Our meeting this evening was opened by Pat who welcomed the many guests. It was chaired for the first time by Sarah, who introduced the officers, including Padraig, who provided the word of the evening: Elucidate.
Frances followed with an educational speech on the broader aspects of Toastmasters beyond the club, including area and divisional contests and community involvement through Youth Leadership programmes. She spoke glowingly of the workshops and speeches at district conferences, reminding us that the next one is 12-14 May.
Some impromptu speaking then in our topics session, with contributions from Ann on heroes and villains, Majella on her love of driving, Mike on his earring and multiple add on’s from Martin, Donal and Sarah on good advice they’d received, finishing with Dara’s jewel: “open your ears and close your mouth”.
Prepared speeches started with a thoughtful one from Tim on the subject of habits and how to change them, including an examination of the cue-routine-reward psychology involved and a suggestion that the destructive habit needs to be displaced by a more positive one.
Tara’s speech “Are Children with ADHD just BOLD?” convinced us that the answer is “No” by focussing on her own experience of helping children to modify their behaviour by introducing more exercise to the school timetable.
In a speech entitled “Bachelorette in Patagonia”, Liam followed up with his own tried and tested “system”: dating advice as developed on a trip to Argentina. He can confirm that none of it achieved its purpose but that he made great friends along the way.
Frank rounded off by selecting members as bride, groom and bridesmaids complete with hats (!) and giving an after dinner speech. In true best-man style, he complimented the bride and roasted the groom.
After a quick break for tea, coffee and biscuits we gathered for the evaluation part of the evening, chaired by General Evaluator, Pat, who introduced evaluations by Donal, Martin, Ann and Mike.
All provided support and sound targeted advice for improvements, including… don’t over-condense, personalise it a bit more, recap at the end…
Liam returned with a Creative Corner based on his psychological insights (developed in Patagonia) suggesting their use as conversation starters.
Pat stepped back in with a general evaluation of the meeting and reminding us that topics questions are open to guests.
A varied and enjoyable meeting.
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