Mullingar Toastmasters hold meetings online

This week, in unprecedented times, this motto came into its own. As people look to their leaders to advise, motivate and reassure, our president, Anne Drury, did not disappoint. Along with vice-president, Maria Costello, and with the invaluable technical help of Joshua Yoon, they attended online meetings, webinars and read all they could find to transfer Mullingar Toastmasters to the online platform Zoom.

As if this wasn’t enough pressure, the first meeting was the club round of the International Speech and Evaluation competitions. The agenda was prepared and distributed by email and it was business as usual as everyone took on their roles with gusto.

Maria Costello, as Toastmaster of the night, wove seamlessly through the meeting, with timekeepers Linda Gavigan and Billy Gough and background colour changes to reflect the times of speeches. Patrick Cavanagh entertained us with innovative table topics and everybody had the opportunity to speak.

Joshua Yoon excelled as technical Sergeant At Arms, placing contestants into the virtual waiting room, managing microphones and sharing the agenda. With more than 20 people in attendance this was not an easy ask, but he rose to occasion with aplomb.

First was the International Speech competition, and four contestants with four different speeches. Pat Kenny with an emotional speech called ‘The Affair’ kicked us off, followed by John Waldron and his experiences of ‘Relativity’. Pauline McCabe told us how happiness is ‘A Matter Of Perspective’ and Mags Healy-Donoghue told us of her experience with BSDs (back seat drivers). Congratulations to Mags, who won the competition and will represent Mullingar at the area contest, online.

Following a quick break, the Evaluation contest kicked off. We welcomed Rob Partridge, who gave an excellent test speech, and then Brian McLoughlin, John Waldron, Joan Heduan and Lorcan Sleator delivered informed, thorough evaluations. Congratulations to Joan, who will also represent Mullingar in the next stage of the competition, online.

Geraldine Smith, as head judge, held her nerve and ensured she had received accurate results from all judges electronically before reporting back.

Thanks to all who attended, including visitors from Athlone and Loughrea Toastmasters. Those of us who doubted that this could happen were silenced and those who knew it could be done showed the true meaning of leadership. When the going gets tough, the tough get online.

Next meeting: 23 March at 8.30pm online!

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