I seem to be saying this every fortnight, but what a great meeting we had tonight. Not only was it well attended by members but we also had a number of guests, not least Adrian, a toastmaster from Romania, our area Director Ivan O'Sullivan DTM, and the District 71 Director for Programme Quality Michael Collins.
Where the last meeting was a week for "baby" Toastmasters, this week was for the "adults" with two speeches from advanced manuals and one educational speech. The first prepared speech was from our immediate past president, Ted Mellamphy, from the Entertaining Speaker series #4 entitled "Myocardial Infarction" - believe me, it was far more amusing than the title suggests (best speaker award)! followed by Sharon O'Neill, our VP for Membership, with a speech from the Entertaining Speaker #4 - A Dramatic Talk. Her speech entitled "What's the Worst that Could Happen" left us with much laughter but also a very serious message. After that, Maria Gillen's educational speech "EQ Evaluation" was confidently and engagingly delivered to an attentive and appreciative audience.
Neil Whelan followed with a well thought out Table Topics session which produced some interesting responses from members - best Table Topics award to Anita Lenihan.
Celine Hayes then conducted the general evaluation, introducing Anita Lenihan and Michael Collins as evaluators. Other roles were filled by Anne Marie Logue (first time as Timer), Neil O'Brien (first time as Ah Counter), Dan Mullane as Grammarian, and not forgetting Toastmaster Jerome O'Donovan and Andrea Jahn as President, standing in for Mike McGrath.
At the end of the meeting, Area Director Ivan O'Sullivan presented District 71 Commendations, for Outstanding Contribution to the District, to Sharon O'Neill, Moira O'Brien, and Ted Mellamphy. Maria Gillen was given a certificate for achieving her Advanced Leadership Bronze and Michael Collins presented Ivan O''Sullivan DTM with his Distinguished Toastmaster award.
The next meeting is the last of 2015 and will be held on December 8th and don't forget our Christmas meal is on December 18th - text Sharon O'Neill if you want to come along.