A plethora of topics!

Last Toastmasters meeting was like having sweets from a box of candy, with you never knowing what was up next! A real plethora of topics, the word of the evening! Our president Declan welcomed every one, giving a warm welcome to our guest and members! Jennifer bravely took on the role as toastmaster for the first time, and confessed that she actually signed up for another role but was happy to give it a go. And fair play, well done on the evening guiding us through! 

This evening Declan was taking on “a second shift”, also being the Topicsmaster for the evening. During this light and fun session several great topic were examined and discussed amongst the members and guests. Favourite holidays from Australia to Florida, skills you have learnt from YouTube included moustache twisting and hope to properly work your septic tank, other favourite pets besides dogs/cats ranging from goldfish to butterflies, and even our own Galway pointed out during the question “over which city would like to enjoy the view of, when being in a hot air balloon?”. Rio de Janerio was also suggested, but several attendees agreed Galway would be nice… J

Jennifer then introduced our first speaker for the night Cormac and his speech “I ehh… have a dream”, as part of his leadership journey showing different leadership style, while also linking to Martin Luther King and his famous speech. A very interesting session!

Our second speaker of the evening was Shane, also talking around leadership in his speech “Identify leadership styles”. His main style was coaching, and putting it into practice by using the example of a most commonly sold scooter bike – the Honda Cub! Several traits of coaching can be learnt by owning and using one of those little bikes. He encouraged everyone to get on a bike and get going on your coaching journey!

The third speaker Pat and his speech “Through a child’s eyes”, as part of his interpretive reading. We heard about his aunt Tessie, who was “away with the fairies”, and three different poems, all delivered with passion. The last poem was from a discussion between a grandfather and the grandson talking about a bucket; short and sweet!

The last speech this evening was delivered from Martin, reading a story about Bacha and Pengaing from Indonesia about an evil ruler and a good ruler in form of kings battling. It also talked about how their children’s choices impacted them as well, and what could be the consequences and the risk of losing your temper…

After the tea and coffee break, the General Evaluator Pat was talking about how feedback is important as it helps improve a speech. Overall good and specific feedback from the four evaluators, both big and small on improvement suggestions that will further improve our speakers’ public speaking skills!

To round of the evening, we heard from Christoffer during the creative corner on two words he earlier learnt in the week, about tautograms and lipograms! Good fun! 

Declan thanked everyone for attending the meeting, and invited all to join the next Toastmasters meeting 2^nd October at 8pm in Menlo Park Hotel. All are welcome!