Anuradhapura TMC_News Letter_2019 March

Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club DISTRICT-82 Club Newsletter

||

AREA H3 ISSUE 3

||

CLUB NO: 2549382

Year 2018/19

March 2019

BEYOND the Circle

"

They are not here for you, you are here for them

"

World's leading co-active coach & life speaker

Mohamed Ali Shukri

P.14

2

Contents 3

President Pens..

18

PATHWAYS Corner

4

Area Director Writes..

19

A Lighthouse for Lost Ships

5

Editor's Note

20

More Preparation more Confident

6

A friend in need is a friend indeed

21

Gearing up for Area Contest

8

Visit to Puranagama

22

Our New Member Relates..

10

Unmelted Iron

24

The greatest achievement

12

Extra Special

26

Life of a Toastmaster

14

Don't Forget

27

Upcoming Events

16

Now I can do better..

28

Achievements and Recognition

17

Decide ; Commit ; Succeed

Editorial Team

Cover Story Newsletter Editor TM Darshana Ekanayake Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club conducted their annual outdoor meeting and gathering on 30th December 2018 at Puranagama, Nochchiyagama. They didn't forget to feature for a group picture with the Toastmaster magazine too.

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

Creative Editors TM Tharushi Jayawickrama TM Mohamed Rifnaz

3

President Pens Effective or Efficient; The Dilemma Just think how you spent yesterday? Was the day effective or efficient? Are effective and efficiency the same or else what is the difference between effectiveness and efficient? These two buzzwords are popularly used by CEOs and executives. But most of the time both words are commonly misused or misinterpreted.

According to Dictionary.com, effective means producing the intended or expected result.

Meanwhile, efficient means performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort. So efficiency can be described as a simple tool which has no value until someone uses it. For example, you can be efficient though you are not effective. Let’s take the example of a knife. We can use it to cut an apple or to harm someone. Both the activities can be done efficiently, but which is effective? It is cutting an apple.

In Toastmasters also, you can be efficient without being effective. We can pay the dues on time.

We can attend the programs without fail. We can attend the educational meeting regularly though we don’t have any role to play. But being efficient is not sufficient enough. What we can learn for our development? How much we are keen to complete the educational goals in Toastmasters? We need to answer these questions in order to be effective in Toastmasters.

Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club could achieve the prestigious “President Distinguished” status for the third consecutive time in history. And this time the achievement came within 7 months. If we closely look at that, it is obvious the achievement is possible by being effective and efficient at the same time.

My dear friends we should try ourselves to be effective in what we are doing. If you can’t practice it in Toastmasters, nowhere in this world you can practice it. Because we all know Toastmasters is the place where leaders are made.

Let’s be effective and efficient leaders.

TM Mohamed Rifnaz ,ACB,ALB President Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club

Wish you all the very best!!

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

4

Area Director Writes Enjoy...

In life each and every moment we learn. From the beginning till the end of our life we learn things. Sometimes we learn from our parents. Sometimes from the teachers and friends. But actually are we enjoying by learning? Absolutely not. That's why we are lacking of skills. We just learn but do not practice at all. If you want to enjoy by learning let me reveal my secret.

Plan - Focus what you are learning today for better tomorrow. It's not for the certificate or Facebook post. But your own enjoyment. Simply where should I be heading to by focusing the end result. But most of us not planning for the success or enjoyment but the titles or certificates or qualifications. Ultimately you will acquire all those but not the enjoyment. Therefore plan your self well in advance if you want to enjoy finally.

Prepare - When you plan yourself it's always better to prepare. Preparation is always needed to overcome the obstacles and face the challenges. Challenge is always natural when you start things. Obstacles definitely make your path interesting. But only thing is the preparation to face it. Otherwise you will be panic and not be experiencing the enjoyment. Accept the challenge and challenge to the obstacles if you want to get the enjoyment.

Practice - When you plan and prepare you need to practice the values. Most of the people do not practice the values. And the saddest part is always people who preach about value do not practice. If you want to succeed in anything and get the enjoyment of the life and learning, practice the good values and stand for it.

Learning always comes with the experience. We call it maturity. Leaders always have to be matured. That's the biggest gift they can get by learning. If they are not matured enough they will not enjoy what they do and they will ruin others enjoyment as well.

Dear friends plan for the future. Prepare for the challenges and practice the values. Then you will really enjoy your self by learning.

TM Tharaka Amarasena ,ACB,ALB Area Director, Area H3, District 82 Toastmasters International

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

5

Editor's Note It is with great honor I pen down this editorial note of the club newsletter of the Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club.

My journey with Toastmasters club is a life-changing moment which sets apart my life into a whole new direction. In my short journey, the experiences and lessons learned are shaping my future. There are so much to be learned. In that long journey, another milestone is to be the editor of the Club newsletter.

