Toastmasters International, founded in 1924 by Ralph C. Smedley, is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals improve public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, it continues to empower members worldwide through supportive clubs and structured programs, fostering personal and professional growth.
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION
"We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders."
CLUB MISSION
We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
CORE
Dear Emerge Readers,
Welcome to the first edition of Emerge for the 2024-2025 Toastmasters year!
Last year, 2023-2024, was a fantastic year for Central Link Toastmasters. We welcomed a wave of new members, hosted a variety of engaging events, and even experienced the thrill of the District Conference, Ovation. Themed meetings, insightful workshops, and a supportive community made our club a vibrant hub for young minds in Kandy.
I’m grateful to TM Amadie Karunatilake, TM Sathmi Gunawardane, and TM Rasika Gunasekera for their invaluable assistance in designing this newsletter. Their creativity and hard work have helped shape Emerge into the publication you see today.
But Emerge isn’t just about our club. It’s a platform to showcase the incredible talent and diverse perspectives of our members. Inside, you’ll find inspiring stories, practical advice, and thought-provoking articles. Whether you’re a seasoned Toastmaster or just starting your journey, there’s something for everyone.
So, dive into the pages of Emerge and let your imagination soar.
Happy Reading!
Warm Regards,
Dulain Gunawardhana Editor, Vice President Public Relations
Central Link Toastmasters Club
It is with immense pride and joy that I welcome you to the latest edition of our Club newsletter: EMERGE!
The name Emerge holds a special meaning for us. It symbolizes our journey as a club that has risen from humble beginnings, stepping boldly into the spotlight with determination and purpose, ready to carve out a legacy and leave an indelible mark on the world.
Our club is more than just a gathering of individuals; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven with the energy, talent, and determination of some truly remarkable people. We are a club of young blood—primarily busy undergraduates juggling lectures, assignments, and exams. Yet, despite their tight schedules, our members embody the spirit of resilience and enthusiasm, always stepping up to say yes when duty calls.Their ability to pour their heart into even the smallest tasks speaks volumes of their commitment. Whether it’s organizing a meeting, supporting fellow members, or contributing to initiatives like this very newsletter, they consistently exceed expectations with their creativity and passion.
This newsletter is a testament to that dedication. It provides just a glimpse into the whirlwind of activity, inspiration, and learning that defines our club. It’s a reflection of our members’ collective effort to grow, lead, and make a difference—not just within Toastmasters, but in all aspects of life.
As you turn these pages, I hope you feel the energy and excitement that pulses through our club. To all our members, thank you for your unwavering commitment and for proving time and again that no challenge is too great when we work together. To our readers, we hope you enjoy this peek into the incredible journey of Central Link Toastmasters.
Let’s continue to grow, inspire, and achieve greatness together.
Warm regards, Anuththara Gunathilake President, Central Link Toastmasters Club
AREA MESSAGE
Dear Members of Central Link Toastmasters Club,
DIRECTOR’S
It’s truly inspiring to see how far Central Link Toastmasters Club has come. As a young and growing club, you have already made an indelible mark within our Toastmasters community. Your energy, passion, and dedication to learning and growth are nothing short of extraordinary.
One of the many things that stands out about your club is how you’ve excelled in Public Relations. Your efforts in sharing the magic of Toastmasters with others, connecting with your audience, and building a vibrant presence showcase not just your skills, but also your unwavering commitment to our shared mission of empowering individuals to become better communicators and leaders.
As your Area Director, I want to take this moment to celebrate every one of you. Your journey is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together with purpose and enthusiasm. Whether it’s your engaging meetings, the warmth you extend to new members, or the creative ways you tell your story to the world, you remind us all of the incredible potential within a growing club.
Let’s continue to build on this momentum! Together, we can aim for even greater milestones helping every member unlock their fullest potential while setting an example for others to follow. Remember, every speech, every role, and every shared experience brings us closer to our goals.
Thank you for your relentless spirit and the positive impact you bring to Area J1. I am honored to be part of your journey and am always here to support you as you rise to new heights.
