Ah Ryan Tubridy.. what’s not to like? The lovely Ryan featured heavily in tonight’s topics session, masterminded by last-minute substitute Dan (thanks Dan!) in flying form. Colette certainly thought there was more good than bad to Tubs, and with no takers for the opposing view Mr Late Late emerged unscathed.
Not so Mr Tattooed Man, as the question of whether tattoed persons of either gender were worthy partners in life brought forth some differing opinions. After Claire decided that smaller tattoos were not so bad, your humble blogger took the challenge to the room by stating that I would run away from any man with a tattoo. Non-tattooed toastmaster Fergal then related the post-drinking session sight of the Dutch Gold man on a bare shoulder while Deirdre admitted to having a ‘small strategic’ one as did several other guests in the bar afterwards.
The Rose of Tralee is an element of 20th century Irish culture that finds itself a bit lost today, commendably Ciara answered ‘yes’ to the question of whether she would enter if asked. She explained that her post-PhD mantra is to ‘say no to nothing within reason’, while Paul decided that he wouldn’t be able to resist participating in a Lovely Girls competition although he felt judge might be more appropriate than escort.
Insight into Irish culture continued with a debate on Linda Martin; Nora was not in favour of Ms Martin’s 1990s hair, while Maria’s love of Eurovision and its usefulness for toastmaster evaluations continued into her general evaluation later in the evening.
Deirdre and Ray, a guest from Mallow, took on a role play involving their offspring getting hitched despite a neighbourly feud and they got in some lovely phrases – ‘your daughter needs a big hat to fill a big head’ and ‘your son isn’t fit to lick my daughter’s boots’ that quite frankly could have gone anywhere!
Given the week that’s in it, the topic of Leaving Cert exams brought a few contributions, mostly international. Nobody who spoke seemed particularly traumatised by their memories which ranged from France, Australia and Africa.
After the break there was time for a spot of bush poetry by award-winning Australian poet David Campbell (shameless plug there, see campbellwriter.com.au if you’re interested) followed by a smorgasbord of speechifying treats. Fiona’s icebreaker had the room transfixed as she brought us through her diagnosis of ME at age 22 and the years of treatment that followed. Her achievement in delivering the speech was a triumph in itself, and she reminded the room that sometimes it’s still a long way to (or from) Tipperary!
Deirdre followed up with a passionate push for that wonderful wordy beast, the book club. Not just for ‘geeks and anoraks’, there’s room for the person who hasn’t read the book (but beware likely slagging), the person who’s only seen the movie (incurs mandatory slagging) and a great social life. CS Lewis said that ‘we read to know we’re not alone’, Deirdre also linked its benefits to toastmasters with the statement that reading ‘encourages you to speak, and to speak out’.
Nora then stood up and started jogging on the spot. Given the heat of the day this was quite an achievement, particularly as she delivered the first minute of her speech at the same time! Using physical action she beautifully illustrated the rush of a typical working day which doesn’t leave time to stop and think. She discussed the values of idleness and its potential to ‘lead to the profound’ while giving us space to think and reflect.
We’re nearly at the end of this year’s toastmastering with Vox Populi, there is space to reflect now on the past year as we have a bit of craic with the Voscar nominations and enjoy the brief Irish summer, which will no doubt have ended by this time next week.
Merrilyn Campbell, VPPR
