SPARK SPARK SPARK
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER of AATSL EMERGING TOASTMASTERS CLUB AMessageof President HowMentoringCan ImpactYourSuccess Benefitsof ToastmastersSpeech ContestsforPersonal Development Newsletter Highlights Everlastingmemory
Ignite your fire within Ignite your fire within within APRIL 2023 VOLUME 6. 1 MyToastmasters Journey
CONTENT
Editor'sMessage
MessageFromPresident
MessageFromAreaDirector
ExecutiveCommittee
AboutToastmasters
MyToastmastersJourney
Howitbegan
HowMentoringCanImpactYour Success
EverLastingMemory
BenefitsofToastmastersSpeech
ContestsforPersonal Development
ADaytoRemember
OvercomingChallengesand
FindingSuccessinToastmasters
ClubAchievements
MemberSpotlight
NewMemberTestimonials
EventHighlights
ClubMembers
Club Details
NameoftheClub: AATSLEmergingToastmastersClub
AreaB2DivisionBDistrict82
ClubNumber: 7780371 Location: 540ThimbirigasyayaRd,Colombo05
Meetingdetails: Every Saturday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Newsletter Volume 6 April 2023
Editor-TMPubuduHagoda
ContentWriters-
TMHeshanHettiarachchi
TMMohamadHisshan
TMHussainMaulana
TMKanchana Silva
TMHemanthaHulangamuwa
TMNilanthiChandramali
TMBimaliBadura
APRIL 2023 VOLUME 6. 2
Pg3 Pg4 Pg5 Pg6 Pg7 Pg8 Pg9 Pg10 Pg11 Pg12 Pg13 Pg14 Pg15 Pg16 Pg17 Pg18 Pg19
IamthrilledtointroducetheAprileditionof theAATSLEmergingToastmastersClub newsletter,whichhasathemeof"SPARK" "IgniteYourFireWithin"Wehopethatthe articlesandstoriesincludedinthisnewsletter willinspireandmotivateyoutounleashyour innersparkandreachnewheightsinyour personalandprofessionallife
Ourfeaturearticleforthiseditionisabout findingyourpassionandpurposeinlife.We believethatwhenyoudiscoveryourpassion,it becomesyoursparkthatignitesafirewithin you,propellingyouforwardtoachieveyour goalsanddreams Manyofourmembershave foundtheirpassionthroughToastmastersand havegoneontoachievegreatthings
EDITORS MESSAGE EDITORS MESSAGE
By TM Pubudu Hagoda
Wehavealsoincludedarticlesonarangeoftopicsthatwillhelpyou becomeabettercommunicatorandleader.Webelievethatthese articleswillbevaluableresourcesforallmembers,whetheryouarejust startingyourjourneyorarealreadyanexperiencedspeaker.
weareexcitedtoshowcasethehighlightsoftheclub'sachievements overthelastfourmonthsFurthermore,wehaveincludedupdateson theclub'sueventsandactivities Wearealsoproudtoannouncesome memberhighlights,includingthosewhohavecompletedtheir Pathwayseducationalprogram Wecongratulatethemontheir achievementsandlookforwardtotheircontinuedsuccessintheclub
Aswecontinuetogrowandevolveasaclub,we encourageyoutotakeanactiveroleinshapingour future Wewelcomeyoursuggestionsandfeedback, andwelookforwardtohearingyourstoriesand experiences.Together,wecanigniteourfirewithinand becomeconfidentcommunicatorsandleaderswho makeapositiveimpactinourcommunities.
Iwanttoextendmythankstoallmemberswhohave contributedarticles,photos,andothercontenttoour newsletter,andtoallmembersforyourcontinued supportandparticipationinourclubactivities.Let's continuetoworktogethertoachieveourpersonaland collectivegoals
Aswecontinuetogrowandevolveasaclub,we encourageyoutotakeanactiveroleinshapingour future.Wewelcomeyoursuggestionsandfeedback,and welookforwardtohearingyourstoriesand experiences.
