Speech contests for Nenagh Toastmasters

Nenagh Toastmasters run contests twice a year, which allow members to test their skills.

Last week we had one of those contests. There were two separate contests: a prepared speech contest and an evaluation contest.

Each contestant for the speech contest prepares a speech of five to seven minutes duration. There are a number of other members who act independently as judges and score the contestants. It is all done confidently.

The evaluation contest involves a guest speaker, who delivers a speech that is then evaluated by each of the contestants with each contestant giving their evaluation of three minutes before hearing any others.

Our Guest speaker was a former member, Margaret Hennessy. She gave an excellent speech, which was challenging for the contestants as they have to recommend something to further enhance the speech.

We had four contestants for each contest and they were in fact the same four members: Danny Doyle, Willie Grace, Eileen Kennedy, and this year's Club President Tony Spain. All of them gave excellent speeches.

Our prizewinners for both contests turned out to be the same two contestants; in first place was Willie Grace and in second place was Eileen Kennedy. A remarkable result, and we wish them every success in the Area Final, which is a contest between the winners of all the clubs in the area.

It was a busy night with all members having extra jobs to run the contest fairly and smoothly. Margaret Cullinane chaired the meeting and Jim McGuire was the Chief Judge.

We have our next meeting on Tuesday, March 28, at 8.15pm at the Abbey Court Hotel. Guests are very welcome. Come along and have a look at what we do. You won't be asked to speak!