The club magazine helps us to share our experiences among the toastmasters' word. Collection of articles from seasoned, veterans as well as from young new faces will focus on different aspects. The experiences and invaluable lessons from seasoned veteran Toastmasters will be a huge benefit for the young budding toastmasters to build their own path in the toastmasters journey. And young toastmasters' new and different ideas and thoughts will be a refreshing breeze. The articles will inspire the reader to understand the multi-dimensional aspects of the Toastmasters world. More you read more you become engaged with the Toastmasters. The given freedom to express their frank ideas will spur the creativity inside our Toastmasters. The ultimate result would be a beautifully written collection of brainstorming, inspiring, enjoyable and rejoicing articles that will make a significant impact on readers mind.

The duty which was assigned to me could not have become a reality without the support from our loving club members and another toastmaster who dedicated their valuable time to write down the articles. My sincere gratitude goes to all the people who supported me in this experience.

I would like to wish you all the very best and have a happy reading !!

TM Darshana Ekanayake Newsletter editor

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

A friend in need is a friend indeed

6

I didn’t realize the real meaning of the quote “friend in need is a friend indeed” until I come across the world of Toastmasters. When Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club was initiated 7 years back, there were plenty of good leaders who helped us to grow. They have been the wind beneath our wings throughout this extraordinary journey. Because of those kind hearts now we have become a good standing club. So now it’s our solemn duty to give back to society, what we got.

From the inception, we have been closely working with Kekirawa Toastmasters Club which is our neighbor club.

Our members try their level best to give the hand to Kekirawa to uplift the club in each and every possible way.

Apart from that, we had Jaffna Toastmasters Club as one of our neighbor clubs and we started to work closely with them. With the experience we got, we thought to spread our helping hand in the northern part of the country. When Kilinochchi Toastmasters Club was initiated by our district leaders, we had a great opportunity to join with the district to help Kilinochchi.

Kekirawa

Our members, TM Tharaka Amarasena & TM Jaliya Rathnayake joined with the district leaders for the first awareness program conducted in Kilinochchi. When the club started conducting the educational meetings, I could join with Kilinochchi team to support and mentor them. Later we, Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club became close friends of Kilinochchi and we continuously support them to grow.

Kilinochchi Kilinochchi o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

7 In the month of January, we could initiate an awareness session with the help of TM Kalaithevan in Vavuniya. With the curiosity they had, we could initiate the Vavuniya Toastmasters Club with the help and guidance of our district leaders. We got the opportunity to be with them from the inception to have the model meeting and to help them to have the meetings by themselves. Now Vavuniya also has become a familiar place for us and the network of friendship grows rapidly.

Vavuniya It’s really happy to see both the clubs got registered and they are about to be chartered. With these two clubs, we will have four clubs in northern Sri Lanka. Another special thing is, for both Kilinochchi and Vavuniya clubs, Vadamarachchi Toastmasters Club was with us, they are with us and they will be with us to help them grow. Again it’s friendship. What else we need to prove the quote which I said at the beginning.

Toastmasters is a place where friends help friends to grow.

We will always lend our helping hand to those who need it.

We are eager to share what we have learned throughout this journey with others. Toastmasters is a place where we feel happy when our friends achieve greater heights. As a club, we are proud and glad to be a good friend with all the neighbor clubs around us. And we wish to continue the journey with all. We would like to wish all the very best for Kekirawa, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Vadamarachchi and Jaffna Toastmasters Club to achieve the greatest possible heights in the future !

Vadamarachchi TM Mohamed Rifnaz ACB,ALB

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

Visit to Puranagama (The ancient village) It was our outdoor meeting of the year 2018. I was happy to coordinate this event which was held at Puranagama, ‘Ancient Village’ in Anuradhapura. “The Ancient Village” is a recreation of an ancient, traditional hamlet which belongs to the period from 1815-1850 AD. The experience I had by coordinating this was unforgettable. I’ve got to coordinate with each and every member and the visitors when arranging this in order to identify the required facilities including related items for the meeting, transport, food & etc.

As we’ve booked this place for the entire day, I came to the place in the early morning for the arrangements. We all enjoyed ‘Belimal’ as our welcome drink from the reception, we’ve got to use a bullock cart to carry those items to the open air theater where the meeting was taken place.

o

8

It was an enjoyable meeting for almost all the members as it was a new, calm and a quiet place. After the educational meeting, we (TM Rifnaz, TM Darshana and myself) planned to give a surprise to our members.

For that TM Darshana dressed like a Santa and distributed an unforgettable gift among all the participants. After the meeting, we had a delicious lunch and walked around the entire village with the assistance of the hotel staff. The village consisted of different locations belongs to an old village. Also, we were fortunate to take some unforgettable photos, as we’ve met ‘Gammuladani’ who was the leader of the village and his team.

After the village visit, we’ve had our tea and enjoyed some beautiful music with our members. It was another unforgettable Toastmasters event, which I’ve participated.

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

9

TM Thinusha Bamunuarachchi ,CC

o

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

Unmelted Iron

10

In remembrance of late DTM Padmini Samarasinghe One might see that iron put in a furnace go through great struggle in the melting process before they turn red and liquidized to be turned into another shape or mold. Most of us in this life of furnace get melted so many times forming different shapes to suit the needs and wants of the society.

