Time to find your inner Gold

The meeting February 14^th was well attended even though it was Valentine’s day..or maybe because!  We were welcomed by our President Pat who handed the meeting over to our first time Toastmaster of the night Brian, who did an excellent job running the first half of the meeting.  The officers explained their roles.  Liam gave a tantalizing preview of his Creative Corner, including a history of St Valentine - not the one buried in a Dublin church.

PJ conducted a very enjoyable Table Topics session. Topics ranged from lent, Valentine’s day, spending €10,000 in a day, phobias and more. There was good participation with plenty of add-ons.

Next came the organised speeches

Tara’s Stage 8 speech gave a lovely connection of a golden Buddha hidden in a clay one until it was discovered, to connecting to our deeper self .
Declan gave his Stage 5 speech, The Abstract Concept, from the Speaking to Inform Manual. He got us thinking of time in a different way.  He gave insights as to why some people are good timekeepers and others not. 

Donal gave his Stage 4 speech from the Special Occasions Manual, Mastering the Toast.  He talked about a mentor of his so well that I felt I would like to meet him.

Pat gave his Stage 5 speech from the Humorously Speaking Manual with a title Hick from the Sticks. He blew our minds with all the incomprehensible terminology used at an investment seminar he went to with a friend. I asked him and he assured me it was true.

Brian closed the first half of the meeting and we had refreshments and a chat. Very important for both new and seasoned members.

The second half of the meeting was over seen by our General Evaluator, Darragh, who called on the Evaluators - they all gave positive feedback and helpful suggestions for improvement which Darragh pointed out during his subsequent general evaluation.  We then had reports from the officers.  A comprehensive report from the Ah-counter, Robert. This was  followed by a report of the Grammarian, Lorraine, who noted good use of the word of the night RELINQUISH and pointing out phrases that she liked during the evening.  Then we had our Creative Corner by Liam. He gave his top ten tips for dating, connected to the objectives in the CC manual.  Darragh then gave his general evaluation of the meeting.

Join us at our next meeting on Feb 28th. It will be e celebration of the Club's 25th year and also the awarding of the Clubs first Distinguished Toastmaster Award!!

Sarah offered roles for the next meeting.  Pat closed a very enjoyable and educational meeting.  This was followed by an optional trip to the bar, alcohol not compulsory.