ATMC Newsletter - Nov 2022

About Us

● Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club.

● Club is in Area 1 in Division H of District 82 of Toastmaster International.

● Charted in 2012.

● Member base is 20.

● Have produced a district champion and three division level champions.

It is a joy for me to contribute a few words to the Newsletter of Anuradhapura Toastmasters, a group with a rich history. Because of our heritage, we are often A decade ago, the Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club became the first club to be chartered in the island's North Central province. As a result of this foundation, a few other clubs in the province's North Central have since joined Toastmasters. The Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club made an impact on District 82 by generating a lot of outstanding speakers and leaders. The club also produced 4 Area Directors, 2 Division Directors, and Club only grows stronger and more focused because of the efforts put forth to forge closer ties with schoolchildren and college students. The club has and had taken many measures to contribute to spreading the brand of Toastmasters across different audiences, thus showing their passion towards supporting the growth of the community. Every member of Toastmasters has a different definition of what the organization means The club has done its best over the past two years while overcoming obstacles and the turbulent macro environment to support the growth of its members and fraternity. I would take this opportunity to wish TM Gamini and his staff nothing but the best for a

What is it in your life that makes it impossible for you to push beyond the limits and achieve your goals? What is the driving force behind you that causes doors to open that you couldn't possibly have dreamed about before? What is it about you that makes you such an extraordinary person who defies the norms and standards of everyday society? Isn't it something that you're passionate about or the motivating

When we started the toastmasters year 2022 it was full of bad news all around. The economic crisis, postpandemic circumstances, and many foreign conflicts have combined to make the current situation in Sri Lanka even more terrible. Even for toastmasters, it was a tough beginning making the year more challenging in terms of retention of membership and growth. On the other hand, after going through many ups and downs over the last four months, here we are standing tall with a solid member base and

What, exactly, is the secret behind our unbreakable resiliency, which enables us to break past any barrier? It's only the unwavering desire we have to improve as individuals that will take us to the next level. Do you believe that in a circumstance such as this, desire alone would be enough to carry you to

In light of the current circumstances, I do not expect that the situation will become any less difficult in the months to come. So the question is, how can we face it and make the most of the benefits that toastmasters may bring to our lives? For me, everything boils down to getting going back to basics and building your foundation on the fundamentals. It is time to go back to our clubs, where we should attend meetings consistently, we should take any role we are given seriously, and should offer our utmost effort throughout the meeting. And rigorously take every opportunity to talk and deliver speeches more often to sharpen your axe daily. When our accessible resources become fewer in number, we have a greater

When we consider the past five months, we have a lot of reasons to be proud of ourselves and reflect on our accomplishments. Even under these difficult conditions, we are still able to conduct contests successfully at and above the club-level humorous and evaluation speech contests. Moreover, we consistently hold meetings while having a great deal of fun. It is time for us to get back to the fundamentals and build upon the bedrock that we have already established. I have always held the belief that it is challenging water that produces the best sailors. As club leaders, you have to ensure that meetings are filled with variety and create a fun learning environment that even a new member would

At this pivotal juncture, as the Area Director of Area H1, I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to you for taking the effort to publish the club newsletter. It will extend a great opportunity for all the

. Let's embrace the impact and face

TM Shabry Samoon

Every one of us lives in a cocoon of beliefs and judgments about the other people around us; this personal vision always leads us to misjudge others we mingle with. Before judging others, the first thing we have to do is understanding ourselves and show the passion and empathy towards ourselves, so that it will be very easy for us to cultivate them in others. We can listen to others before judging them and

The other thing we miss is, not understanding that each and every one has their own previous experience and way of thinking. Therefore some one’s idea may probably not own personal one. So in order to minimize misunderstanding, it is better trying to look at things from their perspective. If we cannot understand a person, the best thing we could do is find a one thing common in them and us, it can be a taste, a need, passion or motive, one day we would see similarity in the ideas as well.

As toastmasters we should understand the essence of leadership is listening to others and understanding them by looking at things in their perspective. So if we expect to grow together, it’s time of bigotry and be opened to see the excitements of others

What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘Toastmasters’?

Masters of toasting bread? Then it's likely you are not a member yet. But if you are a member, it might remind you of communication, leadership and relationships.

And that's what this Newsletter is about. The stories of good communicators, leaders and relationship builders. Why they love being part of a second family? How a group of different minded people banded together to get the maximum out of life? and what they can teach you from what they have learned. In short, this newsletter is about ‘Toastmasters’.