"Unleashing Your Inner Spark: Finding Passion and Purpose through Toastmasters"
APRIL 2023 VOLUME 6. 3
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT
By TM Aruni Kanchana
IamdelightedtosharemythoughtsasthePresidentoftheAATSL EmergingToastmastersClub TheAATSLEmergingTMCisaplatform thathelpspeopleovercometheirfearofpublicspeaking Membersof theclubhavebeenfortunateenoughtoconquertheirfearofpublic speaking and gain enhanced confidence The club has created eminentleadersandvibrantspeakersthroughouttheirToastmasters journey
Several years ago, I sought out Toastmasters to overcome my cripplingfearofpublicspeaking WhatIdidn'trealizeatthetimewas howitwouldsetmeonapathtowardbecominganexecutiveleader. Itconnectedmewithacommunityofamazingpeople,bringingan entire world of unexpected support, collaboration, and friendship into my life It turned me into someone who relishes and rises to meetnewchallenges,ratherthanshrinkingawayfromlife'sgreatest opportunities
Itisinspiringtoseethatwehavemanynewmembers whohaveimmensepotentialforpublicspeakingand leadershipskills.Membersaresettinggoals,and severalhavealreadyachievedPathlevels,andtheyare workinghardonreachingthenexttier Thejourneyto successhastrulybeenateameffort,andIwouldliketo expressmygratitudetomyexecutivecommitteeteam fortheireffortsandextendedsupport
Ihopethisnewsletterwillencourageandmotivateall readerstoachievehigherandhigherinToastmasters andinallotherworkthattheyengagein.Finally,I wouldliketoextendmyearnestandheartfelt appreciationtowardsourclubmembers,especiallythe articlecontributors,ourexecutivecommittee,andall theotherindividualswhoactivelysupportedmaking thisnewsletterasuccess
Ifyouwishtotransformyourlifebypursuinggreat opportunities,yourfirststeptowardsthatjourneyis easy SimplyjoinuseverySaturdayat6:30pm Welook forwardtomeetingyousoon!"
EXCECUTIVE COMMITTE EXCECUTIVE COMMITTE 2022/2023 2022/2023
AATSLEmergingclubisaperfectplaceforanew membertostarthis/herjourneyinToastmasters.Also it’saclubwhichwasvisitedby3PastandPresent InternationalPresidents,2worldchampionsandmany moredistrictdirectorsfromdifferentdistricts.
APRIL 2023 VOLUME 6. 2
President TMAruniKanchana VP Education VP Membership VP Public Relations
TMThisakyaDeegoda TMPriyankaPerera
TMPubuduHagoda
Secretary Treasurer Sergeant at Arms TMGeethaThangarajah TMHussainMoulana TMHeshanHettiarachchi
TM Thinusha Bmunuarachchi
Immediate Past President TMThinushaBmunuarachchi DirectorAreaB2
6
"Achieving Success in Toastmasters through Commitment and Consistency"
ABOUT TOASTMASTERS ABOUT TOASTMASTERS
Toastmasters International - Mission District- Mission Club- Mission
weempowerindividualstobecomemoreeffective communicatorsandleaders
Webuildnewclubsandsupportallclubsinachieving excellence. Weprovideasupportiveand positivelearningexperienceinwhichmembersare empoweredtodevelopcommunicationandleadershipskills, resultingingreaterself-confidenceandpersonalgrowth.
Toastmasters International Core Values
Toastmasters International Envisioned Future
Tobethefirst-choiceproviderofdynamic,high-value, experientialcommunicationandleadershipskills development.
Clubs
Countries
What is Toastmasters
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, the organization's membership is approximately 280,000 in more than 14,700 clubs in 144 countries Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confidentspeakers,communicators,andleaders.
Ihavelearnedthattobemostsuccessful,youneedto leadwithyourheartandnotyourhead,”hesays.
“ThereisnofinerprogramthanToastmastersfor helpingpeoplebuildtheirself-confidence, communicationandleadershipskills.”
