Elevate 07

O F F I C I A L

N E W S L E T T E R

O F

MATALE TOASTMASTERS CLUB

ISSUE 07

NOVEMBER 2023

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TOASTMASTER INTERNATIONAL VATE ELE

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals. Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado with approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,200 clubs in 148 countries.

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL CORE VALUES Integrity Respect Service Excellence

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

DISTRICT MISSION We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL ENVISIONED FUTURE PUBLISHER

MATALE TOASTMASTERS CLUB

EDITOR

TM AHSAN ALAVI

Club 7390888 Area 03 Division F District 82 Region 12

MEETING FORMAT Online (Via ZOOM)

MEETING DAYS/TIME Second & Fourth Saturday Every Month, 19:00 IST

To be the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development.

MATALE TOASTMASTERS CLUB Matale Toastmasters Club is an online community club open for dreamers, aspiring leaders and public speakers. It provides a safe, friendly and nourishing environment for its members to explore, learn, practice and excel in public speaking and leadership skills. It is known for its fun-filled, educating and empowering meetings and for its vibrant, caring and ambitious members.

CLUB MISSION We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

CONTACT US

mtcmataletoastmastersclub @gmail.com

+94 773 511 332

ELEVATE is a newsletter published by the Matale Toastmasters Club, Matale, Sri Lanka. This newsletter is intended for the internal circulation among the members of Matale Toastmasters Club and to promote the ideas and the goals of Toastmasters International, in a nonprofit educational organization of clubs throughout the world dedicated to teaching skills in public speaking and leadership. The editor does not take any responsibility for the authenticity or opinion of the articles published. Toastmasters International and its logos are trademarks registered in the USA, Canada and many other countries.

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CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S PERCEPTION

4

EDITOR’S EXPRESSION

5

MEET THE EXCO

6

INSTALLATION

8

GIST WITH THE GUESTS

9

MEMBERS’ MESSAGE

10

OUTSIDER’S OPINION

13

A JOURNEY TO FLOURISH

14

What does the President have to say?

Hear the words of the Editor.

Get introduced to the EXCO. Few highlights of the Installation.

Thoughts of guests who have joined us.

Messages from some of our members.

Thoughts from a member from another club.

Summary of the mid-year Division Conference.

NEWBIES’ NOTION

16

MEMORY LANE

18

MINGLE WITH MTC

20

What do the newbies feel about MTC? Themes of the past ten meetings.

Get connected for more!

4 PRESIDENT’S PERCEPTION TM ZAHRAH NOOR MOHAMED

Hey, hey, hey, Matale Toastmasters crew!

I'm beyond thrilled to kick off this edition of our club magazine as the 4th president of our amazing Matale toastmasters club. It's an honor to be leading such a talented and supportive group of individuals on this journey of personal and professional growth.

As we embark on this new Toastmasters year together, I want to emphasize the incredible power of our club to transform lives. We are a community that believes in the potential of each member, and we're here to cheer each other on every step of the way, and you could how much and how far our members elevated.

We'll continue to provide top-notch educational programs, engaging workshops, and valuable feedback to help each member become a confident and effective communicator.

But Toastmasters is not just about public speaking. It's about building leadership skills, fostering connections, and having a ton of fun along the way. We'll be hosting exciting social events, team-building activities, and maybe even a few themed meetings to keep things fresh and exciting.

I also want to encourage each member to take advantage of the various roles and opportunities available within our club.

Whether it's taking on a leadership position, organizing a special event, or mentoring a new member, your involvement will not only benefit others but also enhance your own personal growth.

Believe that “You Can!” Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to our previous presidents for their outstanding leadership and dedication. They have set the bar high, and I'm committed to continuing their legacy of excellence.

Cheers to growth, connection, and endless possibilities!

Warm regards, Zahrah Noor Mohamed, President, Matale Toastmasters Club

5 EDITOR’S EXPRESSION TM AHSAN ALAVI

Less than a year of being a Toastmaster at MTC, I was selected as the VPPR for the year 2023/24 when the passion I carried for designing was recognized by the committee. Saying I am thrilled and excited to announce Issue 7 of Elevate, this term’s Official Newsletter of MTC, would be a complete understatement. Each page has been crafted, not just with time and effort, but also with fondness and enthusiasm.

This Newsletter is a summary of our club and a compilation of some of the many memorable moments that we came across during the last semester of the Toastmasters’ year. It also holds some priceless words from our own members, new members, as well as guests, describing their own experiences with the club. As much as I am excited to compile this Newsletter, I am equally excited for you, dear reader, to wade through our Newsletter.

If you find this Newsletter interesting, which you probably will, you will find MTC a much more interesting place to be a part of. Everyone is always welcome to our club!

With that I would love to thank all the members and guests for their heartfelt contribution to this magazine and express my gratitude for their sincere effort to make this a success.

