A big crowd in the room!

Our last meeting on March 20^th began with a brief introduction by our President Sarah, who noted the large numbers in the room, and extended an especially warm welcome to those who were attending Toastmasters for the first time! She then proceeded to outline the structure of the meeting and to give an idea of what it means to be part of Toastmasters - Sarah opened the floor to some experienced members to provide a few words on what Toastmasters has done for them (so far). Members came forth and described how Toastmasters has contributed to developing their speaking and listening skills together with their confidence in themselves. Each also mentioned that there were great learning experiences to be had at each meeting as we are comprised of people from many different backgrounds.

Marie, our Toastmaster for the evening then introduced the various roles for the evening and ensured that the first half of the meeting ran smoothly by skillfully transitioning the meeting from one section to the next.

Our Topicsmaster, Margaret, then took charge and introduced interesting and yet general topics which drew many responses from the floor. The topics invited responses that were both greatly entertaining in terms of humour, but also enabled those present to engage with the other end of the emotional spectrum with a short note that evoked sadness following a reflection on the shortness of life.

The first speech ‘DON’T PANIC!’ was given by Pat, who engaged those present with both humour and practical advice for presenting. He covered potential anxiety triggers, together with simple and practical points on preparation. One takeaway for all those present - and those that happen upon this piece - is to center your presentation around three key points that you wish to get across. After drafting your presentation, look over it and be ruthless - cut out ‘dead wood’. He then ended with the sound and reassuring note that ‘it’s normal to feel nervous. Your audience won’t notice.’

Second up to bat was Aisling, and on her second speech - she knocked this one out of the park with ‘In Pharmaceuticals we trust’. Introducing the topic with simple props of paracetamol tablets, invited those present to take a moment to take stock of where we place our trust - and why. Throughout her speech she brought to light numerous examples where Pharmaceuticals were found to be quite dangerous, and had, without doubt, a lot of trust placed in them in those times too. A reminder to take stock of the world we live in, and where we place our trust.

Eugene then took to the stage with his speech ‘Do you speak my Slanguage!’ The audience was brought from one slang term to the next, deconstructing and deciphering each in turn to completely turn each on it’s own head! To tease a little on what the speech consisted of - those present were all described as ‘cute hoors’, which turned out to be quite the compliment!

Declan followed up with the final speech of the evening - ‘The movie you need to watch again’. An enthralling account of the story behind the movie ‘Rocky’ ensured that not a single person in that room was going to change the channel in future should they glimpse an image of Rocky Balboa, or his companion Butkus. The speech instilled a newfound appreciation for the film, for fans and those who have yet to enjoy the most influential boxing movie ever.

Nearing the end of a thoroughly enjoyable evening, Lucia took to the floor with the Creative corner. This was an astounding piece that shows that a picture is indeed worth a thousand words. Through the use of a single image, Lucia was able to take us on a compelling journey that began with what we were able to see on the surface of the image, but then lead us on an emotive and captivating journey through the in-depth meaning the image held on a personal level for Lucia.

Closing out the evening, our President thanked everyone both for participating and attending another great Toastmasters evening. She also touched on the evaluations that captured a snapshot of what one might expect from a Toastmasters meeting. Speeches, followed by evaluations that aimed towards a ‘praise sandwich’ - namely; positive feedback, constructive criticism, with a final note of further positive feedback. This contributes significantly to the ever-supportive atmosphere while also maintaining the standard for Toastmasters International that keeps those involved in the ‘Zone of Proximal Development’. That is, being involved in Toastmasters can give a boost to what a person can achieve on their own through the guidance and encouragement of very capable peers. Galway Toastmasters is blessed in this regard.

 

Our next meeting is April 3^rd, and we look forward to seeing you there! All are welcome!