MattKinsey,DTM InternationalPresident
280,000
144
+ Members
14,700+
Integrity Respect Service Excellence
APRIL 2023 VOLUME 6. 7
"You need to lead with your heart and not your head"
"Speechispower:speechistopersuade,toconvert,to compel."-RalphWaldoEmerson
AsIreflectonmyToastmastersjourney,Iamreminded ofthispowerfulquotebyEmerson Indeed,speechisa potenttoolthatcantransformindividualsandsociety asawhole ItiswiththisbeliefthatIjoinedthe Toastmastersclubonthe22ndofAugust2022,witha burningdesiretoimprovemyspeakingskillsand becomeapersuasivecommunicator
MY TOASTMASTERS JOURNEY MY TOASTMASTERS JOURNEY
By TM Mohamed Hisshan
Throughmyparticipationinvariouscompetitionshostedbytheclub anddistrict,Ihavehadtheopportunitytoshowcasemyskillsand receiveconstructivefeedbackfromexperiencedspeakers Iamproud tosaythatIhavewonplacesinalmostallthecompetitions,a testamenttotheeffectivenessoftheToastmastersprogram
Butbeyondtheawardsandaccolades,theToastmastersclubhashada profoundimpactonmeinmanypositiveways.Throughthevarious rolesIhavetakenonintheclub,suchasservingasatimerora grammarian,Ihavedevelopedinvaluableleadershipskillsthathave helpedmeinmypersonalandacademiclife
Furthermore,Toastmastershasboostedmyconfidenceand attractiveness,makingmemorearticulateandpersuasiveinmy interactionswithothers.Thishasbeenespeciallybeneficialinmy schoollife,whereIhavewonnumerousnationalspeaking competitions,bothimpromptuandpreparedspeeches.
IamgratefultotheToastmastersclubforprovidingme withaplatformtoimprovemyspeakingskills,andfor thementorshipandguidanceIhavereceivedfrom experiencedspeakersintheclub.Iamatestamentto theeffectivenessoftheToastmastersprogram,andI encourageanyoneseekingtoimprovetheirspeaking skillstojoinaclubandembarkontheirown Toastmastersjourney
Inconclusion,speechisindeedpower,andthroughthe Toastmastersclub,Ihavelearnedhowtoharnessthat powertobecomeapersuasivecommunicatoranda confidentleader.Iamgratefulforthepositiveimpact theclubhashadonmylife,andIlookforwardto continuingmyToastmastersjourneyandinspiring otherstodothesame
Thejourneywasnoteasy,asIbattledthefearofpublic speakingthathadhauntedmeforyears.However, throughToastmasters,Ifoundasupportivecommunity thatprovidedasafeandnurturingenvironmentforme topracticeandhonemyspeakingskills.Theclub's round-robinsessionsandimpromptuspeakingsessions, whichIinitiallyfeared,quicklybecamemyfavoritepart ofthemeetings.
"My journey to becoming a confident and persuasive communicator"
APRIL 2023 VOLUME 6. 8
""MyjourneyinToastmastersisstillanightmare TheintroductiontotheworldofToastmasters startedinashortperiod Itallbeganwiththebest speakercontestconductedbyAATSriLanka Even thoughIhadanimmenseinterestinpublic speakingbeforejoiningToastmasters,Ididnot knowhowtoimprovemyskills.Thecontest introducedmetotheworldofToastmasters,andI havelearnedalotsincethen.
Toastmastershasnotonlyhelpedmeimprovemy publicspeakingskills,butithasalsogivenmethe abilitytobevulnerableinasafespace,structuremy presentations,incorporatetoneandbody language,improvemyleadershipskills,and managemytimebetter Additionally,ithashelped meimprovemyEnglishproficiency
HOW IT BEGAN HOW IT BEGAN
By TM Hussain Maulana
TheimpactthatToastmastershashadonmylifeisimmeasurable.My clubhasplayedahugeroleinit Theenvironmentandthesupport providedbyallthememberscannotbedescribedinwords Withthe lessonsIhavelearnedfromToastmasters,Iamconfidentinsayingthat 'theToastmastersjourneywillmakeyourealizewhoyouare!'
It'sgreattohearthatyouhavefoundToastmasterstobehighly beneficialandhaveseensignificantimprovementinyourpublic speakingskills,aswellasotherareassuchasleadership,time management,andlanguageproficiency It'salsogreattohearthatyou havefoundasupportiveenvironmentwithinyourclubthathas contributedtoyourgrowthanddevelopment
It'simportanttorememberthateveryone'sjourneyin Toastmastersisdifferent,andit'sokayifyouarestill facingchallengesorstrugglingincertainareas Thekey istocontinuelearningandgrowing,andtotake advantageoftheresourcesandsupportavailableto youthroughyourclubandthebroaderToastmasters community
Iencourageyoutocontinueattendingmeetings, participatinginspeakingopportunities,andengaging withothermemberstocontinueimprovingyourskills andgainingvaluableexperience Keepupthegood work,andrememberthatwithdedicationandeffort, youcanachieveyourgoalsandbecomeanevenmore confidentandeffectivecommunicator."
