Club 1753 - 71

FINGAL'S council chambers enjoyed a different sort of meeting
when the doors were thrown open to two local toastmasters clubs.

Outgoing Mayor Cllr Ken Farrell had invited Swords and Fingal toastmasters
clubs to hold one of their meetings at the County Hall. In welcoming
members from both clubs, Cllr Farrell congratulated them on the service
they provide to their communities.

He noted that the Fingal club had just celebrated its 25th anniversary,
while Swords was formed in 1995.

Cllr Farrell added that one of his ambitions during his term of office was to give opportunities to local groups to visit the council chamber.

Those in attendance were treated to two hours of presentations, speeches, and effective feedback. Positive feedback is important for improvement and plays a big part at toastmaster meetings.

President of Swords Toastmasters Seamus Hynes presided at the meeting which was well attended by members of both clubs which has several dual members.

Both clubs are part of Toastmasters International, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping people improve their communication and leadership abilities.

A toastmasters club is a 'learnby-doing' workshop in which men and women develop their speaking skills. A typical club has 20 to 40 members, who meet bi-weekly to learn and practice their speech and presentation techniques