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!
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!

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.
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GalwayToastmasters
or MeetUp https://www.meetup.com/preview/Galway-Toastmasters
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