With immense pride and appreciation, Linali Alexander Area Director, Area J1, District 82 Toastmasters International
PROFESSIONAL DETAILS:UNDERGRADUATEATTHE ULTYOFSCIENCE
HOBBIES:READING,WRITING RANDOMTHOUGHTS,LISTENINGTO MUSIC
TM MEDHINI WANIGARATNE
BABIES BABIES
I joined the Central Link Toastmasters Club to improve my communication skills and have grown immensely in confidence, especially for speeches like my school’s leavers’ day The friendships I’ve built here keep me inspired, and the Joint Installation is a memory I’ll always cherish.
TM THENUK PIYATHILAKE
I’m an engineering undergraduate at Peradeniya and joined CLTC 8 months ago, inspired by my sister My first day at TMPL was unforgettable, and Toastmasters has boosted my confidence and communication skills immensely
TM VINUJI SENEVIRATHNE
I’ve been with CLTC for seven months, working part-time as a news anchor while awaiting university entrance Toastmasters has boosted my public speaking skills, inspired me with talented speakers, and helped me think creatively A favorite memory was bonding during the "Gee Padura" practice sessions, making this journey truly rewarding.
TM MIYUNI VIDANAGAMA
I joined CLTC 9 months ago, drawn by my love for oratory and eager to try public speaking My favorite memory was being TMOD for a themed meeting, filled with laughter and creativity. While I came to improve my speaking, I stayed for the amazing friendships and supportive community.
TM YUKI RATHANATHILAKE
TM AROSHA BANDARA
I’m Arosha Bandara, a CLTC member for 3 months, awaiting entry to Peradeniya’s Medical Faculty I joined to improve my spoken English and have grown in confidence through experiences like table topics and learning key speaking skills. My favorite memory is TM Rasika and TM Kavindu winning the Area Contest
I’m Yuki Ranathilaka, an undergraduate at IIT and a CLTC member for 4 months. Inspired by my brother and friends, I joined to grow and connect, with my trip to Kegalle being a favorite memory. Toastmasters has enriched my life with valuable skills and wonderful friendships.
TM LAKSANDUNI RATHNAYAKA
I’m an undergraduate at the University of Peradeniya and joined CLTC five months ago to improve my confidence and self-expression
Guided by TM Anuththara, I found the perfect place for growth, with the Aurudu-themed meeting being a standout memory Toastmasters has been transformative, helping me believe in myself and strive for better
TM CHANTHUL HEWAWASAM
I’m Chanthul Hewawasam, a student at IIT and a CLTC member for 6 months Encouraged by my mom, I joined to overcome my fear of speaking, and it’s been an enjoyable journey My favorite memory is the Awurudu meeting, which marked my growth in confidence and self-expression
TM KAVINU PALUGASWEWA
I’m an undergraduate at SLIIT and a CLTC member for 7 months. I joined to become a more engaging speaker, and my first day was memorable, feeling welcomed by everyone. My favorite moment was the Halloween meeting with "toast monsters," and Toastmasters has inspired me to embrace leadership and grow into a better version of myself.
TM AMADIE KARUNATHILAKE
I joined toastmasters back in March of 2024. Being a toastmaster for 8 months has changed me drastically. I’ve become more confident and comfortable in public speaking and I’ve improved my leadership qualities as well. Along side this I met some of the best people I’ve ever met whom I now call a family.
TM VINUKI RAJAPAKSHE
I’ve been with CLTC for 5 months, joining because my brother and best friend were members Despite being nervous at first, I was encouraged to participate and connect with inspiring people Toastmasters has transformed my weekends with memorable experiences like the "Aurudu" themed meeting and visits to new clubs
TM DULARA BANDULASENA
I joined toastmasters 5 months ago, and my only regret is not joining earlier. Even i can not believe how quickly my public speaking abilities grew in a few months. Top of that, I'm really grateful to the people that i met along the way.
TM HESHAN MUNAWEERA
I’m a businessman and have been with CLTC for a year. I joined to improve my speaking skills, and though my first day was nerve-wracking, it turned into an incredible experience. Toastmasters has boosted my confidence, enhanced my personality, and a standout memory for me is the Ovation event.
