The awakener inaugural issue

THE AWAKENER

Success is Yours

Inaugural Issue-Volume 1 Issue 1 #03598897 AWAKENING TOASTMASTERS DISTRICT 82 DIVISION C, AREA 4

October–December 2013 Executive Committee 2013/2014 President TM Muhammed Sheikh Ahmed president@awakeningtm.org

VP Education TM Kamil Hussain vpedu@awakeningtm.org

VP Membership TM Assaf Ijlan vpmem@awakeningtm.org

VP Public Relations TM Ismat Shahabdeen vppr@awakeningtm.org

INSIDE THIS EDITION Message from the Charter President ................................................................. 1 Editor’s Message ............................................................................................... 2

Secretary TM Fairooz Marikar secretary@awakeningtm.org

Message from District Governor ....................................................................... 3 Message from Lieutenant Governor Education and Training ............................. 3

Treasurer

Message from Division Governor, Division C ..................................................... 4

TM Ahamed Bary treasurer@awakeningtm.org

Message from Area Governor C4 ...................................................................... 5 Charter Installation Ceremony .......................................................................... 6

Sergeant - At - Arms TM Ikram Muhseen sgtatarms@awakeningtm.org

Highlights .......................................................................................................... 9 Events Calendar ................................................................................................ 11

Editors

Educational Corner ............................................................................................ 12

TM Ismat Shahabdeen (VPPR) TM Zameel Amjed zameelamjed@yahoo.com

Success Story..................................................................................................... 13

Webmaster TM Ahamed Shaheer admin@awakeningtm.org

Contact Information No 140/3, WA Silva Mawatha Colombo 06 Sri Lanka. www.awakeningtm.org info@awakeningtm.org

Message from the Charter President

Together We Can Achieve Anything…

As we successfully chartered our club, The Awakening Toastmasters, we are on the initial stage of this significant journey which would lead us to a destination beyond description.

I am honoured and privileged to be the President of this enthusiastic club. But, with great power comes great responsibility. As it is, not only me, who can achieve success to the club, but it can be achieved together - with the contribution, commitment and dedication of all our enthusiastic members. I am confident this will finally yield splendid results to Awakening Toastmasters and as well as Toastmasters International.

"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team" - Phil Jackson We are a team consisting of members from diverse walks of life; from CEO‖s to Entrepreneurs, Lawyers to Accountants, Information Technology Professionals to Artists, having one mission in common, to become future leaders while eradicating nervousness by delivering speeches, taking role plays and evaluating others. It is my responsibility to enable my members to interact with one another in a supportive atmosphere that builds qualities of leadership, mutual respect and everlasting friendship among individuals.

“Not everyone can become a great leader, but anyone can become a great leader. “

A A cquire W W isdom A A nd K K nowledge E E radicating N N ervousness while II nspiring N N ovelties G G alore

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MESSAGES…

Toastmasters is an outstanding platform where all the members enhance communication and leadership competencies.

Trust, desire, excellence and most importantly teamwork are the pillars to success. Not everyone can become a great leader, but anyone can become a great leader.

I always believe in the value of Teamwork. It is not just the achievements that I am looking for, but the profound quality that genuinely can win over anything.

Impossible is nothing if we think we can!!!

With warm regards,

TM Muhammed Sheikh Ahmed President, Awakening Toastmasters Club,

"A speech without a specific purpose is like a journey without a destination" -Ralph C. Smedley 1

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

Editor’s Message

It is indeed a privilege for me to be the first Editor in Chief of this potentially great Charter Club, the Awakening Toastmasters whilst being also elected as the Vice – President Public Relations. With the support of our persuasive president and ever willing colleagues, I take great pleasure in releasing the Inaugural Issue of the newsletter – The Awakener.

Welcome to the “The Awakener”. There are splendid messages with great themes by prominent distinguished toastmasters and veteran toastmasters, and sincerely thank them for their prompt responses given in very short notice.

Whilst propagating the mission of the toastmasters through this newsletter, it is our objective to encourage continuous learning to improve public speaking and leadership skills among the toastmasters and readers of this newsletter in general.

Club Mission We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in confidence and personal growth.

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MESSAGES…

I wish all the readers a VERY HAPPY AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR with lots of new year resolutions !!!

I take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to all those who contributed towards this inaugural issue in various ways, and also to those who will contribute for the future issues and elevate “The Awakener” over and over.

