Try an autumn of adult education the Speakeasy way

SPEAKEASY Toastmasters Club invites you to attend their opening meeting of the new season in the Hibernian Hotel, on Thursday, September 5 at 8pm.

It is that time of year again and with the nights closing in, there is an Autumnal feel in the air. It is a time that people seek out meaningful pursuits to prise away from that “box in the corner” and all the ballyhoo about Brexit and Trump.

Adult education classes become popular and Speakeasy Toastmasters is adult education and personal development course rolled into one with a lot of entertainment attached. Like all adult education classes, Speakeasy helps its members acquire and develop a skill.

The club’s focus is on effective communication.The skill of speaking with confidence is hugely beneficial in work related presentations, in sporting and other voluntary or community 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. And assistance is on hand to help members at every step of the way.

Now in its 27th year Speakeasy draws it’s membership from the large hinterland area of North Cork - from “the County bounds” with Kerry to the Tipperary border. The members hail from Kiskeam to Kildorrery, from Cecilstown to Castletownroche, from Banteer to Buttevant as well as the Mallow area.

The meetings have been described as hotbeds of education, entertainment and “the occasional gush of hot air”.

Incoming President Theresa O’Reilly describes Speakeasy as “having a hugely positive impact on her life. Over a few short years, I became comfortable about speaking before an audience and give presentations at work. Toastmasters enables us to speak out”.

Theresa believes that the biggest gift that Toastmasters gives it’s 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”.

Theresa’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 the first meeting in the Hibernian Hotel. Guests are always welcome to attend meetings and are never obliged to speak unless they wish to do so. You are guaranteed a night of education, entertainment, humour and refreshments.

For further information on Toastmasters and it’s benefits, visit speakeasytoastmasters.com or on Facebook.