But there was an exception. An iron that never was easy to be broken or melted.

Unfortunately, that power of a soul or that Iron lady is no more with us.

I first met her when I was an employee of HNB promoting a financial product of Browns Group. Had to meet her amidst so many complaints and warnings how tough a character she was as the director finance. But it was never the case with me. (maybe she would have felt the right contender has just arrived) During 2004 I had no idea of what Toastmasters is all about.

But my first acquaintance with her as a Toastmaster was when I became the club VPE and was forced to attend the OTP at CIMA auditorium.

Naturally, like many of us, I was forced to take up the VPE and had no clue what so ever what Toastmasters Leadership journey was all about or the duties of this role.

It was this Iron Lady DTM Padmini Samarasinghe who did the training for VPEs. It was way back in 2008/9 and to date, I can remember what she taught. She was pouring out with information and providing all of us with the necessary tools to make use of. Most importantly the tracker and the agenda she presented impressed me a lot.

No sooner the meeting was over we managed to talk to each other and exchange all docs via email. She was never hesitant to share any information but with a lot of passion and honesty.

Afterward, it was a roller coaster ride with our dear DTM Padmini (fondly known to all age groups of Toastmasters). She was ever beside me and my club.

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

At Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club Installation Ceremony (2018)

When the bank introduced the flagship HNB Best Speakers contest, it was Padmini who was giving us all the strength and courage to carry out the grooming sessions and became the chief judge for many years during the contest. She has never missed a contest since 2009 until 2018.

DTM Padmini was tough for the right thing, strong in her opinions, direct in all her statements and bold in all her action.

Maybe because of her sporting stamina, she never allowed anyone to overrule her without proper explanation. Given the right one, she was all obliging and down to earth. She was one lady who knew the strength within the members of this wonderful organization.

11 Some of us knew she was going through a tough time with her health for nearly 2 years, which she never considered being of much importance. She managed to stand tall until the last moment on her principles and "never give up attitude".

She ensured that proper, respect, attention and encouragement is provided to such identified individuals. I am honored to be a part of that group.

She believed in principles and ran the show by it. There were moments when she controlled the stage among many who were opposing her. "All for what", one might ask...... obviously for the betterment of the organization.

She was a mentor for many great speakers. Amount of time she has devoted to them is immeasurable. The learning gained from numerous training she conducted is countless.

To some of us, she was more than a toastmaster but a dear friend and a mother.

I can remember in November 2018 she took up a role as the CJ at a Division conference at Central Bank Auditorium gracefully.

The entire Toastmasters fraternity misses her so much and with the time her loss will be felt at great lengths.

DTM Padmini Samarasinghe, it was an honor and privilege to have known you and to provide a write up for one club you adored called Anuradhapura Toastmasters is a bigger blessing.

We will miss you more than you miss us.

May you attain the supreme bliss of nirvana !

She even took part in many events during or closer to the same period without any hesitation. I, in fact, saw once she took part at an Installation ceremony in Anuradhapura as well.

Its no doubt that we will miss this iron soul forever and that there would be no one to match her character and strength.

As much as we bend under the heat to shape or mold ourselves for the others, its tough luck to meet one such "not at all" easy to melt individuals in our life.

Piyakara Darshin Jayaratne, DTM

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

12

Extra Special Every toastmaster meeting is special. But it becomes more special when you have to deliver a speech. You have to put an extra effort into researching the topic organizing, writing it down and practice it. In the month of January 2019, on my Toastmasters journey, I had completed up to CC7 and the next destination was CC8 project. For that I prepared myself.

A special theme meeting was arranged on 1st of February 2019. It was a themed meeting to celebrate our 71st Independence day, the theme of the meeting was "Let's Salute Her". I got excited about the meeting and all of a sudden I got frightened when I saw that the District Director of District 82 DTM Suganthi Periyasami and Club Growth Director DTM Noorul Munawwara will be visiting our club in that special theme meeting. Oh my god, I have to deliver the speech in front of them. My heart was beating faster and reminding me how will I perform in front of them? The special meeting was about to become extra special with their presence.

The day got closer and closer and I practiced my speech as I have delivered in front of the special guests. And suddenly I got shocked when I saw the evaluator of my speech. I could not believe my eyes. How could it be possible? My speech was scheduled to be evaluated by none other than DTM Suganthi Periysamy, the District Director of district 82. I was so puzzled and scared. I was wondering whether I will be able to handle it? the special meeting was about to get excited.

o

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

13 The judgment day, as I thought it was going to be, dawned. TM Mahesha Manjarika was the Toastmaster of the Day and she started the theme meeting about the independence of Sri Lanka. She nicely explained the history of Sri Lanka and what we have achieved as a nation so far. My heart was raising faster And my time for the speech delivery came and I delivered the speech. DTM Suganthi Periyasamy evaluated it which was really inspiring. At the end, Who would have thought, I was lucky enough to be the bestprepared speaker of the meeting. Then came the realization that what I went through was a very rare golden opportunity. To deliver a speech in front of district director and club growth director and speech being evaluated by the district director herself, be the bestprepared speaker of the meeting and finally receiving the best speaker ribbon from DTM Suganthi. it was a historical moment for me.