TM NISITHA NANAYAKKARA
I’ve been with CLTC for 8 months and recently got selected for the University of Moratuwa Toastmasters has improved my speech and social skills, with the "Awurudu" meeting being a favorite memory It has boosted my confidence in speaking and connecting with others
TM AMRI BISHRUL
I’m Amri Bishrul, a student at SLIIT and a CLTC member for 1 month I joined Toastmasters to improve my public speaking, and my first day was awesome My favorite memory so far is participating in my first table topic, and I’m excited to grow, make new friends, and build confidence through Toastmasters
TM RASIKA GUNASEKERA
I’m Rasika Gunasekera, a CLTC member for 8 months and soon a University of Moratuwa student. Toastmasters feels like a supportive therapy session with friends, and my favorite part is the connections made after meetings. It has boosted my confidence and encouraged me to embrace challenges.
D82 PQD EXTENDED TEAM RECOGNITION PRESENTED TO ASSISTANT TLI CHAIR LINALI ALEXANDER
EIGHT-80 AWARD TERM #2
CHAMPION FLYER OF THE MONTH JANUARY 2023 QUALITY CLUB AWARD
THE ART
OF COMMUNICATION ACT
Some of the most powerful and memorable speeches in history have happened after the curtain falls Do you agree? Doesn’t matter if you agree, it’s my article But in all seriousness, knowing and using the key elements of Acting and incorporating them into our speeches would make our delivery magnetic It’s much easier to comprehend what I mean when we break down what those key elements are
First and foremost let’s start with the preparation of a speech Much like a playwright, you will have to be as creative and artistic when writing your speech Even if it were to inform something, the approach should leave much scope for the imagination Afterwards like any performance art, practice makes perfect As we rehearse our acts for a stage drama, we should practice our speeches The reciting of the dialogues in scripts is such a joyful, overwhelmingly wonderful experience Now I believe if we imagined ourselves doing the same with our speeches, by taking every bit of feeling we have into the words written, effectively emphasizing wherever necessary by timing and pausing well, even the memorizing part of an incredibly long speech would be such a fun filled experience
The most important other comparable elements in acting we can integrate into our speeches are during the delivery After the preparation of a speech the next step as I like to call it, is staying in character Throughout the speech, you won’t entirely be yourself If you’re as awkward and nervous as I am, you definitely won’t be I say this because during delivery, confidence is key In theatrics this confidence is usually seen through what they call, stage presence Even if we don’t have it, we must fool our audience into thinking that we do I know it’s easier said than done but taking a deep breath before you begin and keeping an open, upright posture always helps Understanding your speech and what you need to convey will help just the same You should know it’s ok to forget certain parts of the speech exactly how you’ve written it, just as long as you prepare yourself to be spontaneous That will help you to improvise if needed
Another reason we aren’t completely ourselves here is that we don’t usually maintain a certain rhythm when we communicate in day to day interactions. But when communicating in acting or speeches, the rhythm and the changing pace bring more clarity and attention to the speaker. An additional priority when “staying in character” is that during the time span of your speech, from start to finish, you must remember your cues. Cues in a speech however can be a little different from the cues in an act. One such example is when moving from the introduction to the main body of your speech.
Another example is another element, stage usage. In a speech, more concentration is needed when using the stage because customarily it is divided into three parts. Therefore making use of it is a little less random and a little more systematic than a theatrical performance. Swiftly moving around however can be done pretty similarly giving the artistic illusion that you are perfectly comfortable in front of an audience, even if you aren’t.
The next element is body language. As we know that can be subdivided once more to hand gestures, facial expressions and eye contact. The usage of body language is not so different from an act, especially when gesturing it can be as gripping as a play.
1. We can operate our hands in a way to dramatize and Amplify our words or tone down and subdue our words upon demand. There are certain types of hand gestures we can use as well, but this is also a lot easier when you know your speech through memory and spirit.
2. Facial expressions are used to further understand or relate to an actor and speaker alike, so the listeners can grasp the depth of emotion behind their phrasing. They’ll be depicting joy from sorrow, anticipation from hopelessness, fearlessness from horror to captivate the audience.
