner, to share something (anything!) with the audience ;Kathy, the meeting’s Topics Master, to help us practice speaking about a topic without any preparation

The Topics session got underway with Kathy’s topics ranging from “What lights you up?”, to sense of community, to useful lifehacks. Participation was strong and members spoke passionately regarding all topics.

The evening’s first speech was an Icebreaker by Kilian, a recently joined member of Toastmasters Galway, who outlined what brought him to Toastmasters. Kilian took us on a journey of his once fear of public speaking and included several quotes from prominent businessman and historical figures to embrace the challenge of overcoming fear of public speaking.

The second speech of evening, delivered by Mark, was about embracing transition year for 4^th year secondary school students. Due to this being a Level 4 speech, it was allotted a time of 15-20 minutes and included a highly interactive Q&A session at the end. Mark used PowerPoint slides to convey his message that transition year is not a wasted year; it provides students with addition perspective regarding life outside of school and an extra year to develop maturity before embarking on the senior cycle of secondary school.

The evening’s final speech, titled “Forgotten Hero”, a story about a historical figure called Michael Lally from Tuam, was delivered by Francis. This was an advanced speech and as part of her chosen pathway. As part of the speech, Francis was required to deal with a disruptive audience. Planned disruptions by fellow toastmasters included chattering within the audience and heckling. Francis navigated through the disruptions in a cool, calm manner and successfully delivered her speech.

After the interval where toastmasters, new and experienced, mingled over tea/coffee, the speech evaluators presented their evaluations for the three earlier speeches; Pat praised Kilian’s icebreaker speaker, Helen commended Mark’s preparation and speech delivery, and Bea commended Francis’ composure and ability to remain “calm, centred and unshaken” despite disruptions during her speech.

Paul, a recent new member of Galway Toastmasters, had a Halloween themed quiz for the audience as part of Creative Corner. The audience were engaged and there plenty of laughter at some of the choices for the multichoice questions.

The meeting officers shared their findings with the audience – Word of the Day “Apparition” was used 6 times!

Warren, the meeting’s General Evaluator, commented on the meeting as a whole and the speech evaluations, providing positive overall feedback. Before finishing up, he imparted with a message to “Stay present with the audience” as a tip to his fellow toastmasters.

Martin, the Vice President of Education, took names for speakers and meeting officer roles to populate the agenda for the next meeting. All roles were filled!

Warren, this time as Club President again, closed the meeting on time.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening with fellow Toastmasters!

Galway Toastmasters - 15 October 2025 - Reflection and Depth

Warren, our President opened the meeting, greeting all and reminding everyone of this week's business, then handed the running of it on to our Toastmaster of the night, Michael. 

This was Michael's first time as Toastmaster, leading the first half, introducing the roles, and keeping the meeting on track. He did it admirably, stretching his public speaking muscles as he did so.

Our Grammarian challenged the group to use the word TENACITY throughout and many members found a way to drop it into their topic or speech when given an opportunity.

There was a wealth of guests this week which added a lovely buzz and opportunity for the four Speakers to speak to a friendly crowd.

Niamh, as Topicsmaster led a Topics session where (I think... I was absorbed in it at the time) every topic had an add-on, highlighting that she chose questions that gave all members (and guests if they chose) the opportunity to stand up and speak. This is so important for those who haven't signed up for a role or a speech.

Two Icebreakers (by new members – their first speech) were a welcome part of our evening alongside two additional speakers.

Jeanne's speech was clear and straightforward, she spoke to her purpose of being at Toastmasters, knowing her 'message but sometimes can't get it out there.' Toastmasters provides a place to practice. A place where you can get your reps in so that you can speak with purpose in the environment you want to get better at.

Spencer had a warm affable speaking approach and spoke about never being given the Secret Manual For Adults (A book many of us wish we had) There was a moment when he lost his place (something that also many of us have done...) but he recovered very well - especially as this was his first speech at the club. His Evaluator spoke to how it was a 'Masterclass in recovery' as he kept the audience at ease and recovered well and wrapped up nicely. Seeing this kind of practice helps every member know it's possible to find your place again when the words have left you. 

Bea had a speech that focuses on weaving a story about family, adding into what became the theme of the meeting of reflection. Bea has consistently developed her speaking skills during her time with with the club.

Kathy was our final speaker. Kathy practiced her competition speech '42% More At Rest'. She needed to shave off 3 minutes from her last practice and did so admirably.

Each of the evaluations was carefully attended to by the Evaluators.This is extremely important for the Speakers. Without proper reflection and feedback Speakers don't get the opportunity to learn.