Had I not taken the challenge, none of the above could have been achieved.

And at that historical meeting, it became more colorful with the Wonderful education session conducted by our district director DTM Suganthi Periasami. TM Kithsiri Rathnayake became the Best Table Topic, Speaker. And also our members were recognized by the district for the service given by them to Toastmasters. 6 of our club members were awarded the "Enthusiasm Award" ribbon and 2 of our members were recognized with "Toastmasters" pin. It was a historic day in our club and an extra special meeting.

TM Darshana Ekanayake

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

14

Don't Forget I am frequently requested to speak or write about the road to the World Championship of Public Speaking. Wait!

The ‘road’ and ‘World Championship’; what are these two?

Journey and destination; travel and arrival ;struggle and reward. However, as you see them, one is the ‘process’ and the other is the ‘outcome’. The former is certain, but the latter is not. So, if we didn’t win the outcome we wanted, we shouldn’t give up, or forget, the gain we were already given in the process.

Mr. Mohamed Ali Shukri became one of top ten speakers in the world in 2006.

Here are few reminders, to myself and to you, as we go through the hectic contest season: 1. Don’t forget what it’s all about What is public speaking about anyway? It’s about speaking for the public. It’s about serving the audience not yourself. I was blessed with a coaching team that kept reminding me, at every step, that regardless of your aim of this tournament, your ultimate mission is to serve the audience and give them the value of the time, attention and money they paid to listen to you.

Even in the context of Toastmasters contests, where the audiences are more flexible and forgiving with the contestants and their intentions, the goal remains unchanged: reach out to people’s hearts, touch their lives and give them what they need to do better and become better.

So, DON’T FORGET: “They are not here for you, you are here for them” (Mohamed Shukri) 2. Don’t forget the difference You can make When I won the District 79 contest in Dubai 2006, a new chapter and challenge began in my journey. I now have to prepare two more powerful speeches for Washington DC in August.

Sensing the gravity of the mission, I started watching and studying previous championship CDs. Why? Because I wanted to measure up and be ready for the challenge. I wanted to be on par with the level of speaking and speakers. I didn’t want to be the odd one out!

But I overdid it, and my coaches noticed it. So they confiscated all the CDs. Their response to my protest was: you don’t need to be like them or one of them; you have to be your own product, speak your own message and deliver your own style. They kept telling me – with their actions and words – “our mission is not to manufacture a champion, but to let you discover the champion that you are”. Isn’t that why we call a coach?

So, DON’T FORGET: “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken” (Oscar Wilde) o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

15 3. Don’t forget those who helped you When Chris Ford (former Toastmasters International president and the contest chair of 2006 finals) asked me during the contestants’ interview: who do you want to thank? I paused a little; there were just too many of them. So I started with my wife, the champion of my championship speech “Talk To Me”; she took the largest portion of the pressure so that I reach to where I was.And there are my family, friends, coaches, and - of course – my fellow District 79 Toastmasters (back then D79 included all GCC countries plus Jordan). I can’t, and won’t forget, how Toastmasters clubs and members rallied to support and extended vital support all the way.

In this season, new champions will be crowned, new leaders will be elected and new achievements will be honored. These are just ‘destinations’ and ‘outcomes’. No matter where you reached, what you have achieved and who you become, you haven’t made it alone. Especially as a toastmaster, there are myriads of hands, heads, and hearts that helped you grow, overcome your weaknesses and take you to where are now.

There were coaches who mentored and trained you: DON’T FORGET the time and efforts they sincerely spent with and for you.

There were leaders who helped you become who you are: DON’T FORGET what they gave you.

There was a long road that led to where you are: DON’T FORGET the journey of learning.

So, DON’T FORGET: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader” (John Quincy Adams)

Mohamed Ali Shukri is an International award-winning speaker, a professional trainer and coach. Mohamed has worked for Aluminium Bahrain Co for 17 years: 10 years in Power Generation and 7 years in Health and Safety management. He has been professionally training for the past 10 years and is currently a trainer specialized in Occupational Health and Safety, Public Speaking and presentation skills, in addition to soft skills training including Leadership, Motivation, Team Building and Customer Services. He is the founder & CEO of Y Acess Training Solutions, Bahrain.

To know more about him: /WeRBahrain /mohamed-ali-shukri

o

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

“Now I can do better…”

16

The Educational Experience at Toastmasters I am a Senior Lecturer of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka by Profession. My main responsibilities are teaching and research in Agriculture. In my teaching sessions, I have to use public speaking and presentations skills very much. Meantime I am bearing few other administrative positions in the university where I have to address gatherings at different scales on various occasions. As I have heard from my peers and students, the style that I am teaching the students in the classes is attractive. However, though I am able to express ideas and deliver addresses in public, I was not happy. With listening to various public speakers at national and international level, I always underestimated my ability to just deliver content in an address. At the same time, I had to face difficulties when handling a discussion with unexpected topics and questions. Under these circumstances, I was searching for opportunities to improve myself.