TM Thimira Rathnayake Newsletter Co-Editor

Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club

“UNFOLD”

On November 6th, six ATMC members left Anuradhapura around 5.30 a.m. and traveled to Peradeniya via Kurunegala. We talked our Toastmasters club, its history, current issues, and future plans. If all members of executive committee were present, they could have a very productive exco meeting. After a two-and-a-halfhour drive, we arrived in Gannoruwa, had breakfast at Helabojun, and arrived at the Faculty of Engineering well ahead of schedule. That was the date of the "UNFOLD" division conference of three divisions, F,K, and H.

With examples, he nicely explained the importance of having a mission and vision in life.

Before the conference, we had time to walk around the faculty and talk with members of other clubs. The division conference kicked off with a flag march. The Division council members marched into the E.O.E Pereira theatre, led by DTM Shanthie Silva, one of the most senior toastmasters. The event started earlier than planned. CTM Niranjan de Siva was the event's keynote speaker, and when his name was called, he exited the auditorium. He arrived after a few minutes, and the way he handled the situation was fantastic.

The next session was the division contest. After three years, I was able to physically witness a division contest. There were separate contests for humorous and evaluation speeches in each division. The entire day was filled with educational sessions, entertainment, networking, and delectable food.

If we want to get the most out of Toastmasters, we must venture beyond the boundaries of the club. Without taking part in any conference activities, you can learn a lot by listening, watching, and meeting with experienced Toastmasters. Don't give up the next chance.

awareness, breaking from regular routines can be powerful way to stimulate new thinking, avoid bad habits, adapt better to change and be more collaborative in a team environment. Special theme meetings are a great way for boost members’ enthusiasm and recharge the meeting experience.

Members were welcomed with small snack and a cup of tea. Then the club president addressed all and as the TMOD he presented there in his Vampire attire. We met Mr. Mohan & Mrs. Mohini with their infant, as Round Robin Masters. They were looking for members to fetch to the hell. We had one soul to do prepared speech in the meeting and her delivery pattern also seemed matching the haunting vibes. Then we met Casper, a friendly ghost to present a special education session “Stand Out”. Then the Table Topic Master came flying in on her magic broom for hunting 4 humans as impromptu speakers. She was looking fresh members and guests as the victims. Best table topic speaker was rewarded by ghost decors. After long time members got novel experience, fun and relaxation. Each and every one’s laughing faces proved the satisfaction they received in that Halloween Evening. The meeting ended up with bunch of appreciations.

On 3rd of November 2022, we turned to page 252 of the book of Anuradhapura Toastmasters meeting. The page unleashed the Halloween Genie. The gloomy weather in that evening grew the intense of uncanny atmosphere. It was happy to see many of our members and guests wearing fancy outfits and joining us for a scary fun evening, it was awesome. The dim meeting room was decorated by flying bats and creeping spiders. In one corner there was a lightened pumpkin staring at us, while the head table was owned by another white ghost. The full moon reminded us the dreadfulness of that night. A subtle screaming music was haunting the surround before the beginning of the event.

Doing theme meetings mean keep members more engaged during the meeting time and it helps them to increase their effective skills. Further, people can share the creativity which ultimately driven to successful club meeting. Theme meetings are the best way to stay members on the summit of passion.

TM Wasana Eashwara

Chat with a Champion

Each and every applause along with the helpful evaluations received after the speech increased my confidence level. Toastmasters gave me something more than I expected.

You have taken up different leadership roles in the club as well as beyond the club. How did those leadership roles help you in your personal growth and professional development?

TM Thinusha is a transformative mindfulness coach and an International speaker, has delivered many international keynote speeches. He was awarded as the Outstanding Toastmaster of the year - district 82 for the year 2019/2020 which is the highest honor offered by the district to a Toastmaster. He is a member of both AATSL Emerging Toastmasters club and One Country One World Advanced Toastmasters Club.

TM Thinusha, how did you get into Toastmasters? Please share with us, what made you become a Toastmaster.

One day when I was browsing the internet I just saw a Facebook post by one of my friends Thresha, saying that “we rise by helping others” which caught my attention. So I felt like it was a place for same-minded people. BEPZ Toastmasters was the first club I visited. Then when I moved to Anuradhapura, I became an official member. Both the clubs BEPZ and Anuradhapura provided a positive supportive environment in their club culture. So I got the membership without any hesitation as I felt that I was in the right place.

When you joined Toastmasters, what did you think the experience was going to be like? And did it turn out as you wished?

To be honest I never expected that kind of a response from the audience which was supportive and helpful.