Editor-in-Chief Ismat Shahabdeen (VP Public Relations)

COMMUNICATION TRACK Competent Communicator

Advanced Communicator Bronze

Advanced Communicator Silver

Advanced Communicator Gold

Distinguished Toastmaster

New Member

Competent Leader

Advanced Leader Bronze

Advanced Leader Silver

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WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

Message from District Governor

I was at the Division confere nce when I was approached by our Division Governor Marikar. He told me that seven people were eager to meet me. I now call them the ―Magnificent seven‖. They were still in the stage of starting a new club called now, THE AWAKENING TM. And what an awakening it was. I met these seven Toastmasters .Their warmth, the respect and the attention they give when they spoke to me, convinced me that this new club will take shape.

They meant business, when they spoke to me. They were attentive listeners and asked pertinent questions.

“The action of this group in coming to reverberations speak volumes of the weightage” I decided to take it one step further.”Why don‖t you all attend the Mid-Year Conference in Bangalore”.

They promised they will consider. And imagine my surprise when all seven of them landed promptly in Bangalore for Reverberations.

The fruit of the wisdom is in doing what is promised .The learning in this world is in

paying heeding to an inner call. The action of this group in coming to reverberations speak volumes of the weightage, they gave to my words when I invited them.

And proof today is of the birth of a new club in Sri Lanka.

These seven Toastmasters, these MAGNIFICENT SEVEN,I am sure will lead the club along with many other TM and serve not only the cause of communication but also emerge as a club, the Toastmasters fraternity will be proud of, Mark my words in your calendar.

I am humbled and honoured to be the District Governor of a Movement where words spoken are converted in action plans and deeds.

AWAKENING TM is truly a spirited start to your journey in speech and leadership.

Wishing the club success!!!!

TOGETHER WE CAN, TOGETHER WE WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kumaran M. Pethi, DTM District Governor, District 82, Toastmasters International

Message from Lieutenant Governor Education and Training

It is my pleasure to send my best wishes to all of you for your inaugural newsletter.

Chartering a new club serves to grow the Toastmasters movement, bring together

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

members and well-wishers with a common objective, to meet and greet and enjoy fellowship, and to benefit from the educational content and the leadership training which are an integral part of Toastmasters. With the tremendous talent in the district, involvement in district affairs has the potential to be an excellent source of learning and personal development.

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MESSAGES…

Yusuf Jeevunjee at Charter Installation Ceremony

We should all renew our pledge to improve and strengthen this new club and thereby grow the movement of Toastmasters in our divisions and district. We must develop more clubs throughout, induct new members and strive for maximum membership retention, train our club officers so they can effectively serve their members, promote the members to complete their educational projects, and work towards the Distinguished Club Programmes as set out by Toastmasters International.

Through this, we will be fulfilling the basic objective of Toastmasters, to maximize the Member experience.

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“The Awakening Toastmasters Club will prosper, will draw in many members, and develop the skills of existing members and our movement will continue to thrive” I am confident that under the inspired leadership of your team of office bearers, the Awakening Toastmasters Club will prosper, will draw in many members, and develop the skills of existing members and our movement will continue to thrive.

I wish you all the very best in the year ahead, and assure you of my full support for your activities.

With best regards,

Yusuf Jeevunjee, DTM Lt. Gov. Education & Training, District 82, Toastmasters International

Message from Division Governor, Division C

A group of friends, Young entrepreneurs, Lawyers, and Accountants were meeting once a month for a chit chat with no set agenda. I was invited by a few of them for one such meeting to find out about what Toastmasters was.

After understanding the benefits of Toastmasters saw the birth of Awakening Toastmasters Club in November 2013. I know their capabilities; therefore I am happy and proud that they belong to Division C.

“I am confident they will achieve the Distinguished Status in their charter year” Their dynamism and commitment were proved when six of them attended the Mid Year Conference in October 2013 (before they chartered) and took a great step forward when eight of them went all the way to Bangalore for the Reverberation 2013.

“We continuously strive to reach great heights, not alone, but together as a team”

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

The enthusiasm among their members is very great and I am confident they will

achieve the Distinguished Status in their charter year.

It gives me great pleasure in sending a message to their first newsletter. My sincere wishes in all their endeavours for the future. I must congratulate TM Ismat Shahabdeen, their VP PR with his team in putting out this newsletter.

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MESSAGES…

Imtiyaz Marikar at Charter Installation Ceremony

“Coming together is beginning

Keeping together is progress Working together is success” ….. Henry Ford….

Best Wishes to Awakening Toastmasters Club.

TM Imtiyaz Marikar, ACS, ALB, Division Governor,Division C, 2013 - 2014

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MESSAGES… Message from Area Governor C4

It is my greatest honour to serve you as your area governor.

Area C4 consists of 4 vibrant clubs. I welcome Awakening members to the Toastmaster‖s journey, sending well wishes in your first newsletter. Being a Toastmaster has changed my life and I guarantee that you will have a fantastic experience too.

