Thursday, 5 October 2017

Contest night goes to the dogs...but Martin goes to the next level




Tonight was Contest night – and what a night it was!!
Frances talked about technology and its influence on social interactions. We could all empathise with her trying to get to deal with a real person in a Bank! She made us laugh but also think about the way things are going, and if its actually an improvement.
We had Martin tell us about his new family dog - it sounded like they like him…but to be honest I couldn’t be sure! The dog certainly made life (and Martin’s speech) more interesting! And even gets Martin out of the house more - to the benefit of his waistline!
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Pat told us about an unfortunate incident of the dog in the summer time…of 1981. A less fortunate dog than Martin’s it has to be said. There were posh Aunts, oversized dogs in suitcases on subways, and ‘helpful’ strangers! But all ended well, I think…although maybe not quiet so for the dog in question! Nor for the aspiring DJ / ‘helpful’ stranger!
The Tabletopics subject was about opt-out pension plans and while some of the contestants looked like they would have liked to opt-out, they all capably, wittily and entertainingly gave great responses.   
Martin was the star of the night, coming first in both contests – Well done Martin!!
The night was run by the Contest Chair, Liam, who did a great job - ably assisted by a team of excellent Toastmaster.
It was contest night and although Toastmasters is normally a relaxed, supportive, learning environment - twice a year we hold a speaking contest where more experienced speakers battle it out to win … get to test themselves at a higher level.
The Humorous Speech Contest let members give a 5 to 7 minute speech without any objectives except to be funny or have an element of humour, to entertain the audience. The Tabletopics Contest is where contestants must give a short, 2 minute, unprepared speech to a topic that they are only told when the stand on the stage!! This is a skill that is practiced in the safe and supportive environment of the club, and only the brave or foolhardy will put themselves forward to contests to compete with other great speakers!
Related imageMartin goes on to represent the Club at the Area final which is to be hosted by Galway Toastmasters at 2pm on Oct 14th in the Menlo Park Hotel.  
Anyone can attend, so bring a friend, and learn by watching great speakers in action, and get a good laugh at the same time!


Our next regular meeting is Oct 18th in Menlo Park Hotel, arrive at 8:15 to find out more.

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