Toasting Tom for writing a speech about writing a speech
Twice a year Mullingar Toastmasters’ meetings look different to regular meetings, and instead of a relaxed convivial atmosphere, the air is filled with anticipation and formality. It is competition night!
On October 13, members entered the contest of Humorous Speech and Table Topics to find out who is the fairest of them all. They are honing their skill and a placement on the podium means they will go on to the next level in the area, doing themselves proud, and also their club.
Usually tension runs high and nerves are noticeable, but that wasn’t so last Thursday night, as the contestants filled the back row in the room and, by the look of it, had the best of banter.
Entering the competition were seasoned Toastmasters Pat Kenny and Brian McLoughlin and newcomer Tom Byrne. After a little warm-up, they down to serious business watched over by chief judge Geraldine Smith.
Brian’s RATATA advertising relationship advice services and Pat’s Shana chi Shakespeare, marveling at lessons to be learned from the greatest wordsmith of them all, went down a treat.
Cream of the crop, however, turned out to be Tom’s tale of ‘Writing a Speech for the Humorous Speech Competition’, a self-deprecating stand-up comedy of a bone dry, not-humorous-at-all accountant who turned the table on the members big time.
In part two, contestants were challenged to speak for two minutes about a topic they were unable to prepare: ‘Ireland is the best little Country to live in’. All agreed wholeheartedly and all took issue with the term ‘little country’. There were no apologies from the contest chair Anke von Bunau, who thought she quoted former Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
Tom came out top again ahead of Tony Viney in second. The next round is on Wednesday November 2, via Zoom. The club members wish the Mullingar representatives the best of luck.
The next club meeting is this Thursday, October 27 at 8pm in The Greville Arms Hotel. Check the club Facebook page and see mullingartoastmaster.org. Every meeting is different, but every meeting will provide people with plenty of opportunity to improve their communication skills, and all are welcome.