Enthusiasm and commitment of the Awakening Toastmasters has shown that you will reach greater heights in the future. My objective is to support you in gaining President‖s Distinguished Club status while transforming each member into a great leader with the ability to communicate at any occasion.

Toastmasters is a wonderful platform where we could discover unidentified talents and develop to transform ourselves. I look forward to assist you in meeting your own goals, whilst making the most of the Toastmasters International experience in support of your individual members‖ speaking and leadership aspirations.

Harsha Perera. CC, ALB Area Governor C4 District 82

Source: Toastmasters Website

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Awakening Toastmasters Club Holds Charter Installation Ceremony The Awakening Toastmasters Club held its Charter Installation Ceremony for 2013/2014 on the 18th of November 2013, at the Queens Cafe Auditorium, Mount Lavinia. The Chief Guest at the ceremony was Lieutenant Governor Education and Training of District 82, DTM Yusuf Jeevanjee and the Guest of Honour was DTM Balraj Arunasalam, The Immediate Past International Director, Region 13 of Toastmasters International. Division C, Governor TM Imtiyaz Marikar, Area 4 Governor TM Harsha Perera and many other renowned DTM‖s, Toastmasters and guests graced the occasion.

The birth of Awakening Toastmasters club was as a result of few friends getting together during the weekends and made relentless pursuit to improve on their public speaking ability. However, in the absence of a formal structure and non-availability of a proper mechanism to get a feedback of their performance, the group decided to form a Toastmasters Club.

The club intends to continue in its endeavour to become a platform for its members to hone their communication

and leadership skills.

Speaking at this Charter Installation Ceremony the Young President TM Muhammed Sheikh Ahmed elaborated on his goals. “We want to achieve the Distinguish Club Status for our Charter, and that we will focus on maintaining very high quality in all our projects”. TM Muhammed Sheikh Ahmed said.

The Installation Ceremony was a colourful event with inspiring speeches before a large gathering of eminent Toastmasters, Judges of Higher Courts and distinguished guests. The entire team members of The Awakening Toastmasters took every possible measure to ensure their maiden event was a grand success. The Club‖s Official Website was launched by TM Dilini Pathiranawasam, the Division C. Public Relations Officer.

The Master of Ceremonies was TM Mueen Saheed and the Vote of Thanks was given

by TM Fairooz Marikar, the Secretary of Awakening Toastmasters‖ Club.

The following officers were installed by Division C, Area 4 Governor, TM Harsha Perera.

The Chief Guest DTM Yusuf Jeevanjee pinned the badges for the Office Bearers; President: TM Muhammed Sheikh Ahmed, VP Education: TM Kamil Hussain, VP - Membership: TM Assaf Ijlan, VP- Public Relations: TM Ismat Shahabdeen, Secretary: TM Fairooz Marikar, Treasurer: TM Ahmed Bary, Sergeant at Arms: TM Ikram Muhseen.

The event was followed by fellowship and dinner and was a grand success.

Charter Members vow to the Toastmasters Code of Conduct at the Installation Ceremony 2013

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CHARTER INSTALLATION CEREMONY

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CHARTER INSTALLATION CEREMONY

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CHARTER INSTALLATION CEREMONY

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HIGHLIGHTS

The Artist , TM Mueen Saheed presenting CHOGM 2013 logo studded with gem stones to His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksha, (behind his art “Canvas of Peace”)

TM Kamil Hussain VP Education stormed the Colombo Night Race December 2013 by displaying his talents by participating in the most hotly contested Motor Car racing event in the category 1500cc Special

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Though there were a few hiccups, the two days event was educative, with many educational sessions we attended, and a lot of new things we learnt.

We understand organizing an event of this nature is no easy task.

We congratulate the organizing committee for all arrangements made available for us to make our trip to Bangalore worth every rupee spent.

Being a club just chartered in November 2013, eight of our members lead by the President made it all the way to Bangalore for Reverberation 2013.

Being new to Toastmasters it was really exciting to meet and mingle with a crowd of over 600. Not ordinary citizens, but Toastmasters. Not only the Indian Toastmasters, that we met, but also many of Sri Lankan Toastmasters whom we met for the first time.

We went as spectators this time, who knows that at the

next event, maybe one of us might even climb the stage at Goa ?

This reminds us of a quote of Carl Bard. “Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending”.

Bangalore.. there…..Goa.. there….

we were we shall be

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REVERBERATION 2013

It was networking and socializing and then it was the contest time. We had seen club contests, area contests and division contests.

But watching a district contest was not the same, a new experience we gained. The contests were of high standards and we were able to gather many positive tips.