Stay amazing!

Ahsan Alavi, Vice President Public Relations, Matale Toastmasters Club

6 Introducing the Executive Committee of Matale Toastmasters Club. Let us see what they have to say about their experiences so far!

President

Zahrah Noor Mohamed Being the president with this amazing team is beyond something. I have had my personal hindrance but then this team never gave up on me or the club. To my past presidents, EXCO members and club members I’m much more thankful for you. Let’s elevate together.

VP Education

Zahara Lafeerdeen If there's something more satisfying than savouring the last mouthful of a flavourful biriyani, I’d say it is watching someone unleashing their potential. As the VpEd of MTC I enjoy being a part of its members' journey as they break boundaries and move beyond their comfort zones.

VP Public Relations Ahsan Alavi

I thought an EXCO position would help me get rid of my procrastination. Few months into the role, I have improved in every way except getting rid of procrastination.

VP Membership Yasotha Rajendran

As VPM, I am generally the first point of contact for a potential member and I have truly learnt the importance of first impressions and also following up in an inviting manner.

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Secretary Azra Azhar

Being a part of the exco has been a rewarding journey which made me excel in many ways and taught me invaluable lessons. As the secretary of the club, I learned to manage meeting details, took minutes and kept communication flowing.

Working with the team helped me discover the skills in organizing.

Treasurer

Shareef Mihlar Managing money isn't always fun but helping the membership growth and contributing to the club is always rewarding.

Sergeant at Arms Shareefa Ihshan

From YLP to Toastmasters to one of the EXCO is a dream come true for me! I got selected as SAA at MTC after 6 months of being a Toastmaster. Being one of the team has taught me beyond public speaking.

Cheers to the journey ahead!

Immediate Past President

Shamla Naleer

Being the IPP with a fun team is the best! The laughter, camaraderie, and shared success make it an unforgettable experience.

Toastmasters magic happens when you've got a team that turns meetings into celebrations!

8 INSTALLATION DISTINGUISHED TOASTMASTER All smiles for toastmaster M.K.P. Rifka at the 2023 installation as she received her award for walking the several miles between TM to DTM within a matter of just 3 years in Toastmasters.

Now that's an achievement worth celebrating, isn't it? Matale Toastmasters Club will forever be proud of its first Distinguished Toastmaster(DTM), DTM Rifka for achieving the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters, in style.

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION

The Toast babies of MTC were welcomed to Toastmaster's fraternity and inducted with a new member ribbon and oath.

Here's a picture of them from the installation stage, probably wondering what lies ahead in their Toastmasters journey or about the refreshments after the ceremony.

EXCO INSTALLATION The highlight of Club Officers' Installation Ceremony is seeing the new EXCO members taking their oaths and receiving fancy metal pins with their respective roles carved on them.

On left, are the Barbies and Ken of Matale Toastmasters Club getting installed as club officers for the year 2023/2024. It was definitely a proud moment and a memory to cherish for the incoming EXCO members of MTC, as they shared the grand stage that day with 4 other clubs from different parts of District 82 at the joint installation.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHUTTERSCOPE

9 GIST WITH THE GUESTS...

Every meeting at Matale Toastmasters is guaranteed to be of top notch quality. The members make you feel like part of one, big family and I'm truly grateful I got the opportunity to be a guest a few times and experience the difference for myself! Kudos to the EXCO and Members for creating such a welcoming atmosphere and I can't wait to attend more of your meetings.

- SAMIHA ANZARY

I had the opportunity to attend few meetings and it was amazing.

Organizing virtual meetings in a creative manner to cultivate innovative ideas requires a lot of effort. The sessions were fun and well-organized. Lovely work members! Your fine work has set new standards and I appreciate your hard work. I am excited about attending more meetings in the future.

- THAIBA NAZAR

My first ever Toastmasters experience was with Matale Toastmasters Club back in 2018 and they did not only show me a meeting, I also saw how friendly they were and the positive energy given throughout the meeting. Matale Toastmasters Club has given me the space to improve, with their amazing feedback and also gave me many friends among toastmasters. Moreover, Matale Toastmasters has a major contribution to my confidence.

- AYOOB ZAWAHIR

10 MEMBER’S MESSAGE

Hey Listen Up! TM FASLUL NUSRATH I wanted to take a few moments of yours, may be this could be a moment you can start to believe in yourself in which you have lost your confidence or self-esteem.

The words or the sentences you read above or afore are not easily put or written. I have always believed and found it hard for me to put my thoughts into words, penning down all the lingering thoughts inside my mind was one of the greatest challenges I had faced. It was as if I was asked to lift or move a mountain.

I always strived for perfectionism, which is the killer of all creativity.