Toastmasters Can Improve Your Soft Skills and Time Management Abilities
Toastmastershasnotonlyhelpedmeimprovemypublic speakingskills,butithasalsogivenmetheabilitytobe vulnerableinasafespace,structuremypresentations, incorporatetoneandbodylanguage,improvemy leadershipskills,andmanagemytimebetter.
"How
APRIL 2023 VOLUME 6. 9
"Myfirstthreementorsweremyparentsandmysister Theymentoredmebysharingtheirpersonal experiences,whichhelpedmebecomeabetterleader today
BeforejoiningToastmasters,IwasaGavelieratthe NIBMGavelClubwheremymentorwasDTM(Dr.)
BuddhimaSubasinghe Herinspirationalstoriesabout howStephenHawkinginspiredhertaughtmealot abouthowshefacedmanyhurdlesduringherwalkof lifeandhowsheovercamethem.Sheintroducedmeto theSerendibToastmastersClubinJuly2020,whereI hadmyfirstToastmastersexposure.Despitebecoming anofficialmemberofSerendibToastmasterssince September2020,Icouldn'tcontinuefurtherwith SerendibbecauseIwasselectedforprobationatHSBC ElectronicDataProcessing(PVT)Ltd-Rajagiriya(now atUPL2office,UnionPlace)
HOW MENTORING CAN HOW MENTORING CAN IMPACT YOUR SUCCESS IMPACT YOUR SUCCESS
By TM Heshan Hettiarachchi
ItwasatthistimethatIjoinedtheAATSLEmergingToastmastersClub inMarch2021,whichwasmymajorbreakthroughinToastmasters I wasassignedtoDTMGunasekaraRathnayake,whowasmyfirst-ever officialmentorinaToastmastersClub Oneday,hetoldme,"Son, Toastmastersisnotamarathon.Pleasetakeyourtimeanddoyour projects,"whichhelpedmedevelopmypatiencewhendoingmy Pathwaysprojects.Hehelpedmealotbygivingmeconstructive feedbackonmyPathwaysspeechscripts,whereIexcelled,andwhereI neededtoimprove
Myfirstmentoringexperiencewentbeyondmyclub,whereIwas assignedasanofficialmentorforTMKalpanaFernando,theSecretary ofImproversToastmastersClub-Piliyandala,onJuly20,2022
OurmentoringrelationshipofficiallybeganonAugust 23,2022,andourfirstmentor-menteemeetingtook placeonAugust24,2022,whichwasthedayofthe JointInstallationofAATSLandAATSLEmerging ToastmastersClubs.Myfirstexperienceasanofficial mentorforafellowmemberofourclubwaswithTM SureshAbhyankar,whomIwasassignedashismentor onOctober30,2022 ImentoredhimundertheLevel4 ProjectofthePathwaysMentoringProgramme.When wemet,weestablishedclearandachievableshortterm,medium-term,andlong-termgoals.Ibecame committedtomymenteeTMAbhyankar,whichhelped himachievehisshort-termgoalsbythesetdate.
BeforehisPathwaysLevel1Project2Speech,Ihelped himtoselectatopicregardingsomethinghelovesalot, whichis"ProsandConsofCycling" Eventhoughhe hadtofacemanyobstaclesduringtheprocessof mentoring,Iadvisedhimtotakearestandpractice mindfulnessmeditationsothathecouldachievehis goalsdespitehispersonalcommitments Beforedoing hisspeech,hepracticedthespeechinfrontofme.I gavehiminsightsregardingstagemovement,vocal variety,bodylanguage,andcamerapositioning.Hewas awardedastheBestSpeakerattheJointMeeting betweenAATSLEmergingToastmastersClubandLalan ToastmastersClubheldonFebruary25,2023
Iwouldliketothankmyparents,mysister,DTM(Dr) BuddhimaSubasinghe,DTMGunasekaraRathnayake, DTMJeewanaPradeep,TMLalithManage,TMAruni Kanchana,TMThinushaBamunuarachchi,TM HemanthaHulangamuwa,TMThisakyaDeegodaandall theotherswhohelpedmeinvariouswaysandmeans forbeingapillarofstrengthduringmymentoring journey WhatIwouldliketoemphasizeisthatifyou areavailable,committedtowardsyourmenteeandact patientlyduringtoughsituations,thenyoucould becomeasuccessfulmentor.
