Beyond the Circle - Issue 13

361

BEYOND the C I R C L E From Chaos to Clarity P.8-9

We collectively painted a vibrant Rainbow …

P.7

Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club

NEWSLETTER District 82 Area H1 CLUB NO: 2549382 Issue 13 Year 2023/24 November 2023

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CONTENT

TM Wasana Eashwara

3

VOICE OF DIVISION DIRECTOR

4

VOICE OF AREA DIRECTOR

5

VOICE OF PRESIDENT

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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CO-EDITOR’S NOTE

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WE COLLECTIVELY PAINTED A VIBRANT RAINBOW …

President

TM Samanthi Sudarshani VP Education

TM Chaminda Lokubarana VP Membership

TM Banula Kumarage

8-9 FROM CHAOS TO CLARITY

VP Public Relations

TM Asini Warnasooriya

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BEYOND CONTESTING

10

FROM SILENCE TO CONFIDENCE

11-13

NEWBIES CORNER

14

A START NEVER ENDS

15

INTO THE PUBLIC SPEAKING

16

SENIOR

17

ACHIVEMENTS

18

MEMORIES

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MEMBERS ONBOARD

Secretary

TM Pramitha De Silva Treasurer

TM Inupama Kumarage Sergeant at Arms

TM Gamini Wijeratne Immediate Past President

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VOICE OF DIVISION DIRECTOR BEST WISHES TO ANURADHAPURA TOASTMASTERS.…

Since the beginning of this club, the enthusiastic members of Anuradhapura have always in line to follow the core values of core values of Toastmasters International and to create a positive and supportive atmosphere within the club. As the Division Director of Division H, while being proud of Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club, I must say this club is one of the strongest clubs in the Division and the members of this club have shown their enthusiasm at many more Division Events. They have shown that hidden talent of leadership and it adds more colour to the club to shine as a star not only in the division but in the district 82 as well.

Anuradhapura Toastmasters are always trying to maintain their club quality and trying to give the highest benefits and opportunities to the members of the club.

Focusing more on the requirements and the expectations of the members other than the numbers is a secret tip to building and retaining the membership. Then Anuradhapura will be surely flying high many more. With that, I wish all the blessings and encouragement to the leaders of the Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club to achieve more while preserving the historical value behind this club.

TM Thakshila Jayasena

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VOICE OF AREA DIRECTOR Dear Toastmasters and esteemed members, As we navigate the exciting journey of personal and professional development within Toastmasters International, I am honoured to serve as your Area Director.

Our shared commitment to growth and excellence is underpinned by the core values of Toastmasters: integrity, respect, and excellence.

These values are the compass that guides us on our path to becoming exceptional leaders.

Integrity is the bedrock of leadership, and as members of Toastmasters, let us exemplify honesty and ethical conduct in all our endeavours. Respect, a cornerstone of our community, fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where diverse ideas thrive. Let us celebrate our differences and learn from one another. In the pursuit of excellence, let us challenge ourselves to continually improve, setting ambitious goals that stretch our capabilities.

As leaders, our focus extends beyond personal growth; it encompasses the uplifting of others. Emphasise not only your own development but also actively contribute to the growth of your fellow Toastmasters. In doing so, we create a culture of collaboration and shared success. Remember the wise words of John C. Maxwell: "A good leader is a person who takes a little more than his share of the blame and a little less than his share of the credit." Let us embody this spirit, recognizing that true leadership is about empowering others. Together, let's make this Toastmasters year a testament to our commitment to integrity, respect, and excellence. As we develop ourselves, let us be the catalysts for the development of those around us. Wishing you a year of growth, learning, and impactful leadership.

Warm regards,

TM Gamini Wijeratne

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VOICE OF PRESIDENT NAVIGATING EXCELLENCE: A PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE It is with great pleasure that I share my vision as the Club President in our inaugural newsletter of this tenure. Being an integral part of this dynamic club has not only filled me with pride but has also presented the challenge of upholding the standards set by the inspiring leaders and speakers who have graced our organization. Throughout this transformative journey, I have assimilated the essence of effective communication and leadership, meticulously refining even the minutest details.