3. Eye contact is equally if not more important in a speech than an act since it’s almost like a one man play. So drawing and keeping the attention of the listeners is much harder without it We’ve been told to look at their foreheads in case the eyes are too intimidating, but I fear it’s equally terrifying So the only way to truly get over it is by exposing yourself to more and more speech settings where people tend to stare
Last but not least the final and most crucial element in my opinion, vocal variation Rhythm and pace mentioned earlier are also aspects of this but in addition to those tone variation is a fundamental component of it Similar to how an actor changes their tone of voice to match their character, speakers can bring life to the characters in their speech by doing the same Tone and even pitch changes for imitation or whimsical lighthearted mockery also adds great humour, taking your speech to the next level Not just when your Impersonating someone, tone variation can be used in places more subtly and simply yet impactfully Increasing volume dramatically in places where you must be loud and proud, decreasing volume drastically when you must be soft and meek, will make your speech dynamic and vibrant As you can see, public speaking and a monologue on stage can be one and the same So you knowingly or unknowingly do in fact incorporate theatrics into your speeches, and if you don’t, it’s time you start But if you do, no doubt by the time you wrap up your speech, it will render the audience speechless
Meet Kavindu Walisinghe, a name synonymous with dedication and excellence within the Toastmasters community. As an undergraduate at the University of Kelaniya, Kavindu has seamlessly balanced his academic pursuits with his passion for communication and leadership. A past president of the Central Link Toastmasters Club, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s growth and success.
In this exclusive interview, Kavindu shares his journey, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and his vision for the future of Toastmasters Prepare to be inspired by the story of someone who has transformed words into a powerful tool for leadership and change
How has being part of Toastmasters helped you grow ll d f i ll ?
"Good morning, Kavindu! It's a pleasure to have you here with us. As one of the longest-standing members of the Central Link Toastmasters Club and now a content specialist in District 82, your journey has been truly inspiring. Let’s dive into your story
Can you tell us about your journey with the Central Link Toastmasters Club? What inspired you to join initially?
"My journey with the Central Link Toastmasters Club began after my time as a Gavelier at my alma mater Trinity College, Kandy and the Dowels Gavel Club. B part of the Gavel Club sparked my passion for public speaking and leadership, after I left school, I knew I wanted to continue developing those skills. My father, who is also a Toastmaster, was a big inspiration for me Seeing how much he gained from the Toastmasters community motivated me to take the step That’s when I decided to join the Central Link Toastmasters Club, and it h been a transformative experience ever since "
What are some of the most memorable moments or milestones from your time with the club?
"One of the most memorable moments during my time with Central Link was in the Division F Table Topics Contest in 2023 It was an incredible experience What made it truly special was the support of my fellow club members. From contest itself, they were there, cheering me on every step of the way. Their en me gave me the confidence to perform my best ”
Were there any specific challenges you faced during your journey, and how did you overcome them?
"Toastmasters transformed me from a nobody to a somebody," I would say with pride. The journey has offered me countless opportunities to grow, and the feedback I've received along the way has been invaluable Each evaluation, each piece of advice, has helped me refine my skills and build my confidence Through Toastmasters, I’ve learned to embrace challenges and push myself beyond limits, and it’s shaped me into a stronger, more capable individual both personally and professionally."
Were there any specific challenges you faced during your journey, and how did you overcome them?
"One of the biggest challenges I faced during my Toastmasters journey was networking with people and keeping a conversation going. Initially, I used to avoid gatherings and interactions because it felt uncomfortable for me. But I knew that in order to grow, I had to push myself beyond my comfort zone So, I made a conscious effort to put myself in those difficult situations and engage with others Over time, it became easier, and now it’s almost second nature to me What once felt challenging is now a seamless part of my Toastmasters experience."
, what does your role ce it with your other
"As a content specialist in District 82, my role focuses on creating content for the Club Growth Avenue I’m responsible for developing materials that help support and grow Toastmasters clubs within the district I do it with passion, so creating content never feels like a chore. Finding time for something I love is easy, even with my academic and extracurricular commitments at university. When you enjoy what you do, balancing it with other activities becomes much more manageable "
What advice would you give to someone who has just started their Toastmasters journey?
"My advice to someone starting their Toastmasters journey is simple: keep doing Table Topics and speeches These are key to your growth Don’t avoid challenges especially in Table Topics, as they help you think on your feet and respond spontaneously Also, put yourself in tough situations. Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone. Take on roles that push you, volunteer for speaking opportunities, and engage with new people. The more you challenge yourself, the more your comfort zone will expand, and what was once difficult will eventually feel easy "
How do you keep yourself motivated to continually grow and contribute to the Toastmasters community?