I heard about Toastmasters and had a chance to join the Anuradhapura Toastmasters

Club in 2017. I first started to do impromptu speeches. With time I trained myself to deliver content but in an organized manner for sudden topics.

After a few months of time, I started my CC projects. After delivering my first speech , the icebreaker, I got a marvelous speech evaluation including praises together with constructive comments.

also helped me a lot in improving my leadership skills. Toastmasters teaches us to be good leaders both in the workplace and in society. I am planning to start Pathways soon which will help me to gain/broaden over 300 skills of mine.

Toastmasters is a wonderful platform to develop everybody in public speaking and leadership. It gives a very unique and different learning experience to everyone which ultimately helps to discover your true potential.

I started to realize that uttering content in front of a gathering is not public speaking. It is an art. I continued with the rest of my CC projects thereafter. All these projects were different from each other and added a different combination of skills to my public speaking experience. Different evaluators gave different views and suggestions for improving my speaking ability.

I practiced this art in an interesting way in a very welcoming environment. I completed the Competent Communicator manual in 2019. Now I am more confident in delivering speeches in front of a gathering and even teaching to my students in the classes.

At the same time, I am about TM Sanjeewanie Ginigaddara, CC to complete my CL which o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

17

Decide ; Commit ; Succeed

Decisions determine destiny. Still, I can remember the day I decided to join a fantastic speaking club called Toastmasters. It was one of the obstinate decisions that I have made in my life. On the very first day, I entered the meeting premises with thousands of questions in my mind. I questioned myself, “Did I make a correct decision?”. But at the end of the meeting, I got the answer “Yes. I made a correct decision” and then I decided to get the membership and be a regular member of the club.

10

Though I have a very busy schedule I didn’t forget to allocate time for the meetings. I always believe that without commitment nothing happens. I started my journey in Toastmasters with a strong determination to be a successful public speaker. Still, I can remember the day I broke the ice. Thousands of butterflies were flying here and there in my stomach. Anyhow, I did it well. The comments I received were interesting and I paid my special attention to the weaknesses showed by the evaluator.

After breaking the ice I learned how to organize a speech and How to have a strong opening and conclusion to the speech. Fantastic! I really felt that I was improving little by little. I have never thought that my body could speak unless Toastmasters demonstrate it to me. Secrets of vocal variety brought energy to my speeches. I found me as a storyteller because of Toastmasters.

Though it was a difficult path to complete 10 projects , for me it was not so difficult because of the guidance I received from my dear Toastmasters and my mentor. They were always there to help me when I asked for. Being a Competent Communicator is a monumental experience which I gained only because of Toastmasters.

I must say commitment is essential for success. There is always a way if you are committed. Commitment is an act, not a word. If you can’t commit, your dreams remain as dreams forever. My dear friends, when you feel like quitting think about why you started. To make your dream a reality, don’t wait for an opportunity, you can create it. Believe me. The opportunity has already been created for you by Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club.

TM Mahesha Hettiarachchi ,CC

o

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

18

PATHWAYS Corner In 2010 Toastmasters Pathways education program was officially launched without deteriorating to the quality of current educational Program.

Since then many more chapters were added to the Pathways legend. The Pathways learning experience is an exciting, flexible and interactive way to develop personal skills of the members.

Therefore in the new education program, those two paths are combined.

Pathways can be considered as an innovative strategy which developed to improve the present educational program into next higher levels without altering the vision of Toastmasters founder, Ralph C. Smedley.

Mainly Pathways learning experience was specifically designed to support individuals to meet personal and professional goals through greater access to educational materials, expanded tools and resources in order to facilitate more opportunities to learn and grow. Though it emerges as a result of long term research in adult learning aspects it does not still deviate from the conventional learning program as it always ensures the existing Toastmasters' guidelines, principles, and educational concepts.

The Pathways education program consists of many unique projects and paths designed around specialized goals. Though the topics and challenges are different, the goal is the same. Public speaking is an essential component of every project and members can choose their own path by themselves according to the future personal and professional goals. That makes the pathway journey very unique and more appropriate for the members.

As Ralph Smedley realized, communication and leadership are inseparably linked.

Many projects provide an opportunity for members to develop their skills in many

many different areas— communication, leadership, management, strategic planning, service to others, public speaking and more.

Pathways education program introduces ten (10) different learning paths; Dynamic leadership, Innovative Planning, Effective coaching, Leadership development, Motivational Strategies, Persuasive Influence, Strategic Relationships, Presentation Mastery, Team Collaboration, Visionary Communication. Each path is further divided into five levels that build in complexity. The levels help you build on and apply what have learned.

TM Anasuya Nishamani

o

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

A Lighthouse for Lost Ships

19

After the twentieth century and the beginning of the millennium generations, people have much more complex dreams and targets. People have unlimited wants with huge expectations inside their life. most of them have structured dreams away from their passion.

A luxury car, a big house with a beautiful family life covered many of people’s dreams.