Humorous speeches were of good quality so was the evaluations.

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Events Calendar 2013/2014 November 2013 01st

Inaugural Meeting

18th

Charter Installation Ceremony

18th

Launching of Club Web Site

23 & 24th

Reverberation 2013 in Bangalore –India (8 Members attended)

30th

Inaugural Toastmasters Session was held.

30th

Inaugural Executive Committee Meeting was held

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EVENTS CALENDAR

December 2013 09th

Division ―C‖ Council Meeting (4 Members Attended the Meeting)

15th

Mini OTP held at Queens Cafe Mount Lavinia and Charter Certificates were handed over to the members by Area Governor C4 TM Harsha Perera and Division Governor Imtiyaz Marikar.

20th

The Club Newsletter “The Awakener” Released

January 2014 26th

OTP-2 (Venue to be confirmed later)

February 2014 (Date to be announced later)

Club Contest

March 2014 (Date to be announced later)

Area Contest

29th

National Conference

May 2014 23, 24 & 25th

Ovation 2014 in Goa, India

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10 Tips for Public Speaking Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and even beneficial, but too much nervousness can be detrimental. Here are some proven tips on how to control your butterflies and give better presentations: 1.

4. Know the room. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.

5. Relax. Begin by addressing the audience.

It buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, smile and count to three

Improve your Public Speaking Skills

Know your material. Pick a topic you are interested in.

Know more about it than you include in your speech.

Use humour, personal stories and conversational language – that way you won‖t easily forget what to say.

2. Practice. Practice.

Practice!

Rehearse out loud with all equipment you plan on using.

Revise as necessary. Work to control filler words; Practice, pause and breathe. Practice with a timer and allow time for the unexpected.

3. Know the audience. Greet some of the audience members as they arrive.

It‖s easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers.

before saying anything. ("One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three onethousand. Pause. Begin.)

Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm.

6. Visualize yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

voice loud, clear and confident. Visualize the audience clapping – it will boost your confidence.

7. Realize that people want you to succeed.

Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative and entertaining. They‖re rooting for you.

8.

Don‖t apologize for any nervousness or problem – the audience probably never noticed it.

9.

Concentra te on the message – not the medium.

Focus your attention away from your own anxieties and concentrate on your message and your audience.

10.

Gain experience.

Mainly, your speech should represent you — as an authority and as a person.

Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need in a safe and friendly environment.

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EDUCATIONAL CORNER

Visit a Toastmasters Meeting!

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Success Story (1)

A RENAISSANCE When I was a kid in school, fear and nervousness was a barrier for me, to stand up in front of an audience. I shied away from drama and student activities that put me in front of fellow students, leave alone a small public gathering.

For many decades, I was able to hide this fear and nervousness, and to add insult to injury I had no patience whatsoever for listening, which continued to hang on me even after my marital life.

telephone conversations with my foreign partners due to poor listening skills.

Toastmasters, as I now understand, true to its track record and mission, has undoubtedly eradicated my poor genes make up, to live up to the motto ”Where Leaders are Made”. I gradually progressed to overcome the fear and nervousness and improved on the ability to listen. This did not happen straight away.

Although embarrassing, now I have the guts to state that I vehemently backed out from

speaking when called upon to do so at my first Toastmasters session.

On the second occasion, I walked up to face the audience with guts, but stood still, not a word from the English Dictionary. From the third occasion, it has been non-stop and the red colour light halts me. ―Hat‖s Off‖ to “Awakening Toastmasters” and I whole heartedly wish my fellow members resounding success in their future endeavours!!!

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SUCCESS STORY

TM Assaf Ijlan

Lo and Behold! A few months back, although belated as it seems, I was introduced to what was called “Toastmasters”. I had no clue again whatsoever, other than to understand the word Toastmasters in the literal sense, in two parts: one as “toast” and the other as “masters”; perhaps in this understanding I was not alone as many other beginners. You can imagine the conclusion!!!

When reality dawned as to the meaning of Toastmasters, believe me, Toastmasters has been the saviour of my inherent traits of fear, nervousness and rescuer of being a pathetic listener.

I must tell you this truth as well. As a businessman, an importer of goods, I often used to interrupt the

13 TM Aasaf Ijlan delivering a speech at the Installation Ceremony

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Meetings held at:

Queen‖s Cafe No 198, Galle Road, Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka.

Meeting Time:

9:00AM Every Saturday

Club #03598897 Awakening Toastmasters No 140/3, WA Silva Mawatha, Colombo 06, Sri Lanka www.awakeningtm.org info@awakeningtm.org

T HE AWA KENE R

MEETING DATES AND VENUE

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