WhatIwouldliketoemphasizeisthatifyouare available,committedtowardsyourmenteeandact patientlyduringtoughsituations,thenyoucould becomeasuccessfulmentor.Nevertheless,Mentorto Empower.
"The Importance of Mentorship in Perso and Professional Development"
APRIL 2023 VOLUME 6. 10
IwasonthestageoftheinternationalToastmasters contest,dreamingaboutiteverynight.Now,Iamproud tosaythatIamatoastmasterintheEmerging ToastmastersClub.
OurcluborganizedanAvuruduthemedmeeting,which wasajointmeetingwiththeGoldenMileToastmasters Club Thiswasthefirstphysicalmeetingwehadafter theCOVID-19period,andwewereallveryenthusiastic aboutit
Themeetingstartedat2:30pm,andtheToastmasterof theDaywasTMSafaaFarook Itookontheroleof RoundRobinMaster,eventhoughIhadalotoffearof publicspeaking Thiswasagoldenopportunityforme tofightagainstmy"stagefright"
EVERLASTING MEMORY EVERLASTING MEMORY
By TM Kanchana Silva
Accordingtothemeetingagenda,TMThinushawarmlywelcomedthe guests,explainedtheAvuruduthemedmeeting,introducedthe ToastmasteroftheDay,TMSafaaFarook,andtherewerefourprepared speeches IconductedtheRoundRobingame,whichwasacreative gameofmusicalchairs.Whoevergoteliminatedfromthegamehadto speakfortensecondsonagiventopic
Ipreparedsometopics,suchas"theunforgettablememoryIeverhad inthenewyear,"andsharedmyexperiencepresentingasatoastmaster inperson Mymentorwasverypleasedwithmyarrangements,andIfelt inspiredbymypresentationofourclub,AATSLEmergingToastmasters Club
Ididmybestinthisphysicalrole,anditisalastingmemoryofmy toastmasterjourney Themeetingwasofficiallyadjourned,andwe enjoyedsomemusictogether Thetwoclubshadamemorabletime together
Our club's mission is to provide positive learning experiences that empower members to develop their communication skills. Professionally, attending club meetings can help us achieve our life goals. Although I have been speaking all my life, I still have some apprehension about public speaking. The fear of public speaking is one of the biggest fears in the world.
"Emerging Toastmasters conquer public speaking fears at in-person meeting"
APRIL 2023 VOLUME 6. 11
"Itgivesmegreatpleasuretosharemyexperienceand thoughtsfromtheInternationalSpeechContestforthe AprileditionoftheNewsletter MyToastmasterjourney beganin2016whenIjoinedtheAATToastmastersClub, followedbytheAATEmergingToastmastersClub Since then,IhaveactivelyparticipatedinClubContests, winningseveralClubLevelandAreaLevelawards,as wellasqualifyingtocompeteinDivisionLevelcontests.
BENEFITS OF TOASTMASTERS BENEFITS OF TOASTMASTERS SPEECH CONTESTS FOR SPEECH CONTESTS FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
By TM Hemantha Hulangamuwa
Imustemphasizethatwinningaspeechcontestisnotaneasytask It requiresalotofeffort,enormousdedication,andhardwork. Continuouspracticeofthespeechismandatorytoperformwellina competition.Therearemanyadvantagestorehearsingthesame speechrepeatedly,suchasimprovingyourspeakingabilityand confidencelevel,helpingyoutoconcentrateonminoraspectsofyour speaking,andinspiringtheaudiencewithyourenthusiasmand knowledgeofthecontent.
