Christmas greetings from Portlaoise Toastmasters!

Portlaoise Toastmasters rolled their Christmas Party into their final meeting of the year recently.

"What a night it was," the Toastmasters member Martina Walsh told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

She said members guests at Kavanagh's on Main Street were warmly greeted by our President John Joe Costigan who then passed the gavel to toastmaster for the night Phuong who decorated the room with all things party to get everyone in the festive mood!

"We were treated to two amazing speeches with the first by Tom Christle who gave his ice breaker & took us on not one but three trips to Lourdes!

"With great wit and a story telling ability we hope it is the first of many speeches from Tom, " she said.

Ms Walsh also outlined how the second speaker got on. 

"Our second speech was from Steve O'Rourke who introduced us to the concept and advantages of building a 'passiv' home. We’re just waiting on the house warming party now Steve," she said.

There was more to come. 

"Our festivities concluded with a clever & fun game by Garrett Malone who had everybody involved before we even knew it ourselves! Garrett surely is a hard act to follow with his innovative topics," said Ms Walsh. 

She said the club is taking a break for Christmas and New Year but return on Monday, January 9 in Kavanagh's at 8pm.

"Why not start the New Year in a new club where you can learn how to practice your public speaking skills in a warm and supportive environment," she said.

Guests are always welcome and first two meetings are free.