We are slowly but surely adding profiles of all our members here…
Anthony Galvin. I have been a member of Macroom Toastmasters since late 2008 and in that time I cannot believe the difference Toastmasters has made for me – I still get nervous when I have to do a presentation, or speak in front of people, but it doesn’t bother me. Toastmasters provides me with a great environment in which to practice speaking, make mistakes and realise its not the end of the world when I do screw up.
Apart from that, Macroom Toastmasters is a sound bunch of people and we always have great craic.
My name is Mark Loughrey. I joined Macroom Toastmasters in 2009 mainly in order to get over the fear of speaking in public. This is a common reason for joining Toastmasters – so you get the feeling that everyone is (or has once been) in the same boat. As a result even the most shy speaker need not feel too conspicuous. Members are free to move through the programme at their own pace and it never happens that you would be giving a speech until you (and you alone) feel ready to do so. There’s a great sense of camaraderie in Macroom Toastmasters and there’s always the feeling that everyone is rootin’ for everyone else. The more experienced members are great at guiding newcomers along and giving helpful hints and tips. The most experienced members are so well versed and articulate that you’ll feel as though you’re standing on the shoulders of giants! Come along some night and see for yourself. What have you got to lose? You can be assured of a warm welcome, a great laugh and some new friendships.
My name is Michael Murphy, and I have been a member of Toastmasters International since May 2009. I believed at the time that it was important to become comfortable at speaking in public, and in everyday conversations with people who would not be familiar to you. I was delighted to join Macroom Toastmasters.
Macroom Toastmasters has not been anything like I expected. It is very relaxed and it really is a practice ground for someone to express themselves. There is a very structured system of speeches which you can prepare in your own time and each of which place particular emphasis on different aspects of effective speechmaking. You might be very surprised, how much you have to say, when you sit down to think about it.
I feel Toastmasters is excellent as a practice ground for formal meetings as there are particular roles which are required for each meeting, e.g. speech evaluator, timekeeper, topicsmaster, all of which are very helpful for time management/meeting organisation.
Another great aspect of Toastmasters is a one I would not have originally thought about,you get to listen to other people’s experiences ,stories & opinons with plenty debate and humour.
John Skeates. I have been in Toastmasters about 15 years. It has been a most ejoyable experience and I have learned a great deal during that time. The experience gained has been particulary useful for me as I do a bit of part-time teaching and so, have to speak in front of others.
I would recommend Toastmasters to anyone who wants to improve their communication skills. It also has a good social dimension to it.
The commitee members for 2009/2010 are :
President: Anthony Galvin
Immediate Past President: Celine Cremin
Vice President Education: Trevor Mulcahy
Vice President Membership: Michael Lynch
Vice President Public Relations: Celsus O’Leary
Secretary: Fiona Cotter
Treasurer: John Skeates, CTM, CL
Sergeants-at-Arms: Peter Neville
Webmaster: John Sheahan
