Toastmasters pause for thought on life in lockdown

AS we approach 12 months of lockdown, members of Speakeasy Toastmasters are reflecting on its impact.

Three of the speeches presented at last week’s meeting addressed the issue in some fashion. Kieran Butler made a strong, emotional and motivational impact in his speech - ‘Get a Grip!’ He addressed the narrative being spun by Millenials and Generation Z who complain that ‘ they are having it tough’. He believes this is a prime example of ‘Generation Privilege’, that is exemplified by having no tolerance of uncertainty.

Kieran cited the travails of previous generations, be it disease, fighting wars or starvation. No generations can expect to be immune from suffering and challenges. Kieran’s message is - ‘Deal with it. Apply some perspective. Change the viewing to change the doing’.

Claire O’Connell focused on ‘ The Covid Effect’. For some, it could be another Saturday night all dressed up and nowhere to go or still in the pyjamas. It needs to be pointed out that this ‘sartorial choice’ predated Covid.

Most of the media attention is on the numbers - infections and mortalities. However, some other medical conditions have been shunted to the sidelines .Mental Health issues continue to be overlooked. Domestic strife is on the rise. There is a need for Post- Covid planning to deal with the long term impact of lockdown on the health of the Nation.

To those who grow fat on the myriad of conspiracy theories that dominate Social Media, the Pandemic could be a Jewish Conspiracy to gain World domination. In his Speech - ‘ Down the Rabbit Hole’, Pat Sexton took a look at the danger that unfettered Social Media commentary is having on society.

From Medieval times, the Jewish community has been targeted by hate and conspiracy theories, be it The Blood Libel or The Protocol of the Elders of Zion which was used by the Nazis to drive the Holocaust. White supremacist groups in America continue to drive antisemitism, aided and abetted by the conspiracy theory cult called Qanon. The attempted insurrection in Washington, aimed at keeping Donald Trump in office was driven by unprovable conspiracy theories. In all areas of life, be it health or political, there is the potential for conspiracy theories and those who believe them, to cause mayhem.

To quote Mark Twain - ‘A good lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes’.

By way of contrast, Mary Moynihan gave a reflective presentation on ‘Feelings of Home’. Home is where the heart resides and Mary’s heart is in ‘ The Hill of the Black Fort’ in the hills and mountains near Killarney. Coming from a large family, her childhood was never bereft of a family friend - ‘you couldn’t fall out with all of ten of them’.

In an area populated by Moynihans, nicknames became the identifier. Mary’s family were the ‘ Dan Con’s’, reflecting the names of father and grandfather. Like many in our community, Mary is waiting for the day to return safely to her homeplace. Let’s hope it happens soon.

With such a range of opinions and ideas articulated, the respective evaluators of the four speakers had plenty on which to focus. Don McSweeney, Noel O’Connor, Theresa O’Reilly and Bridie O’Connell provided constructive and meaningful feedback while working on the principle of ‘ commending, recommending and commending’.

Even on Zoom, each Toastmasters meeting has a Chairperson or Toastmaster. Introducing the speakers and acting as the host for the evening was Brendan Foley. Meetings have a virtual tea break which enables members, guests and overseas visitors to mingle online. There is another opportunity to mingle and converse at the next Speakeasy Toastmasters meeting on Thursday, March 4 at 8pm on Zoom.

As always, guests are welcome to attend and are never obliged to speak unless they wish to do so. Meeting details will be available in next week’s article and on the Facebook page. For more information about ST club, please check out website speakeasytoastmasters.com or on Facebook.