Retuning Me

What an experience and what an event The Rose Conference 2026 🥰

In case you have not yet seen any other of the posts, I am so delighted to share that I came 2nd in the International Speech Contest at the District 71 conference.

Some might say, 'so what, you came second, not first'! That might be true anywhere else, but not in Toastmasters International UK & Ireland. To get to that final at the conference, I have to craft a speech for the club contest, then bring it to the Area contest, before progressing on to the Division contest which brought me on to the District contest where there were 9 contestants from all over Ireland and parts of the UK including Scotland and part of England and Wales.

To get to the District Finals is huge. To be able to connect with an audience of Toastmasters and have them follow your every word, it is just priceless.

Then to come 2nd of the 9 well that was a huge honour. Toastmasters is about getting up and facing all your fears of speaking. It is about not only developing your ability to communicate but to learn how to listen better, give and take constructive feedback with growth points.

Toastmasters offers a safe and fun learning environment where you can grow as a communicator and a leader. Most of the time we are not in contest mode. Most of the time we are following the pathways programme with mentors to help us along the way.

Could Toastmasters help you develop your communication and leadership skills in a fun and supportive environment? Why don't you check out where your nearest Toastmasters International club is and go pay them a visit, you will be glad you did.

All clubs that are open (some corporate clubs are for staff only) and they love welcoming visitors to their meetings. There is a find a club option on the Toastmasters international website homepage.

I'm a member of Phoenix-Tara Toastmasters meeting in Mulvany's Fingal House every 2nd and 4th Mondays (except bank holidays) upstairs from 8pm and we certainly love having visitors attend each week.

Meanwhile back at my Phoenix-Tara Club meeting on Monday night and there were more celebrations to be had 🍾🎉🙌

It’s only now I can breathe and feel the energy of this amazing journey that all began with me walking into my first Toastmasters meeting at back in 2019 😎

Since then I’ve been following the education programme, taking roles at meetings, taking on committee roles and leadership roles within the District and that has helped me to become a better communicator, leader, mentor, coach and all round better person.

Thanks to my club for supporting me all the way and for celebrating my success with me 🙌

Thanks also to my wife for making the journey down to the District finals and for always being there, not just for this journey 🙏

I always say is the best kept secret! The title doesn’t say what it does🫣

In short, it’s a safe and supportive place to find your voice and learn how to communicate your message effectively👍

It’s also a place to develop your leadership, mentoring and coaching skills👌👌👌

And it’s a place to have fun too😂🤗

Check out your local club on the Toastmasters International website and go visit them, let them know you came because you read this message 🥰😉

What a Conference, what an experience and what an achievement to get placed 2nd in the District 71 International Speech Final 🙏🙌🥰

I’m so blessed to have such a great community of Toastmasters in my corner in , Area 16 and Division C 🙌🙌

Even more blessed that my beautiful wife Phillie was able to be in the room with me on Saturday 🥰