Our primary focus remains on educational and quality excellence while uplifting the member’s skills, potential and developments. In the intricate tapestry of our club, every member is a unique thread contributing to its richness. It is imperative that we treat one another with the utmost respect and equality. I firmly encourage for respect, equality, and the delegation of responsibilities, as these principles harmonize seamlessly with the core values of Toastmasters. A successful club operates like a welloiled machine, with each member bringing distinctive skills to the table. Delegating tasks and responsibilities creates an environment of efficiency and dynamism, propelling us towards our collective objectives.

Our club is not merely a place of learning but a vibrant community where diverse ideas flourish, and every voice is heard. Let us foster an atmosphere that is not only supportive but also friendly and fun, enhancing our collective enthusiasm and engagement. Laughter, known as a great stress-buster, adds variety to our journey, transforming the monotonous into a delightful experience.

Change is the only constant, and embracing new ideas is significant for our growth.

Here I invite everyone to share and come up with innovative suggestions which we can explore new avenues and enhance our learning experience If we liken Anuradhapura Toastmasters to a ship, as the captain I already navigated our vessel through the stormy sea. In the words of the wise, a still sea never makes good sailors, and with a crew of skilled individuals by my side, I am confident that together, we will navigate these challenges and reach our destination safely.

As we embark on this exciting journey, let us remember that the strength of our club lies in our collective efforts. I look forward to the winds of change propelling us to new heights.

TM Wasana Eashwara

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EDITOR’S NOTE Every moment in Toastmasters journey is a learning opportunity. Not only public speaking skills, it provides us the opportunity to improve our creativity.

I believe being the Newsletter editor is one of the challenging opportunities that I received in my Toastmasters journey. Club Newsletter is one of the golden opportunities that club members have received to improve their creativity and analytical skills by sharing their genuine thoughts and valuable ideas. Club Newsletter is not an easy task to accomplish within a single day.

Through several reminders, calls, plans, zoom discussions and Coordinating make the club Newsletter reality. I and Co editor have to be committed with our toastmaster members to make this club Newsletter successful. Club Newsletter is a treasure that contains a wealth of knowledge. I invite you all to enjoy this priceless wealth.

TM Wimukthi Dhananjaya

CO-EDITOR’S NOTE Can you speak in front of an audience without any fear? If you can't, Toastmasters Club is the perfect place. But what is Toastmasters? This is the main reason we published our newsletter. Through the newsletter, you can learn about Toastmasters and our experiences at Anuradhapura Toastmasters. With the support of the editor and other members, we proudly present the newsletter for you, the Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club of this term. Thank you to all the members and non-members who supported the successful publication of the newsletter.

TM Inupama Kumarage

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WE COLLECTIVELY PAINTED A VIBRANT RAINBOW …

The Club Officer Installation Ceremony 2023 unfolded as a grand and spectacular event, masterfully organized by the Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club. This splendid occasion took place on the 23rd of September 2023 at Hotel Rajarata, Anuradhapura, graced by the presence of current District & Division H leaders alongside esteemed past district leaders.

Serving as the Installation Chair for this momentous event was an extraordinary opportunity within the Toastmasters fraternity. A significant challenge faced was balancing the grandeur of the occasion with the financial considerations, ensuring a prestigious event in a premier location without unduly burdening our members. Guided by this vision, the ceremony took the form of a colorful evening affair, all meticulously planned within a modest budget.

Subcommittees, guided by seasoned Toastmasters, were established to oversee various facets of the event. Tasks were thoughtfully allocated, and the progress of each group was closely monitored, resulting in the realization of a successful and vibrant installation ceremony.

Throughout the organizational journey, I had the privilege of coordinating and leading a diverse group of experienced and innovative Toastmasters toward a common goal. This experience not only enhanced my leadership skills but also demanded strategic coordination to achieve our shared objectives.

With the tremendous support of the Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club members, we collectively painted a Rainbow in the sky—an emblem of unity and triumph for the Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club.

TM Samanthi Sudarshani Installation Committee Chair

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FROM CHAOS TO CLARITY There are certain abilities that will serve you well throughout your entire life. Not recognizing the impact of certain skills can sometimes throw you into chaos. Being able to communicate clearly with people in order to persuade and encourage them to support an organizational goal is a critical skill that I learned thanks to Toastmasters. It has impacted my life and has been a turning point in crucial moments of my life.

