Toastmasters to make its return this day next week
SPEAKEASY Toastmasters Club invites you to attend its opening meeting of the new season in the Hibernian Hotel on Thursday, September 6, at 8pm.
The nights are closing in, there is an autumnal feel in the air and people seek out meaningful pursuits to prise them away from that “box in the corner”.
Adult education classes become popular, and Speakeasy Toastmasters is an adult education course with a lot of entertainment attached.
Like all adult education classes, Speakeasy helps its members acquire and develop a skill; the focus is on effective communication. The skill of speaking confidently is hugely beneficial in work-related presentations; in sporting and other voluntary organisations; and in interpersonal communication.
Members of Toastmasters come from all walks of life and have varying skill levels. Some have prior experience of speaking in front of an audience and wish to develop their skills further. Others join as inexperienced beginners and, over a period of time, become adept at communicating their ideas.
The Toastmasters programme is self-paced; members present speeches when they feel they are ready. Now in its 26th year, Speakeasy draws its membership from the large area of North Cork and beyond – from “the County bounds” with Kerry to the Tipperary border.
Members hail from Kiskeam to Kildorrery; from Cecilstown to Castletownroche; from Banteer to Buttevant; as well as the Mallow area. Their meetings have been described as hotbeds of education, entertainment and “the occasional gush of hot air”.
The incoming President is Sean Corcoran of Baltydaniel. Sean describes Speakeasy as “having a hugely positive impact on his life. Over a few short years, I became comfortable about speaking before an audience and at chairing public meetings. Toastmasters enables us to speak out”.
Sean believes that the biggest gift that Toastmasters gives its members is “self-confidence. You get better all the time. You believe that you can do it, and the help and goodwill you get from other club members is inspiring”.
Sean’s aim over the coming season is to preside over “enjoyable and rewarding meetings where new members and guests will feel at home”. So, why not let Speakeasy be your night class and forth-nighly workout? You are welcome to attend its first meeting in The Hibernian Hotel on September 6 at 8pm. Guests are never obliged to speak unless they wish to do so. For further information, please check out the website, speakeasy toast masters. com, or Facebook.