Everyone needs more money to fulfill their needs in the way they desire. But halfway through their life journey most of them want to acquire freedom rather than money or something. Unfortunately, at this point, man is already caught in the life trap. As a result of that average 2.5 - 6.5 % in population experience anxiety disorder. Globally an estimated 275 million people are already suffering from anxiety, Rather than in developed countries, people in developing countries face this problem year by year. What can we do for that?

Toastmaster is the greatest platform to discover your own passion in your life. I personally recommend the younger generation to join with Toastmaster and will feel the passionate rhythm in your life before getting stuck. In my point of view, Toastmasters is a collection of knowledge, experiences, different cultures and attitudes. Every toastmaster can gain that knowledge and create their own evaluation for their lifestyles. World-renowned boxer Mike Tyson said, “Everyone has a plan till they get punched in the mouth”.That means every youth plan their life .they have a number of plans, but they continue planning until the time goes up.

Toastmasters is the only platform I saw which people can do a mistake. Because every toastmaster is ready to help error corrections and discover your hidden passion. Toastmasters is not only about public speaking. It has number of challenges to shape your life. Event organizing will give you proper management skills. Different people with different perception will teach you how to deal with people.

Sometimes you may lose in the Toastmasters stage. But day after day people helps you to stand on your own platform in reality.

If you are still unable to select your dreams matching your rhythm of life, Join your nearest Toastmasters club. It helps to plan your life without future disappointments.

Your life is like a ship sails in a dark ocean. Toastmasters is your lighthouse which will show the proper direction to your destination !

TM Nipuna Dissanayake

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

MORE

20

Preparation Confident

Whatever we do in our life we try to prepare in advance so that we are able to cope with the situation and be successful.

Being Toastmasters we are well aware that how important the preparation is when we do our speeches. Preparation is the secret behind the success of every successful speaker.

Preparing for a speech can vary from person to person according to their experience, occasion, audience or topic but everybody has to at least line up what he or she is going to speak to his or her audience.

What situations should we prepare for? Any situation, even for a dinner out we can prepare our language to suit the situation. We can find out how to order something, how to inquire about food, how to express your like and dislike etc with correct vocabulary, pronunciation, accent and the fluency. To face such a situation we can imagine the location and the dialogue that we could have with the people we are going to involve with.

Preparing for specific situations brings us more advantages, for instance, to face an interview, to welcome a guest, to introduce someone to someone or make a complaint etc. if we prepare for such occasions we can avoid mistakes, difficulties and even some ethics can be identified.

Unless we have prior experience for speaking in a particular situation we would be nervous, confused and stuck. In such occasions, we may try to pretend that we are used to the place or situation but the onlookers or the audience would notice that we are not so.

How can we prepare for a situation? Preparing for a speech depends on the person and the occasion. One can just make a script and read it out but another may go in front of the mirror and practice all sort of postures, and gestures. In addition, someone may record his voice, listen to it and overcome his mistakes. To avoid nervousness and unnecessary stuck during a speech it would be better to prepare in advance so that we will feel more confident and will be able to deliver our speech smoothly from the beginning to the end.

The more you prepare the more you are confident !

TM Gamini Wijerathne

o

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

Gearing up for Area Contest

21

The International Speech & TableTopics club contest of the Anuradhapura toastmasters club for the Toastmaster year 2018/19 was held on 13th Wednesday, March 2019 at CSE auditorium Anuradhapura. After a heated and intense contest, winners emerged. They are to represent the club in the upcoming area H3 contest which will be held on 6th April 219 at Kilinochchi.

International Speech Contest

Table Topics Contest

Winner - TM Jaliya Rathnayake 1st Runner up - TM Pubudu Kaushalya 2nd Runner up - TM Mahesha Manjarika

Winner - TM TM Mohamed Rifnaz 1st Runner up - TM Darshana Ekanayake 2nd Runner up - TM Banula Mahen

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

22

Our New Member Relates..

I am working as a public service engineer in one of the reputed Government organization in Sri Lanka. I have to speak for the public through my professional career. Although I believe that I have a talent of speaking well, I have missed the chances of public speaking in my school time and university life. I feel a little bit of shyness when I got a chance of speaking to the public. In my career life, there is no place to develop this public speaking talent and it is a must to be a great public service officer.

Luckily, I found Anuradhapura Toastmaster Club and one of my senior engineers asked me to visit and join this club. On the first day, I visited this club every member of this club spoke nicely with me. I was asked to introduce myself and since most of the Toastmasters are actually good listeners they pay attention to what I said and the members join their hands once I completed my introduction. Then I got a chance to speak at the table topic session. I still remember that small speech and although I know a lot of words on that topic, I was unable to talk on it fluently. But the members encouraged me and highlighted the things that I need to improve speaking skills.

Toastmasters club meeting offers a supportive group environment where people with diverse skills and backgrounds come together to practice their skills and exchange valuable feedback. In addition to delivering speeches, members are asked to evaluate other member’s speeches while also developing their own listening and interpersonal skills. After participating in the 5th meeting as a guest, I decided to join this club as it is a worthy course.