For many years, people have been striving hard to cultivate the skill of public speaking. Aristotle wrote about the three types of rhetorical appeals in his book On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse in 350 BC. These appeals are still used today in organizing a speech and how to speak in public and convince others. He explains three main factors of a speech, Ethos Pathos and Logos. Ethos refers to the credibility and ethical appeal of the speaker, establishing trust and authority. Pathos involves appealing to the audience's emotions, aiming to evoke empathy or connect on a personal level. Logos pertains to the logical reasoning and evidence presented, reinforcing the speaker's argument with facts and sound reasoning.

We used to underestimate the impact of structured speaking in spontaneous or prepared speaking situations. How do we deal with similar situations?

KNOWING YOUR AUDIENCE Planning a trip is a lot like writing a speech. Knowing your audience is like having a map; it helps you find your way around what they want and interests. Knowing your reason is like setting a goal; it helps you stay on track. Just like a well-prepared travelers makes an incredible trip, making sure your speech fits your audience and purpose makes sure it goes well and is fun to talk about.

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COMPELLING OPENING You should picture your speech as a big show on a stage. Like a great starting act, an interesting beginning sets the tone for the whole show. The spark that gets people excited about the performance and makes them want to stay for the whole thing to see how the interesting story you're about to tell goes. The most common ways to begin a speech are with a compelling story, an intriguing question, or a shocking statement. Champion speakers who deliver mesmerizing speeches utilize these tactics to effectively capture the audience's attention.

LOGICAL STRUCTURE Imagine your speech as a well-organized recipe. The logical flow is the step-by-step process, ensuring each ingredient is added at the right moment. The opening is like setting up your cooking station, the body is the cooking process, and the conclusion is presenting the finished dish. Just as a recipe with clear steps leads to a delicious meal, a speech with a structured flow creates a clear and satisfying message for your audience. Outline your stories and the transitions carefully. Transition from one story to another in a seamless manner so that the whole speech would be flawless where it being delivered in front of the audience. Further, it enables the speaker to easily internalize the speech as well.

SHARE YOUR STORY Engaging the audience with personal stories in your speech is like inviting them into your world. Sharing your experiences creates an authentic connection because it's real and relatable. Personal stories humanize your message, making it more than just words. This authenticity fosters trust, as the audience sees the genuine person behind the speaker, enhancing the impact and resonance of your message.

A well-crafted speech always has the ability to move mountains. With all the steps explained above, it lets you deliver ideas with clarity, which takes off creating chaos.

TM Shabry Samoon

Immediate Past Area Director Area H1

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BEYOND CONTESTING Contesting in the Evaluation Speech Contest 2023 was indeed a transformative journey in my life. It unveiled a spectrum of lessons that extended well beyond evaluating speeches. I learnt the significance of active listening and the art of crafting feedback, which is an important skill not only in Toastmasters but also in building up personal and professional interactions in life. Beyond the stage, the contest instilled in me the power to deliver constructive feedback in various aspects of life, fostering positive and growth-oriented interactions. Each round offered a lesson for life, contributing to my overall growth. The unexpected friendships created with fellow contestants and the shared experiences and mutual support forged lasting connections that extended beyond the contest room. Reflecting on the journey, contesting in the Evaluation Contest was more than just a contest - it was a journey of growth and self-discovery.

TM Ama Shakya

Winner - Evaluation Speech Club Contest

FROM SILENCE TO CONFIDENCE I have great pleasure in the contest that I participated in this year, Rather than contesting I felt I enjoyed something well. Not only in preparation but also during the speech I got great support from other Toastmasters, even from other contesters, I didn't see something in myself. Yet I don't know, but I know I may see it during the process of Toastmasters, I couldn't speak two or three sentences, Now somehow I can manage to do a speech and I collected unforgettable memories throughout my practises, mistakes and good things.