Whenever we take a leadership role, we get more speaking opportunities. In a club, President / VPE gets more opportunities than other members. When you are a district leader, you will get more and more opportunities to speak to different audiences.

When I was the area PR manager a few years back, I got the opportunity to meet different people which opened doors for me to become an international speaker and that recognition helped me to become a lecturer for Presentation Skills. So I’m receiving invitations to speak at different conferences, to motivate and inspire people, to conduct some corporate training…. etc.

You received the award "Outstanding Toastmaster of the year "- 2019/20. What inspired you to win the award? What were your commitments toward achieving the award?

Outstanding Toastmaster is the highest honor offered by the district to a Toastmaster. It’s an award that is given to someone who served the fraternity most in that particular year.

As a person who benefited from Toastmasters and as I’m passionate about it, I used to share my experience and help others.

I had two friends who noticed what I was doing that year. TM Hishana and TM Lasni have seen that I was traveling to Jaffna, Kurunegala, Matara, Galle …. etc. Also, I was helping many clubs, doing keynote speeches, conducting educational sessions, winning different contests, chartering clubs, and going beyond the district level even. So they encouraged me to apply for this.

What are your future plans in your Toastmasters journey ahead?

To be honest I don’t have any specific plan with Toastmasters. I feel like it will create unwanted stress. However, I'd like to do different projects. One Country One World is something like that. Also, I have introduced some different roles like Tourist of the day and Entertainment Master for club meetings. Recently we conducted a Bollywood night with our Indian friends. Also, I was able to bring two world champions with the International President in one stage. Likewise, I’m just enjoying this journey doing different things and I value each and every moment I’m spending with Toastmasters.

You have come far. You even became a champion. Along the way, who gave you the strength to become the speaker you are today?

So far I have associated with six Toastmasters clubs as a member. I’m grateful for each and every member of those clubs. Also, I’m grateful for all the mentors, and friends I’ve met so far as a Toastmaster.

Other than my parents, teachers, and some friends it was Toastmasters who gave me the courage, and mainly it was them who set up a friendly environment just like a laboratory to speak.

You are a big part of 'One Country One World Toastmasters'. What can you tell us about the experience?

Chartering a club that consists of members from many different countries in the world was an amazing experience. We had members from more than 70 countries for our first meeting. During the pandemic time, we saw the potential to unite the world. We never thought of chartering a club. However, we chartered with members from 26 different countries. There were 14 past and present district trios, 20 DTMs, and 2 District champions and I feel blessed to be the charter President of such an amazing club!

What's your advice for someone who has just joined Toastmasters?

Toastmasters is a journey. Sometimes we can’t identify the transformation happening within us. If you actively engage with Toastmasters you will realize that transformation within yourself. Trust the process and enjoy this wonderful journey!

TM Thinusha Bamunuarachchi

Answered by

15th October 2022 was a special day for the AATSL Emerging Toastmasters Club. It's none other than the 96th meeting of the club, which was a Joint Online Meeting with the Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club.

Starting at 6.30 pm, the Sergeant-at-arms of the AATSL Emerging Toastmasters Club, TM Heshan Hettiarachchi warmly welcomed the guests and explained the Ground Rules. After that, TM Aruni Kanchana (President of AATSL Emerging Toastmasters Club) and TM Gamini Wijerathne (President of Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club) called the meeting to order. The theme of the meeting was "World Students' Day".

TM Aruni Kanchana, the President of AATSL Emerging Toastmasters Club introduced the Toastmaster of the Day, TM Pubudu Hagoda (AATSL Emerging Toastmasters Club), with an energetic and enthusiastic TAG Team, TM Asini Warnasuriya (Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club)Timer, TM Shihari Piyathilake (Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club)-Ah Counter and TM Samanthi Sudarshani (Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club)Grammarian along with the General Evaluator TM Padma Liyanage of AATSL Emerging Toastmasters Club.

TM Thimira Rathnayake of Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club warmed-up all the speakers with an energetic Round-Robin session as the Round-Robin master.

There were 3 prepared speeches and 5 Impromptu Speeches, where the Odd numbered and even numbered Impromptu Speeches were Evaluated by TM Vimukthi Dananjaya (Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club) and TM Heshan Hettiarachchi (AATSL Emerging Toastmasters Club) respectively. TM Iroshani Ariyarathna was the Table Topics Master.

Afterwards, the General Evaluator called for TAG Team Reports and the General Evaluator evaluated the positives and progressives of the meeting as a whole.