Extra feedback was welcomed by the report from our Ah-Counter. Martin shared a beautiful poem called October October that left us all wanting to go out and play in piles of leaves. 

What a wonderful night.

Hope we see you at the next one!

Galway Toastmasters - 01 October 2025 - Swapping brains, being nosy and the joys of Galway and Nature

 

The meeting kicked off with the President Warren opening the meeting and introducing the role holders. Stephen, (Toastmaster) Avril (Topicsmaster) and Bea (Ah Counter) and Frances (Grammarian) and Ali (Timekeeper) all gave a quick explanation of their respective roles. The Table Topics produced a good mix of serious and light hearted discussions – from the use of ChatGPT to the pros and cons of running a marathon and even the question ‘who’s brain you would swap with?’.

Niamh delivered a fantastic Icebreaker speech introducing herself and notably quipped that Galway is where ambition goes to die. Next Michael gave a hilarious speech on being nosy. We all now need to keep an eye over our shoulders if checking messages on our phones with Michael around! Pat closed the prepared speeches with an insightful talk on green and blue spaces and why we should look after them.

Kathy as the General Evaluator chaired the second half of the meeting. Warren, Martin and Ali then provided evaluations for Michael, Niamh and Pat respectively offering praise where it was due and feedback for things to potentially work on. Finally, Spencer fantastically improvised to give a talk on his experiences with public speaking for the creative corner rounding off the meeting on a high note. 

Galway Toastmasters - 17th September 2025 - Open House

The meeting on the 17th  September was also an open house and around ten potential members attended. Warren,  our President, hosted the evening. He explained that a Toastmasters meeting is a place where one is encouraged to develop public speaking skills in a safe and supportive way. 

The different roles were explained by their takers.

The Tabletopics were introduced by Pat. He asked members to consider a world without some modern items we take for granted. Martin, Michael, Maud, Helen, Frances and Paul spoke of a world without passports, flushing toilets, GPS, ready meals and AI/robots  in an entertaining way.

Frances gave the first speech which told of her Toastmasters journey. A journey where saying YES brought her friendship, confidence, responsibility and much more.

Martin was the second speaker. He asked us to consider what we can do for Toastmasters. By bringing our stories and experiences, by listening  to others and engaging with them we all gain. We learn how to speak to our contemporaries, our teachers and to speak at weddings and to give presentations. 

After a convivial break the second half of the meeting where the evaluations are given started.

 Frances speech was evaluated by Mark. He thought it a speech full of humour and that her little stories captured the essence of Toastmasters as she took us through her Toastmaster's journey. A journey that encourages us to ask of ourselves. Why not accept a challenge.

Michael, a man who thinks his evaluations egregious, gave an excellent evaluation of Martin's speech.  He spoke of how it expressed the essence of being a toastmaster in a humorous and engaging way through language, eye contact and movement. 

Maud(General  Evaluator)and Helen(Grammarian)summed up the meeting commenting on the its themes of encouragement and  humour.  Bea(Creative Corner) read a poem on gratitude, a reminder to us of life's blessings and the hope that is always with us. 

Galway Toastmasters – 3rd September 2025 – Breaking the Ice, a medical device and what coaching is (and isn’t)

Galway Toastmasters held its first meeting following the summer in SCCUL Enterprise Centre at 8.00PM. September is always an exciting month in a club as members return from holidays and meet up not just to learn public speaking and leadership skills but also to swap stories of their summer.

Our meeting was opened by our President, Warren, in his usual warm and welcoming style. He quickly introduced Martin as our Toastmaster for the evening. Martin was double jobbing as the General Evaluator at this meeting which meant he would host the first and second half of the meetings. This was how Galway Toastmasters traditionally ran meetings up to about 5 years ago with one person running the meeting. IN more recent years that has been split between the Toastmaster and General Evaluator roles to allow more members the experience of helping to guide our meetings.

Martin introduced our officers for the meeting. Ciaran, Maud and Niamh took on the Ah-counter, Grammarian and Timekeeper roles respectively. Both Ciaran and Niamh as relatively new members so it was wonderful to see them getting involved so quickly. Niamh also took on the role of Creative Corner for the evening. Each of them introduced their role to the audience to benefit particularly guests and newer members. Martin then introduced Jekin who gave us a wide ranging and accessible range of unprepared Topics that members responded to. This really helps members develop on the spot thinking and is a wonderful part of our meetings.