Myfirstmentoringexperiencewentbeyondmyclub,whereIwas assignedasanofficialmentorforTMKalpanaFernando,theSecretary ofImproversToastmastersClub-Piliyandala,onJuly20,2022
ItisimportantthatifyouareenteringtheInternational SpeechContest,youselectatopicthatyouare passionateabout.Yourinterestandexpertiseinthe topicwillenergizetheaudienceandcomethroughin howyouspeak Additionally,toperformwellina contest,youmustbereceptivetofeedback When competinginaspeechcontest,youwillinevitably receivevariousopinionsaboutyourspeech Some peoplewillenjoyit,whileotherswillnot Learningto takeonfeedbackfrommanypeopleistough,butit'sa necessarypartoftheprocess
Finally,IbelievethattheInternationalSpeechContest isthebestpersonaldevelopmentplatform.Yougainall thetoolsyouneedtocommunicateeffectively,andyou developthecharactertochangeyourownlifeforthe better Thefutureyouseekiswithinreachthrough Toastmasters.
IbelievethattheInternationalSpeechContestisthe bestpersonaldevelopmentplatform.Yougainallthe toolsyouneedtocommunicateeffectively
"The Importance of Dedication and Practi in Winning Toastmasters Speech Contest
APRIL 2023 VOLUME 6. 12
"Thiswasthefirsttimewehadajointclubmeetingwith AATSLEmergingToastmastersClub,andspecialthanks gotoTMAruniKanchanaforinvitingustothis wonderfulmeeting,whichwasheldonlineviatheZoom platform ThemeetingwascalledtoorderbySargentat Arms,TMHeshanHettiaracchchiofAATSLEmerging ToastmastersClub,whoexplainedallthegroundrules Bothclubshadyoung,energeticfemaleclub presidents:TMAruniKanchanafromAATSLEmerging ToastmastersClubandTMBimaliBadurafromLALAN ToastmastersClub Themeetingwassuperinteresting, andbothclubswarmlywelcomedallparticipantsand guests TMPubuduHagodawastheToastmasterofthe day,andheannouncedalltheamendmentsand launchedthethemeofthedayas"Valentine'sDay"
A DAY TO REMEMBER A DAY TO REMEMBER
By TM Bimali Badura of Lalan TMC
Wehadagreatcombinationofroleplayersforthiswonderfulmeeting LALANTMBimaliBandurawastheTimer,TMPubudufromAATSL EmergingToastmastersClubwastheAhCounter,TMPriyaweera HettiarachchifromAATSLToastmastersClubwastheGrammarian,and theGeneralEvaluatorwasTMChamindaPushpakumarafromLALAN ToastmastersClub Aninterestinground-robinsessionwasconducted byTMWathsalaVidyanifromLALANToastmastersClub,andall membersactivelyparticipatedinthissession
Wehadthreepreparedspeechesforthepreparedspeechsession,and theToastmasterofthedayintroducedallthespeakersandevaluators. TMSureshAbhyankarfromAATSLEmergingToastmastersClub completedhisfinalprojectinhisPathwaysLevel01,andhisspeechwas evaluatedbyTMWathsalaVidyanifromLALANToastmastersClub
TMPiumiUdeshikafromLALANToastmastersClubdid herPathwaysLevel4Project01,andherspeechwas evaluatedbyTMNeelRanasignhefromAATSLEmerging ToastmastersClub TMDhammikaPriyanganifrom LALANwastheevaluatorforthethirdspeaker,TM PadmaLiyanage
DTMJeewanaPradeepfromAATSLEmerging ToastmastersClubwastheTableTopicMaster,andTM Heshan,TMWathsala,TMAthula,GuestTMShalitha, andTMElangovanparticipatedasTableTopic speakers Thentheevaluationsessionbegan,andthe TMODinvitedtheGeneralEvaluatortocontinuethe session TheGeneralEvaluatorcalledforreportsfrom eachroleplayerandfinallygavehisreport.TheBest PreparedSpeakerwasTMSureshAbhyankar TM HeshanHettiarachchiwastheBestTableTopic Speaker TMChamindaPushpakumarabecamethe BestRolePlayer,andTMDhammikaPriyanganibecame theBestEvaluator
Bothpresidentsmadeclosingremarks,andthe meetingwasofficiallyadjournedat8:30pmwitha strongbondbetweenbothclubs"
By TM Nilanthi Chandramali