Perfectionism is entitled only for God; we humans are beautiful when we are imperfectly perfect and perfectly imperfect. Our creativeness within starts with real passion and love for anything we wish to do in life. The acceptance for who we are and how we are is the first step in performing any art.

I accepted my imperfection of not being able to put all my thoughts into writing and I realized creativity is like a muscle, which grows proportionately to the work or practice we make consistently.

Never ever give up, quitting is the greatest weakness of Humanity. Believe in yourself. If I can do it, so you could do.

Thus, believe, consistent effort and discipline will take you heights you never imagined or dreamt.

Believe in yourself, you are braver than you think, more talented than you know and most of all, you are capable of more than you imagine!

11 MEMBER’S MESSAGE Unveiling the Impact of Speech Evaluations on My Public Speaking Odyssey.

TM YASOTHA RAJENDRAN I kept believing that I was the best public speaker in town until recently. I was a sought-after compere for school events, and the first person anyone came looking for to host an event or craft a speech. This whole perspective changed once I became a toastmaster and started doing my projects.

Embarking on the road to effective public speaking, I discovered a transformative ally in the form of speech evaluations. This invaluable tool, delivered by peers and mentors, has played a pivotal role in shaping me into a more polished and confident speaker.

The immediacy of feedback provided by speech evaluations is nothing short of enlightening. There's a unique power in receiving insights right after delivering a presentation, allowing for an immediate and impactful learning process. It's in these moments of reflection, right after completing a project, that the seeds of improvement take root.

Beyond being mere critiques, speech evaluations act as mirrors, reflecting the nuances of my performance. They shed light on elements like speech structure, content, and message clarity that contribute to effectiveness. Simultaneously, they pinpoint areas requiring attention – be it pacing, stage usage, or vocal variety – offering a clear roadmap for my development.

Constructive criticism, a hallmark of speech evaluations, has proven to be a linchpin for my improvement. Delivered with a positive intent, these critiques provide me with actionable insights to refine my skills. Understanding what resonated with the audience and what needs enhancement allows me to incrementally grow as a communicator.

Speech evaluations have fostered a profound self-awareness within me. As I become attuned to my communication style and its impact, I gain a deeper understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. This heightened self-awareness extends beyond the stage, permeating various facets of my life and contributing to my overall personal growth.

In addition to critical feedback, speech evaluations offer encouragement and motivation. Positive reinforcement for well-executed elements of my speech boosts my confidence, motivating me to build on my strengths.

The recognition and appreciation of my efforts foster a sense of achievement, propelling me to continue refining my skills.

Tailored to my specific needs and goals, speech evaluations are not generic critiques. This personalized feedback allows me to focus on areas that require improvement.

The combination of immediate feedback, identification of strengths and weaknesses, constructive criticism, enhanced self-awareness, encouragement, and targeted development opportunities has not only groomed me into a more effective communicator but has also instilled a mindset of continuous improvement that extends far beyond the stage into various realms of my life.

12 MEMBER’S MESSAGE

Unleashing Personal Transformation!

TM ZAHRAH NOOR MOHAMED Have you ever wondered how grabbing opportunities and getting some sweet words of affirmation can totally transform you? Well, buckle up, because we're diving into the exciting world of personal growth and positive vibes!

Picture this: you're faced with an awesome chance to try something new, whether it's a job offer, a cool adventure, or a random encounter. By saying "heck yeah!" and jumping on those opportunities, you open doors to amazing experiences, personal development, and a whole lot of fun. We'll dig into how seizing opportunities can expand your horizons and help you unleash your true potential.

You know how one thing leads to another? Well, opportunities work the same way! We'll share inspiring stories of folks who took a leap of faith, and how one opportunity led to a chain reaction of life-changing events. It's like a domino effect of awesomeness that propels them towards success and fulfillment. Get ready to be inspired!

Now, let's talk about the power of words, my friend! When someone gives you a shoutout, a compliment, or just says, "You rock!", it can do wonders for your self-belief and confidence. We'll explore how positive words can shape your mindset, boost your self-esteem, and make you feel like a total superstar. Get ready for some serious positivity!

Creating a supportive environment is key, my friend. We'll chat about the importance of surrounding yourself with uplifting peeps who believe in your dreams and cheer you on. From your BFFs to mentors and role models, having a squad that's got your back can make all the difference. Let's build a tribe of positivity!

When you grab those opportunities and soak in the good vibes of affirmations, get ready for some serious personal growth.

We'll explore how this transformation can impact all areas of your life, from relationships to your career and overall well-being. It's time to level up and embrace the awesome person you're becoming!

So, my friend, get ready to unlock the power of opportunities and positive words. It's gonna be a wild ride of growth, inspiration, and good vibes.

Let's do this!

13 OUTSIDER’S OPINION Matale Toastmasters is one of the most vibrant clubs going around. Home to a very dynamic member-base, my experience with everyone in the club within and beyond the toastmaster community is a very wholesome one.

