Hello Vox Populi members and friends,

Summer is ending but that can be a good thing, as it means that Vox Populi Toastmasters is back!

We return to Oil Can Harrys (also called O’Connor’s) on Wednesday,  2nd September at 7pm.

Welcome back to all club members and looking forward to hearing you speak during the 2015/ 2016 season.

Guests are always welcome to attend. It can be daunting going to your first Toastmasters meeting. You will have many questions. What happens at the meeting? What are the people like? And maybe most importantly, are they going to make me speak in public? The meeting takes place over two hours in two sections: impromptu (off the cuff) speaking and organised speeches/ feedback. Everybody is very friendly and the meetings are great fun. You will not be forced to speak in public, but any guests who do want to join in the impromptu speaking may do so!

2014/ 2015 was a very successful year. We had a strong membership and attendance, and we were welcomed to our new venue Oil Can Harrys. Club members Fiona O’Meara and Suzanne Torsney competed in the regional finals of the Humorous Speech and Table Topics contests.

We have a strong club committee for 2015/2016 and we have exciting things in store for you!

 Monthly workshops/ special events in addition to 3 regular meetings per month. These include a Table Topics night and workshops on voice coaching, debating and improvisation/ acting.

 Club Mentorship Programme later in the year. This is open to all members. Having a mentor gives you support and guidance planning your speeches and roles. Also being a mentor is a great chance to develop leadership skills.

 New logo and branding. Thank you to Jacinta Curley  and Fiona O’Meara for designing an eye-catching new poster featuring a snow leopard. Vox Populi is where you can be powerful and be heard!

 Use of D71.org website as a convenient way to book your own speeches/ roles online

Meeting Schedule

Our meeting schedule for September/October is outlined below, and keep in mind that contest season is not far away. Don’t be afraid to take the plunge and enter the contest!

2 September – club meeting (note: NO meeting 9 September)

16 September – Extended table topics session

23 September – Club contest – Humorous Speech and Table Topics

30 September- club meeting

7 October – club meeting

14 October: Voice coaching workshop (details to follow)

21 October: Club meeting

28 October: Club meeting

Make note of these dates in your diaries. I look forward to welcoming you back then. Here’s to another year of being heard!

Deirdre McCabe

President

Vox Populi Toastmasters

A welcome back from the President