People often think that their careers or personal life will not get any significant upheaval by getting better at public speaking. I have no plans to get on the stage, they say to themselves. But they are mistaken. The overall effect of getting better at public speaking is intangible, but surely it helps anyone to improve his/her confidence and communication skills. So I believe that getting the membership and active participation with my Pathways is one of the best choices of my life in order to improve my professional and leadership skills.

TM Manoja Rajakaruna

o

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

Our New Member Relates..

23

After my AL exam, I stayed at home with nothing to do. I felt so bored.

Therefore I started surfing through the internet finding a thing to do until my university entrance. When I was searching, I saw a strange name. It is the name of a club. But I’ve never heard about it before. Can you guess what it is? Yes, it’s Toastmasters International Club. So I started finding about it.

I found many videos of speeches which were done by Toastmasters. I was inspired by them. So I told about it to my friends. Then we went to the Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club meeting.

On the very first day, they welcomed us in a great way as they’ve known us for a long time. I was so impressed with the club and the people who were there. There was a session called round-robin session. I just had to speak only 20 seconds in that session. But I felt that 20 seconds as a long time. However, I hardly managed to spend it. Then they gave me a round of applause as I was the best speaker. After that, there were four prepared speeches. I was so inspired by those speeches. I wanted to come every day for the club meetings because I wanted to do speeches like them. After the meeting, many members came to me and invited me to come regularly for the meetings. Then I went home with a happy feeling. The next meeting day came. I decided to go for the second meeting day. On that day I made an impromptu speech in Table Topic session. They appreciated me and gave me feedback. I felt like I did a huge job. So I continued attending the club regularly.

Day by day my public speaking skills have developed. Both my listening and speaking skills have developed. Not only that but also I’ve met a good and friendly community there. They gave me guidance whenever I wanted. They put me to role plays. I leaned to handle responsibilities through it. My every soft skill have developed through the Toastmasters club.

I have known many things about public speaking through the educational sessions which were done by senior Toastmasters. I came to this club to improve my English language. But I got many things more than I expected. I am no longer struggling to do a speech whenever I have a chance. But now I am worrying because I couldn’t join the club earlier. Getting the decision to join the Toastmasters club is the best decision which I’ve got in my life. If someone wants to develop public speaking skills, leadership skills and to find a friendly community from a single place, there is no place in the world except Toastmasters.

TM Banula Mahen Kumarage

o

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

24

The Greatest Achievement An achievement is the receiving of something as we desired. It is the product of steadily raising one’s level of aspiration & expectation.

When I was schooling I was lucky to engage lots of extracurricular activities. Once I was selected as the best student of English essay competition at district level. I feel it was a great achievement.

Before awarding the trophy the announcer interviewed me in English. At that time I felt difficulty to answer properly.

I got through both ordinary level & advanced level examinations and lucky to enter Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna. I feel it was a great achievement. Immediately after graduation, I got through the examination for recruitment officers for agricultural service. There was an interview to select officers. I faced it very successfully, because it was in Sinhala medium. I became an agricultural executive. It was a great achievement.

While I was working at provincial agricultural department, I had a chance to hear about Toastmasters. Toastmasters? What is it? I have heard about bread toasts so far. I was thinking thoroughly. At night also I was memorizing. I decided to search internet. I discovered the website of Toastmasters International. I learned a lot about Toastmasters. Then I decided to join this club. One fine Wednesday evening I went to ESOFT premises. When I reached there, few toastmasters were having refreshments outside of the venue. All of them welcomed me very friendly & invited me to have refreshments though nobody had known before. I felt so comfortable with them.

At that day the meeting was started at sharp 6 pm. The president presented opening remarks. He facilitated me to introduce myself. I introduced myself very briefly with some mild mistakes. They encouraged me by applauding. They invited to me to have regular participation. I understood this is the magical place to learn. No any instructors or lecturers. No one’s work is graded & no test is administrated. All are helping, supporting each other. There was a very attractive & learning environment.

Recognized with Triple Crown Badge o

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

25 The same day again I received a chance to speak. The person who conducted that introduced it as round robin session. All of us had to speak including me. I was so alert to catch the last word uttered by the previous speaker. Fortunately the ward was country. I was able to continue starting the ward country without any difficulty. I felt this is the real place to practice public speaking. Next session was prepared speech session. During that session I was excited and got inspired. I understood the power of speeches. There were four speakers. They delivered their speeches very fluently. Those simple & powerful exercises made a forum for public speaking. I wonder about their expressions, communication ability & confidence. Next session was impromptu speaking. It was a session to speak without preparing. Though it was an unprepared session, speakers delivered as prepared speeches. Then there was a session named feedback session. It was consisted both positive comments and suggestions for improvements. The meeting adjourned at about 7.45 pm.

At that whole night I was dreaming of that meeting.

After 2 weeks I got a membership & started to do manuals. The first manual named as cc manual is consisted 10 different speech projects, each designed to develop the speaking ability one step at a time. I began with ice breaker speech, which was about me. In subsequent speeches I learned the importance of organization, speech purpose, proper word usage, body language, vocal variety etc.