Something about this club exudes delight. The tough love from the seasoned Toastmasters like Shamla, Rifka. The comical antics of TM Ahsan. The razzmatazz of Zahrah. The innocence of their YLP entrants. Add in a bit of the Shareef Mihlar flair, the club is a Michelin star recipe of a model Toastmaster club.

The club’s online-based meeting culture -as much as it has his drawbacks- provides accessibility to Toastmasters across the world. Being a truly diverse club, MTC continues to spreads it wings across and beyond Sri Lanka.

Being a part of the broader F3 community along with everyone at this amazing club has been an inspiring experience personally. The environment to infinitely grow while having infinite fun, with all the most comical antics happening is a true testament to the easygoing nature of everyone here.

Go Matale TMC!

TM Yoosuf Zuhry, Hill Capital Toastmasters Club

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A JOURNEY T

Upon winning the club level Evaluation contest championship, DTM M.K.P.Rifka secured second place at the Area level and proceeded to be placed second at Division F's Evaluation Contest for the year 2023/2024. And this makes her the first member of Matale Toastmasters Club to have secured a place at the Divison Evaluation Contest since it was chartered.

Contributions

The Division J and F Mid - year joint conference had a series of witty humorous speeches and some immaculate evaluations. Two of Matale Toastmasters Club members ventured outside the club and played two major roles at the conference. TM Asma Azary was the humorous speech contest master for Division F and TM Ahsan Alavi was the PR chair for Division F.

F J DIVISION

Another first from DTM Rifka

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TO FLOURISH

CONFERENCE

2023

F J

MTC at the Division Conference

Amidst all the hassle and celebration at the end of the midyear conference TeaMTC managed to get a group picture!

The DTMs?!

Ever since the Division conference, DTM doesn’t only mean " Distinguished Toastmaster" but it also means "Dancing Toastmasters". Shah Rukh who? is all we could ask after watching TM Ahsan's graceful moves and when he effortlessly did Shah Rukh khan's iconic pose as shown in the picture on the left. Nevertheless, TM Madhura rocked the stage along with an electrifying performance with the rest of the team. Needless to say, this was the highlight of the event that day! And guess what, if you are looking for a dance choreographer now you know who to contact.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLACK IMAGE

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NEWBIES’ NOTION My journey at Matale Toastmasters Club has been nothing short of amazing. The warm, family-like atmosphere created by dedicated members and the Executive Committee has made each meeting a transformative experience. As a guest, I felt instantly welcomed and valued. The commitment to excellence is evident in every session, fostering personal and professional growth. I'm genuinely grateful for the opportunity to be part of this enriching community. Kudos to the Exco and members for creating a space that encourages continuous self-improvement.

- TM RAMEEZ NASEEM

Initially toastmasters had been a daring and a complicating journey.

I am a person I chat a lot but when it comes to public speaking. I go blank due to stage fear. When I first visited to MTC to do my speech, I felt like I was heartily welcomed and received. Besides, I love the hospitality and the vibes within the club. Also, I found very supportive members to guide me, which made me to join MTC. I discovered my inner self and found ways to move forward.

Thanks to MTC!

- TM ASMA AZARY

Toastmasters played a pivotal role in my transformation as a girl who once grappled with deep-seated insecurities. It was a beacon of hope and growth, leading me out of my shell and into a world brimming with diverse people and perspectives. This journey with Toastmasters wasn't just about refining my speaking skills; it was a voyage of self-discovery and learning. Through Toastmasters, I not only improved my oratorical abilities but also forged a stronger, more confident version of myself.

- TM SHAMEEHA AZMY

17 NEWBIES’ NOTION I am delighted to share my experience as a new member of Matale Toastmaster Club.

I was invited by my former teacher, TM Zahara Lafeerdeen. I was thrilled yet afraid, grateful yet repulsed, impatient yet hesitant, to join, with mixed emotions.

Stepping into the Toastmasters world, I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. The supportive and inclusive environment instantly made me feel at ease. I knew I had found a community that would help me grow.

As a Timer during meetings, I gained valuable experience and feedback. The safe environment fostered sharing and bonding.

The adventure has been amazing thus far, and I look forward for more exploration of Toastmasters and beyond.

- TM MUHAZA IFSAL FIND THE NEWBIE! Start

Newbie

18 MEMORY LANE

19 MEMORY LANE

20 MINGLE WITH

MTC! mtcmataletoastmastersclub@gmail.com Matale Toastmasters Club matale.toastmasters +94 773 511 332

WORD FINDER MATALE ELEVATE DOPPELGANGER EXCELLENCE INTEGRITY SATURDAY PERFECTIONISM EVALUATION RESPECT SERVICE GRATITUDE