Portlaoise Toastmasters hold inaugural meeting of new season

Portlaoise Toastmasters held their first meeting of the 2024/2025 season upstairs in Kavanaghs Pub, Main Street, Portlaoise on Monday 9 September and what an entertaining evening it was! It was testament to the club to see so many members return together with new guests in attendance all invigorated and excited about the new year ahead.

Those who attended warmly welcomed by the club’s new president Steve O’Rourke, who promptly passed the gavel to our Toastmaster for the evening Martina Walsh. Martina introduced her team for the evening and explained the format for the meeting which started with two prepared speeches.

The first speaker up was Orla Ffrench with her speech entitled 'Happy New Year' from the Strategic Relations pathway. Orla gave a very motivational speech encouraging us all to start something new which was very apt for the first meeting of the season. Orla's speech was evaluated by Doreen Gowing who complimented Orla on carrying out the first speech on the first night back and gave her invaluable advice on how to improve going forward.

The second speaker for the evening was Garrett Malone who is working from the Visional Communication Pathway - Level 5 - with his speech 'Mosquitos and Elephants'. The title had everyone intrigued from the start and they were not disappointed! Garrett's speech was evaluated by Robin Evans who provided valuable feedback to Garrett and some tips on how to improve on his next speech.

After a break for tea and coffee the group were treated to a lively topics session by John Joe Costigan and there was a queue of people eager to participate in his topics which featured music festivals and concerts.

The General Evaluator Mary White gave her report on the evening and congratulated all in attendance, in particular the evaluators of both speeches. Mary concluded by presenting the Geraldine O'Loughlin award to Mary Killeen for her contribution to this meeting and to her ongoing support of Portlaoise Toastmasters.

The meeting concluded promptly at 10pm with the VP Education Donal Cahill filling roles for the next meeting which is Monday 23 September at 8pm and guests are always welcome.

If you would like to join Toastmasters Portlaoise they can help you achieve your goals to deliver many types of speeches, e.g Accepting Awards, Giving Sales Pitches, Introducing Speakers, Presenting Awards, Speaking to Diverse Audiences.

You will also learn about use of gestures and body language, as well as visual aids and props, most of which can enhance speeches. Why not join Portlaoise Toastmasters Club and take advantage of the benefits of membership and let your journey begin. The club meet the second and fourth Monday of every month September through to May. What do you have to do? Just turn up at 8pm in Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue, 28 Main Street, Portlaoise – Eircode R32 EPK2. Alternatively e-mail toastmastersportlaoise@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook at Portlaoise Toastmasters for more details. Guests are always welcome!