Never give up, Julie advises in icebreaker
In a celebration of all things Easter, club president, Brian McLoughlin and Toastmaster of the evening, Jacqui Wiley, made sure Chocolate eggs were in abundance at the Mullingar Toastmasters meeting.
First up, Julie Kiernan, in an icebreaker speech, entitled ‘If you stumble, regain your balance, never give up!’ entranced the audience with an account of her transition from city life to a rural idyll near Mullingar. It’s full of challenges but there’s random waving from passing traffic and the smell of silage to greet her!
Next, Pat Kenny presented ‘A timeless tale for every generation’. He showed how the film ‘Casablanca’ provides an eternal message on how to confront injustice, as well as reminding us of some of Humphrey Bogart’s killer lines.
The final speaker, John Waldron in ‘Give up your ould sins’ held aloft a block of turf – ‘10,000 years to form and 30 minutes to reduce to ash’. Be kind to the planet, he reminded us.
Expert evaluations were offered by John Coyne, Anke Von Bunau and Mary Frances Cox, all of whom praised the speakers for their eloquence, passion and use of props, while making small suggestions.
A ‘Creative Corner’, the brainchild of Deirdre Bigley, followed. After she delivered an enchanting poem, Hijesh Lohidhakshan and Anthony Viney spoke about their officer roles, the latter employing the lyrics of Van Morrison’s ‘They’ll Be Days Like This’.
Following a break for tea and chat, Douglas Raeside, as Topicsmaster, used a wide array of props to encourage impromptu responses. He had no need to worry, the props spoke for themselves.
Grammarian, Pat Cavanagh, praised all for their imaginative use of the word of the night, ‘Rebirth’. Timer, Anasiria Giarza, assured all speakers that they had kept to time. General evaluator, Anthony Viney, complemented every participant for the smooth running of the meeting, including Derek Walsh as fáilte officer.
Brian closed the meeting and swiftly ‘eggsited’ the stage.
The next meeting of Mullingar Toastmasters us on Thursday 11 April at 8pm at the Greville Arms Hotel. All are welcome.
– Anthony Viney, public relations officer