Toastmasters offers escapism and education in a time of crisis
AS we reach the anniversary of our current situation, one Speakeasy Toastmasters member has declared ‘ thank goodness for Zoom’.
The meeting platform has enabled Toastmasters Clubs and other organisations to function. For members of Speakeasy, it has meant that their fortnightly gatherings have continued.
Of course, there have been glitches with the ‘Mute Button’. Yes, Internet Test Speed has become a commonly used term. But, they persist and learn. Indeed, communicating online is a new skill that members are acquiring.
Speakeasy offers escapism and education in time of crisis. At Speakeasy Toastmaster’s last meeting, there was hope and nostalgia in equal measure on display during the Topics Session. Bobby Buckley acted as Topicsmaster or discussion leader.
‘Ireland 2022’ allowed Tim Ahern to remember all those things we have forgotten - shopping, meeting people and going to pubs. To Jillian Harris, it means that the tourism industry will crank into life but will Ireland be ready for it?
In response to the former Japanese Olympic President and his assertion that ‘women talk too much’, Jerry O’Callaghan recalled his life as a milkman and his willingness to ‘ listen’ to women.
Sarah O’Mahony reflected on her time when she taught English to Japanese students. Encouraging our children to pursue a career path similar to our own was addressed by Marie Fitzpatrick. Yes, we can encourage but proffer advice but, ultimately, young people make their own choices as is their prerogative.
A welcome guest, beaming in from Galway, John Farrell spoke about his fantasy dinner party with Napoleon and Gertrude Stein, the American writer who lived in Paris. Gertrude is famous for her saying - ‘Nothing new can ever be taught’ and ‘A Rose is a rose is a rose’. A table shared by a man of war and a woman of words - it seems like a lively combination
The recent passing of the actor Christopher Plummer provoked numerous reflections on Sunday afternoons watching the musical The Sound of Music. The focus was not on Plummer, who hated the movie, but on Julie Andrews who did her own singing instead of deploying Marni Nixon as the singing voice. Even sceptics like Vincent Harris have viewed the movie with his daughters.
Yes it is corny but wouldn’t we love to hear the Hills alive once again with the sound of music.
Speakeasy Toastmasters gets the chance to do it all again on this Thursday Night, March 4 at 8pm on Zoom. As always, guests are welcome to join in and observe. Rest assured, you will not be required to speak unless you wish to do so. This provides the opportunity for a socially distanced night out from the comfort of your own home. You too can learn to talk like the talking heads on Television. Meeting ID -89116622972 Passcode - 611493 Login by 7.55 PM.
For more information on the Club, please check out website speakeasytoastmasters.com or on Facebook.