TM Mohamed Hisshan (AATSL Emerging Toastmasters Club) was awarded as the Best Speaker and Best Table-Topics Speaker whilst TM Wasana Eshwara (Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club) and TM Pubudu Hagoda (AATSL Emerging Toastmasters Club) were awarded as the Best Evaluator and Best RolePlayer respectively.

The meeting was officially adjourned at 08:30 pm with the togetherness, teamwork, inspiration and interaction of both clubs.

Heshan Hettiarachchi AATSL Emerging Toastmasters Club

TM

Building our Youth for the Future

We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. Intending to build our youth for the future, Anuradhapura Toastmaster’s Club had started Anuradhapura Central College’s Gavel Club and it wasn’t functioning during last two years. We, Anuradhapura Toastmaster’s Club realized the need to expertise our young teenagers and that is why we decided to reform Anuradhapura Central

'Table Topics' and "Prepared Speeches" with the support of members of Anuradhapura Toastmasters Club.

My pride as the Gavel Club Coordinator is increasing day by day, meeting by meeting by seeing the improvement of each Gaveliers. The students who displayed exceptional communication and leadership skills kept the audience spellbound and clearly displayed their ability to speak in public with maturity and confidence.

Gavel clubs are a way of providing the Toastmasters experience for groups who may be ineligible for regular membership due to age, or other circumstances which is introduced by the Toastmaster International.

Accordingly, Anuradhapura Central College’s Gavel Club was reformed on August 25th, 2022 with untiring efforts of the teacher In – Charge Mrs. Nirosha Kumari Kothalawala and the direction of Principle. I was appointed as the Coordinator of the Gavel Club and demonstrative club meetings were staged on August 25th, September 16th and October 28th. , consisted of three different sessions; 'Round Robin',

The Gaveliers were encouraged to perform meeting roles like Timer, Ah Counter, Round Robin Master and Table Topic Master after conducting the educational session of Duties of Meeting Role and everything was professionally done by them. In such a short span, Gaveliers have proved themselves as good communicators. To enhance their leadership skills, Gavel club officers will be appointed in near future.

By seeing the stunning performance of Gaveliers in every platform, I am sure that we, ATMC are in the right direction of building our youth for the future.

TM Samanthi Sudarshani

Newbie’s Corner

The Newbie

15 years ago, I was in my physics class in grade 13. The physics teacher was explaining how the gravitational fields are existing between two masses. He said, “Gravitational field can also be considered as an electromagnetic wave. Therefore, the gravitational field travels at the speed of light”. Suddenly a question came into my mind. I asked, “ teacher if the gravitational field travels at the speed of light, it takes around 8 minutes to come from the sun to the earth. If so, when the sun suddenly disappeared, the earth will get to know it only after 8 minutes, until that earth will rotate around the sun without knowing that the sun was not there. Is it possible?” My physics teacher was shocked and he never expected that kind of a question so he took some time and said “I think the sun will never

Nevertheless, that question was in my mind until I found a book that explained the concept of relativity. Relativity is a concept developed by the greatest scientist in the 20th century, Albert Einstein. According to the concept of relativity, there is no such thing as called gravitational field as Isaac Newton once declared. The heavy masses like the earth and sun cause the space around them to be curved just like when you jumped into the comfortable mattress of your bed. This curvature is the reason to rotate the earth around the sun and whatever falls when it is released above the ground level. This was a very interesting finding because this curvature would cause to curve not only the space but also the time near

Imagine, time is flowing slower near the earth's surface than in outer space. Can you believe it? Whether you believe it or not it has been proved. So, people in Colombo should be younger than people in Kandy although they have the same birthdays because Colombo is closer to the earth's surface than Kandy. In the same way, your feet are younger than your head because feet are more closure to the earth's surface

The other interesting fact in relativity is that time flows slowly when you are speeding. If you can speed up to the speed of light, you will feel that time is stopped. So, if you want to be in same age forever you can keep traveling at the speed of light. When you stopped traveling, your age is the same but others are getting older, which means you have time-traveled to the future. So, that means, I’m glad I’m traveling most of the time so that my clock is rotating slowly. I should look younger than others who are traveling

So, if you would like others to murmur about you like “that guy looks so young, can’t say he is in the mid30s”, you have to travel a lot and stay much closer to the ground. That’s what Einstein’s relativity reveals

Have

Toastmasters club is the best place where we can have all these facilities in a one place as a package. We are not native speakers in English but we can try to make the ability with the lovely help of toastmaster group.

Guest Ayesha Madumali

Guest’s Corner

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