After the lovely long summer it was nice in ways to be back to the autumnal pursuits and Toastmasters. If the first meeting is anything to go by, then the 9th season of Galtees Toastmasters is going to be a very good one. Mary Meaney, our president, looked suitably presidential as she graced the top table and she had on either side two capable, suave fellow Toastmasters, assuring that the first meeting got the year off with a swing.

Neil McAuliffe was Toastmaster for the evening, meaning he chaired the meeting, introduced the speakers and evaluaters and topicsmaster, so Dick challenged us to speak off the cuff and get those brain cells working. We were delighted that all our members were back and we also had a few guests, and visitors from our neighbouring clubs in Fermoy and Mallow, so welcome one and all. We were especially honoured to have governor Anne Buckley from Speakeasy Mallow with us.

The topics Dick chose to encourage members’ skills of impromptu speaking had a central theme of summer: Anne Buckley was given the first topic when Dick asked was she glad to have some moisture back in the air after the dry summer? Anne gave Dick several tips on how to ensure his complexion is moisturised and hydrated next summer! Members replied to topics sharing many lovely memories of trips to the beach, bumpers, slot machines, swimming at Ardmore in coats and delicious picnics. Thanks Dick for such great topics!

We had three prepared speeches from Ann Lyons, Conor O’Brien and Máire Corbett. Ann and Conor’s speeches had a common theme of family and gathering – very fitting in this, the year of The Gathering. Ann’s speech was about her family gathering this summer and she wove a lovely story about the life and times of her grandmother. Conor’s speech related to a Polish family gathering for a Polish/Irish wedding and the sad, intriguing story of the Polish patriarch. Emigration and migration linked both tales, with some ‘made’ marriages and elopements making both speeches a joy to listen to. Maire reminded members of the education aspect of Toastmasters where we develop our skills though practising in a supportive, fun environment.

Anne Buckley, Area Governor complemented the three evaluators – Brian O’Farrell, Oliver Reilly and Michael Cronin on three supportive evaluations, in which each of the three speakers were given positive feedback on their speeches and also some recommendations on how they can develop their skills for the future.

This, in essence, is the main benefit of Toastmasters membership. We develop our communication and leadership skills in an environment where we learn what we did well and are helped to develop further, all at our own pace.

Our next meeting is September 24th, at the Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown at 8pm. Peter Langley assures me that he again has three great speakers lined up, tantalising topics and generally another great night assured.

Check us out on Facebook or on Twitter (@GaltToastmaster) or call Máire Corbett PRO on 086-8359370 or email thegaltees@gmail.com.