Speech contests for Nenagh Toastmasters

Twice a year, competitions are held in the Toastmasters organisation on a completely voluntary basis.

One such competition was held on Tuesday, March 19. It was the International Speech and Evaluation competition. Our contest Chairperson on the night was John Spillane and Chief Judge was David Bisschoff.

Each contestant for the speech contest prepares a speech of five to seven minutes duration. The evaluation contest involves a guest speaker, who delivers a speech that is then evaluated by each of the contestants.

Guest speaker was a former member Patrick Power. He gave an excellent speech. It was challenging for the contestants, as they have to recommend something to further enhance the speech, each of the contestants giving their evaluation before hearing any others.

We had six contestants for the speech contest and four for the speech evaluation. All of the contestants gave excellent speeches.

Prize winners for the speech contest - first place: Brendan O'Brien, second place: Sean Butler and third place: Eileen Kennedy. For the evaluation contest - first place: Sean Butler and second place: Eibhlin Maher.

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.

We have our next meeting on Tuesday, April 2, at 8.15pm in the Abbey Court Hotel. Come and see what we do. You are under no obligation to join and will receive a very warm and friendly welcome.