Refining Our Craft, Strengthening Our Community, PSA Ireland’s End of Year Event
Photo Credit: Fin Corcoran
As 2025 comes to a close, I have been reflecting on the value of professional communities, particularly those that push us to develop our skills with purpose. This year, my involvement with the Professional Speaking Association Ireland has been a consistent source of support, growth and genuine camaraderie.
Every month, speakers from across the country travel to meet on the third Saturday to do one thing, to help each other speak more and speak better. It is a simple mission, yet one that delivers real impact. Whether someone is preparing for a major keynote, testing a new idea or refining a signature story, the PSA provides a space where speakers can stretch, be challenged and improve in a supportive environment.
Our final meeting of 2025 captured that spirit perfectly. Led with clarity and warmth by our President, Aoife Gaffney, the day brought together a strong range of perspectives and expertise. I had the opportunity to deliver a short session on microphone techniques, The Sound of Authority, Microphone Skills Every Speaker Should Know, focusing on the importance of preparation, understanding your equipment and recognising that your microphone enhances your delivery but never replaces the need to project with confidence.
The event also featured thought provoking contributions from Patrick Mercie, Niall Downey, Paul Caffrey, Fiona Dowd and Margaret K Jerczynska. Each brought their own experience, insights and authenticity to the room, reminding us why a diverse speaking community is so valuable. Their talks encouraged us to examine our assumptions, refine our messages and strengthen our impact as communicators.
What stood out most, however, was the energy in the room. There is something powerful about a group of people who show up consistently not out of obligation, but out of commitment to their craft. People take the time to travel, to share openly, to offer constructive feedback and to champion each other’s progress. It is a rare thing in professional life to find a space where encouragement and honesty sit side by side, where growth is collective rather than competitive.
Photography on the day was captured beautifully by Fin Corcoran and Chloe Delaney, whose images reflected the atmosphere of connection and learning in the room.
For me, 2025 with PSA Ireland has reinforced the importance of community in the speaking profession. Yes, we work on our content, our delivery and our presence, but none of us do it alone. We learn by watching others, by testing ideas in safe rooms, by receiving feedback that is both kind and purposeful, and by returning month after month with a willingness to improve.
As we move into 2026, I am grateful for the PSA community and for the opportunity to continue contributing to it. For anyone considering joining, the door is open. If you want to elevate your speaking, connect with like minded professionals and challenge yourself in the best possible way, this is the place to do it.
The PSA’s mission is simple, to help speakers speak more and speak better. In 2025, it certainly achieved that for me. If you would like to attend out next gathering you can book your ticket here.