TM Manodya Bandara Winner - Humorous Speech Club Contest

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NEWBIES CORNER SEIZE THE MOMENTS, BECAUSE SOME OPPORTUNITIES NEVER COME TWICE In the modern world, opportunities often come knocking when we least expect them. That is how we recognize and seize these opportunities that can make all the difference in our personal and professional lives. We must have enough confidence to identify the opportunities that open the way to success. I just remember a real incident from my Toastmasters life. One day, our very own club president, TM Wasana, suddenly called me and informed me about the Installation ceremony in 2023. She also invited me to play the emcee role. Initially, I was hesitant, but I accepted the invitation. Being a newly joined Toastmaster, I didn't have experience of installation ceremonies and I had never played the emcee role before that. However, I seized the opportunity.

As a newly joined Toastmaster, it was a challenge for me, but I always enjoy working in challenging situations. Therefore, I tried to do my best.

I was guided by senior Toastmasters regarding playing the emcee role. It was a valuable lesson for my personal and professional life. I was able to learn and grow from the experience. I prepared well and practised extensively. The occasion was grand, with many senior Toastmasters and guests. I managed the situation, and I believe I was successful.

After I officially signed off from the emcee role, there were many appreciations which made me incredibly proud. If I hadn't seized this opportunity, I would have missed out on many valuable experiences in my life.

So, remember, every moment is a chance to learn, grow, and succeed. Keep your eyes open, stay prepared, and seize the opportunities that come your way. Opportunities always open new pathways to success. Therefore, seize the opportunities and create a path to a successful and fulfilling future.

TM Danush Nalin

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NEWBIES CORNER FROM FEAR TO FLUENCY As an educator committed to lifelong learning, I sought to elevate my English proficiency and joined the Toastmasters Club in Anuradhapura. On the first day, I couldn't help but feel the familiar pangs of nervousness, my legs trembling and my vision blurring. The weight of expectations, both internal and external, threatened to undermine my confidence. Yet, amidst these initial anxieties, a flicker of determination ignited within me. I resolved to not let my fears impede my progress.

Drawing upon the unwavering support of the Toastmasters community, I embarked on a transformative journey of linguistic growth. Their guidance and encouragement proved invaluable, fostering a supportive environment where I could learn and grow without fear of judgment. As I delved into the world of public speaking, I discovered a hidden reservoir of resilience within myself. The initial tremors gradually subsided, replaced by a newfound poise and self-assurance.

Through the camaraderie and mentorship of Toastmasters, I not only honed my English language skills but also experienced a remarkable blossoming of my overall personal development. The confidence I gained extended beyond the realm of public speaking, permeating every aspect of my life. I learned to embrace challenges with newfound enthusiasm and navigate social situations with grace and ease.

For this remarkable transformation, I extend my deepest gratitude to Toastmasters and its esteemed members. Their unwavering support and encouragement have empowered me to conquer my fears, expand my horizons, and embrace the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

TM Kasun Hewage

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NEWBIES CORNER CHASE THE FEAR If you don't face your fear, how can you know how dangerous it is? As an overthinking person, I always worry about what others think of me. The fear of making a mistake and being laughed at has caused me to miss opportunities. One day, my mentor, TM Tharushi, encouraged me to confront my biggest fear – speaking in front of a large audience, not just in a regular speech but in a speech contest. Initially, I resisted, doubting my ability to win.

However, with my mentor's support, I participated in the contest after extensive practice. I thought everyone would laugh at me, but the audience's positive response made me stronger. I won third place in the humorous speech contest at the Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club, and the experience, along with valuable guidance from fellow Toastmasters, transformed my fear into inspiration. If you fear something, don't avoid it; face it. Just as you wouldn't know the depth of a well without jumping in, confronting your fears might reveal they're not as daunting as you imagined. So, face the fear and then chase it.

TM Inupama Kumarage

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A START NEVER ENDS Plato, an ancient Greek Philosopher once mentioned that “The beginning is the most important part of the work”. We, as members of Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club, had a very challenging beginning in June 2012 and now, we are delighted to enjoy its benefits with the efforts made by the past members as well as the current members. We have a proud history in the successful journey of Anuradhapura TMC so far and it is highly admirable the strength and the leadership of the enthusiastic members who always dedicate their energy to maintaining the position of the club continuously. I mostly like its dynamic movements towards success.

