The first meeting of the new year got the year off to a great start. Unfortunately our numbers were a little depleted due to various bugs and cold, so there were some last minute cancellations. But, though low in numbers, we had a very good meeting.

I have mentioned previously how special and important a new member's first speech is. There’s a magic to seeing someone take that first step in their Toastmaster journey towards developing skills and confidence. Last Tuesday was no different, as John Roche gave his first speech. John spoke about an idol of his - the great jockey, Lester Piggott. Well done John. Mary Meaney evaluated the speech and praised John for his preparatory work and encouraged him to give his second speech very soon.

The second speech slot was our guest Michael Cronin from Speakeasy, Mallow. Michael gave a very entertaining speech called 'Divine Intervention' and he told us about his experience of reading at Mass and how getting a word wrong gave the congregation a reason to smile! Another guest, Oliver Reilly from Fermoy Toastmasters evaluated Michael's speech, complimenting Michael for seeing the humour in everyday situations

This led nicely to the next part of the meeting where Máire Corbett led a group discussion on choosing a topic for a speech and how to construct a speech. The members present had lots of ideas: ranging from jotting down an idea when you get it, typing it out the refining it and learning it, or remembering key points and not trying to learn off a full script. This discussion showed that different ideas work for different people and that the key is just 'doing it'. Come along and see for yourself!

Dick Lyons, as ever, was a great Topics Master, with a variety of topics that helped us to think on our feet and develop our skills of impromptu speaking. Brian O’Farrell evaluated the meeting as a whole. Thanks to all for helping make this a great meeting!

MILESTONE

On Thursday we had another milestone: we commenced our second Youth Leadership Programme of the year, with the boys from Transition Year at CBS Secondary School, Mitchelstown. This again promises to be a great group and Brian O’Farrell, Mary Meany and Máire Corbett are really looking forward to working with them. The feedback from the Transition Year girls on their Youth Leadership experience was fantastic and they had some great ideas for developing the programme more. These ideas will feed into the second programme which will hopefully make it even better! Watch this space!

Just before Christmas, Mary Meaney and Máire Corbett were thrilled to be asked to meet with the participants of the 'Towards Occupation' course by Ballyhoura Development, at their Christmas get together. We spoke about how Toastmasters has helped us to develop more confidence and skills and how the Toastmasters' way is friendly, supportive and fun.

If you would like to see for yourself, please feel free to come to our next meeting, on Tuesday, 28th January at 8pm at the Firgrove Hotel. This is a joint meeting with the Speakeasy Club from Mallow and we really look forward to hosting our friends from Mallow. As ever, guests are free for their first visit, they will never be asked to speak, but are most welcome to do so.

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