I also learned how to do research, use visual aids, speak persuasively and inspire others.

Immediately after completing cc manual I received an international certificate from Toastmasters International which signed by Mr Mike Stroky , the international president & Mr. Daniel Rex, chief executive officer. It indicated that competent communicator recognition is given to me for exceptional achievements in Toastmasters communication program. Then I was able to complete CL, ACB and ALB. I achieved Triple Crown award as the second member of Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club who has been awarded this prestigious award. I felt very happy. Not only happy I felt very proud. This exceptional recognition was a great achievement.

Every journey has a destination. My journey of Toastmasters was started with delivering speeches, acquiring leadership skills to be a professional speaker. By joining this club I got a chance not only to be a communicator and leader, but also to associate bunch of executives with positive attitudes, arguing with interesting things. Now I feel, if anybody interviews me, I will be able to response effectively.

Therefore, I feel became a Toastmaster is the greatest achievement in my life which obtained so far.

What do you feel?

TM Lalitha Thenuwara ,ACB, ALB

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

Life of a Toastmaster Life is not a bed of roses. It may not easy first, but if you consider it as a challenge it will be more interesting. We all are in different time zones. We should find ourselves first rather than stick into someone's opinions like ‘you should be like him/her’.

When I was a kid, I always wanted to be a scientist. But, what kind of Scientist was the problem? Finally, I managed to end up as a food scientist.

How I joined Toastmasters was an accident. I believe it was in my destiny.

Why do I say Toastmasters is important?

Being a toastmaster is a challenge too. Each member finds a different task in every meeting. Though it may be small or big, all of us try to accomplish it with our best.

When completing our projects, again we witness the proofs of it. Each project that we have to complete, becomes much more interesting than the previous one. o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

26 Believe me, this club helped me to become the best presenter in an International conference which was held in Malaysia last year.

I think you know how much it is important for us to develop our speaking skills.

Most people have to speak in bilingual nowadays during their studies or employment.

This is the best place where we can polish our skills.

Especially our impromptu speaking skills. This is a learning club for me each time. I get lots of positive feedbacks. I have found a bunch of friends who help me to get the best out of me each time.

Now it became a passion for me.Toastmaster has been a learning club for me for the past 9 months. I now feel like an effective team member who can engage with others enthusiastically, but I must say, it didn’t happen in an overnight.

If you join with us. you also can change your life as I did.

TM Rashmi De Silva ,DL1

Upcoming Events

International & Table Topic Area Contest Area H3

For the first time at

Kilinochchi

Reserve Your Date

6th April 2019

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

27

28

Achievements & Recognition Club achievements during TM year 2018/19

PRESIDENT'S DISTINGUISHED CLUB We could achieve President's Distinguished status this time also. Third time in a row the club has achieved this prestigious achievement during this six and half years journey.We should thank each and every individual for their honest dedication towards achieving our goals. By any mean you have contributed which took us as one of the high performing clubs in Division H & District 82.

RIBBONS RECEIVED FROM TI

Added 5 new members during AugustSeptember 2018.

Added 5 new members during February- March 2019. (Ribbon yet to be received from TI.)

AWARDS BY DISTRICT 82 Excellence in Training - First Term

- All 7 club officers were trained in the first OTP

Excellence in Training - Second Term

- All 7 club officers were trained in the secnd OTP

Early Bird Award

- 20 members renewed before 15th in both cycles

8-80 Award

- Added 8 new members & retained 80% membership in in the seciond renewal cycle (Not awarded yet) o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

29

Achievements & Recognition Member achievements during TM year 2018/19 PATHWAYS LEVEL 1

TM Tharushi Jayawickrama (TC1)

TM Rashmi De Silva (DL1)

COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR

TM Thinusha Bamunuarachchi

TM Sanjeewanie Ginigaddara

ADVANCED COMMUNICATOR

TM Mohamed Rifnaz (ACB)

TM Mohan Samaratunge (ACS)

o

TM Mahesha Hettiarachchi

LEADERSHIP AWARDS

TM Mohamed Rifnaz (CL & ALB)

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

TM Tharushi Jayawickrama (CL)

30

Flash Back

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

The biggest Conference of District 82 Ovation 2019

Grab your ticket today !!

o

361 - BEYOND THE CIRCLE

31

OUR PILLARS of

Success

You are not late to be here If you are around Anuradhapura…….

Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development which consists of 16,400 clubs around 141 countries. Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club would like to give you an open invitation to those who are around Anuradhapura, please visit us for a club meeting to get an idea about the club proceedings. We assure that, if anyone comes to the club meeting, he/she will get the maximum output to uplift his/her leadership and communication skills.

“Today a visitor to the club, tomorrow a member”

Find us on /AnuradhapuraTMC

Club Meetings Every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays From 5.15 PM onwards CSE Auditorium, 257/11, Main Street, Anuradhapura (Second Floor, Sarath Motors Building)