Indeed it’s a great pleasure for me to hold my membership with Anuradhapura TMC continuously even though I do not have much time to interact with the club activities due to practical reasons. As I have totally understood the core values of the Toastmasters establishment, I am continuing my Toastmasters activities as a dual member and am very happy to experience the joint educational meeting recently had with both the clubs where I am holding my memberships. I felt that I was again reborn in Anuradhapura TMC. My mind recalled most of the past memories and had a great happy feeling throughout the meeting. Also, it gave me a high value among the members of my other club; CECB Toastmasters. I am very much grateful to the EXCO and membership of Anuradhapura TMC for organizing such an enjoyable joint meeting with CECB TMC. My ambition and wish to have a continuous relationship with the members of Anuradhapura TMC as the Charter President and I always wish the club to reach the great heights of the Toastmasters fraternity while producing great leaders and human beings…!

TM Sujith Jayasuriya

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INTO THE PUBLIC SPEAKING I am Treshani Madhushika. I am working as a Draughtsman for Ceylon Electricity Board. I always hesitated to speak in public. But, I realised that I could not do this anymore. I really wanted to overcome the fear of speaking as soon as possible. Then I found the best platform to improve myself. I had the great opportunity to participate in the Public Speaking Program which was organised by the Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club and Rajarata University Toastmasters Club.

It is a day program and I learnt a lot of things such as, How to structure a speech How to do an impromptu speech How to deliver a speech using Vocal variation and hand gestures.

How to organise a speech and many more.

At the same time, the evaluation which is given by the Toastmasters helps to become an improvisation to a speech. The toastmasters who guided us were very kind and helpful. I met new friends and I collected a lot of experience throughout the program under quality guidance. I think this is one of the best programs to enhance our communication skill and presentation skills.

Miss Treshani Madhushika Draughtsman, Ceylon Electricity Board

Participating in the Toastmasters Public Speaking Program has been a transformative experience for me as an eighth-grade student. This program has not only equipped me with essential public speaking skills but has also instilled in me a newfound confidence and self-assurance. Each session was a journey of personal growth, where I learned to articulate my thoughts effectively, engage my audience, and conquer the fear of public speaking.

The supportive and encouraging environment created by the Toastmasters mentors and fellow participants made the learning process enjoyable. The constructive feedback I received allowed me to refine my speaking style and develop a strong, authentic voice. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore various speech formats, from impromptu talks to prepared speeches, honing my ability to communicate with clarity and conviction.

As I reflect on this experience, I am not only proud of the progress I've made but also excited about the lifelong skills I've gained. The Toastmasters Speech Craft Program has undoubtedly been a pivotal chapter in my academic journey, setting the stage for future successes and empowering me to confidently express myself in any setting.

Induwara Anuhas Jayawardana Grade 8 - St Joseph's College, Anuradhapura

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SENIOR Are you a “Senior Member” of a group? We frequently hear the phrase “senior citizen/senior staff member/senior toastmaster”.However, the age, length of service or wrinkles on the face alone, do not create a true “senior”.The same should be created through productive hard work, developing own skills over the period, fair exposure to the modern world & and most importantly showing the ability to create new leaders. The younger generation who aspire to

become

future

leaders

must

work

hard.

No

spoon-feeding

is

recommended. However, it is the duty of the true seniors to safeguard them, keep them happy and motivate them to reach the desired goal. Lack of knowledge & and experience plus the hypocrisy of a “senior '' creates a barrier between “the senior” & and the apprentice, deteriorating the strength to create a new leader . Therefore any organisation must monitor how their younger ones are guided by the so-called seniors.

Without a reasonable output or positive attitude towards the younger generation and the organisation, the title “senior” is equal to the title of a clown. Therefore it is everyone's duty, not to misuse the word “senior”.Instead, a long-standing member/or an experienced member could be used. Despite all these, hats off to all the beloved “true seniors' who keep on creating future leaders, with much love & and care.

Cheers!

Mr Mohan Samaratunge Former President of Anuradhapura Toastmasters

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ACHIEVEMENTS CLUB ACHIEVEMENTS - TOASTMASTERS YEAR 2023/2024 (1ST HALF)

100% PATHWAYS ENROLLMENT

THE HALL OF FAME

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MEMORIES

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MEMBERS ONBOARD

Follow Us

Club Meetings Every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays From 5.00 PM onwards.

At CSE Auditorium

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