Next came the prepared speeches. First Ian gave us his Icebreaker speech, the first prepared speech a member gives to the club. These speeches are always very interesting as they give us a sense of our, generally newer members.  This was followed by Pat’s speech “Galway's Medical Device Industry” which a fascinating insight into the impact that medical device companies have on Galway and on patients around the world. Pat had obviously put time and effort into researching what was an excellent, entertaining and educational speech. Finally, Kathy spoke on the theme of “The Coaching Experience - what it is and what it definitely isn't”. As an experienced Life Coach was able to set out what coaching is designed to do and what it isn’t. It was a well prepared, interesting and informative speech. We then had our break for tea, biscuits and a chat.

Following the break, Martin welcomed us back and introduced the evaluators for the three speeches before the break. Frances, Warren and Connie evaluated Ian, Pat and Kathy’s speeches from the first half. They all praised the positives that they found in the speeches and made one or two suggestions in each case where they felt slight changes may help the impact of the speech. Importantly, these suggestions are never delivered as criticisms but rather challenges to all of us to help us improve, try a different speaking technique or style. Perhaps more importantly, they highlight members support of each other and faith in our ability to grow, adapt and thrive.

Martin then introduced the officers who had to report back, namely the Ah-Counter and Grammarian. Once again, these roles make us aware both of areas that we might want to work on but also the wonderful language and imagery created in every meeting by the words and phrases members use. This was followed by Niamh’s wonderful creative corner.

The General Evaluator then evaluated the speech evaluators and the over all meeting before Martin filled as many roles as possible for the next meeting on 17^th September before handing back to Warren, our club President who closed the meeting. It was a wonderful, enjoyable meeting.

Galway Toastmasters - 20th August 2025 - Panicked yells, wedding bells and bluebells

Our meeting was opened by our Club President Warren who welcomed everyone to the last of Galway Toastmasters first ever set of Summer meetings. He handed over to our Toastmaster Brian who displayed all the skills he's developed in becoming an experienced Toastmaster to keep us on time even when we had a longer timed, though fantastic speech. He introduced the officers for the meeting being:

Pat, Bea and Michael as Ah-Counter, Grammarian and Timekeeper. Jekin and Warren introduced their roles as Creative Corner and General Evaluator before Frances ran the topics session as Topicsmaster. The topics she asked were about when the member she picked felt most comfortable with cosy blankets and nights tucked up in bed getting mentioned. She also enquired about our favourite gift as a child and our favourite Aunt or Uncle growing up. It is a sign of the accessibility of the topics that besides the initial speaker there were add-ons for each question.

We were then treated to three wonderful prepared speeches:

Dion's speech entitled "Every Cloud has a Silver lining" showed us that even in the darkest of situations there can still be a something to be grateful for. In a speech full of humour, wonderful body language and with a hugely engaging story we heard about an eventful flight. 

This was followed by Steven who gave us an insight into his thoughts on how he has broken down preparing for speaking at his upcoming wedding. Given the amount of thought that has gone into it, it will be well worth listening to on the day.

Our final speaker was Kathy with a longer project, which was a question and answer session. In a speech entitled "Why to plant anything - is it worth it?" she led even the most sceptical of us on a journey towards gardening. With great passion and energy she explained how fancy books, expertise, expensive equipment or hours of backbreaking work are not needed. Instead, a willingness to try, experiment and see what works is essential. Even if our plantings don't make it to Bloom or the Chelsea Flower show we will learn something and can try a different approach the next time. Anyone for some Lasagne planting? She also gave us ample opportunity to ask questions and she delivered her responses.

Following the break, Warren took over hosting the meeting as General Evaluator. He called on the evaluators, Martin, Mark and Martin (again!) to provide their feedback on the three speeches heard in the first half of the meeting. They both provided their insights on the wonderful speeches and made some suggestions for each speaker to work on.

Our Ah-counter, Pat gave us feedback on the amount of filler words such as ah, um etc. that he noticed during the meeting. He was followed by Bea who gave her Grammarians report on the usage of the word of the meeting, which was "resilient". Displaying her impressive listening skills she reminded us of some of the wonderful phrases we had heard in the speeches and topics during the meeting.

Jekin provided us with a different style of Creative Corner where he brought in a bag of objects and we picked one from the bag  and spoke very briefly about it. Everyone was engaged and we discovered the impact that tin whistles had in many a household.   

Warren in his role as General Evaluator evaluated the evaluators and the overall meeting highlighting what had been done well and pointing out elements that help us all evaluate effectively.

Martin filled roles for our net meeting which will be on the 3rd of September.

We will have an open night of 17th of September when guests will be able to attend for free which is always a great night. 

Warren closed the meeting by thanking all for attending.