"I stay motivated by continually challenging myself. I keep doing Table Topics and speeches because they push me to improve I also put myself in tough situations that force me out of my comfort zone Taking on challenging roles and speaking opportunities helps me grow, and the more I push myself, the more motivated I become to keep contributing to Toastmasters."
How do you envision the growth of the Central Link Toastmasters Club in the coming years?
"When I first joined the Central Link Toastmasters Club, it was just me and a few of my closest friends Despite the small number, we all shared a deep passion for Toastmasters and a desire to grow the club Today, Central Link has a strong base of 40 enthusiastic members, and it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come Looking ahead, I envision the club continuing to grow with equally passionate and valuable members who are committed to learning and developing. The key to our growth will always be the dedication and enthusiasm of our members, and I’m excited to see the club flourish even more in the years to come "
SHARINGTHEEXPERIENCESFROMOVATION2024
Ovation 2024 was my second time attending this amazing Toastmasters conference, and it felt just as exciting and fresh as the first. From champion speeches and networking to celebrating club achievements, it’s a unique experience I highly recommend for every Toastmaster.
TM ANUTHTHARA
Ovation was one of the biggest experiences in my life I saw how widely spread toastmasters how super talented speakers deliver their speeches and many more within that three days Also we built connections with toastmasters from other clubs and strengthened connections with our own club members
Attending Ovation was my first exposure to the wider Toastmasters community, and it left a lasting impact on me From the inspiring speeches and warm connections to the funfilled moments, the event broadened my perspective and boosted my confidence. It made me realize the power of Toastmasters and ignited my desire to grow and contribute more
After months of waiting, attending the Ovation was an amazing experience. The highlight for me was meeting new people from all around the country. It really helped me step out of my comfort zone and connect with new perspectives
Ovation 2024 was an unforgettable experience, filled with inspiring moments, valuabl ti d l b ti of th
Ovation was an experience unlike anything I had ever had before in Toastmasters. From meeting brilliant and vibrant personalities, to some truly life-changing keynote speeches, to some epic fun, both in the conference and out of it, I loved every second of it I would definitely want to experience that feeling again
TM DULAIN
TM SUDESHE
TM NEHANSA
TM KAVINDU
TOASTMASTER SUDESHE
JAYASINGHE
We didn’t have much time to organize the installation, but we managed to pull off a wonderful installation ceremony. Both I and Nirmana had some really hard time with academic work and other work. Everyone helped us, volunteered, supported mentally, they did so much I don’t have enough words to express. Without them, planning installation up to expected date would have been a dream for me and TM Nirmana. We worked as a team, more like about bey
Installation of central link toastmasters of 2024/2025, “Bridges of Friendship” was held as a joint installation with Kegalle toastmasters club Both new member induction and club officer installation took place on this day Since two clubs are involving in the installation, two event chairs were appointed one by each TM Nirmana from Kegalle toastmasters club and myself from Central link toastmasters club I will be sharing my experience as the event chairs on this important and memorable event.
When our president TM Anuththara asked me to be the event chair of the installation, honestly I hesitated. Nevertheless, she motivated me and I became the event chair of an event for the first time in my life. She told me that our whole club have my back so nothing to worry at all. Our president was correct once again. Me and TM Nirmana got an immense support from both of the clubs.
We started by dividing workload among members Afterward we appointed chairs for each section such as logistics, compeering, entertainment, decorations, etc in order to make communication easy. Furthermore, we discussed about the tasks for each team and allocate estimated timelines for each task. Each team did their best to fulfill the tasks within time. Me and TM Nirmana made sure that members from both clubs got involved in this process of joint
I learnt how to take the leadership, how to communicate effectively with others, how to increase the efficiency of a group and many more There might have been some errors Yet I would say the installation took place wonderfully I would like to express my heartf gratitude towards everyone who supported m and Nirmana even with some words The stro bond between central link toastmasters and Kegalle toastmasters and within themselves created this bridge.
N Y O U S
Across
1 The most easterly of the Canary Islands (9)
8 Jawaharlal the first prime minister of the Republic of India from 1947-1964 (5)
9 Island in the Mediterranean, awarded the George Cross by King George VI in 1942 (5)
10 Natalie Wood portrayed Gretchen in the 1952 drama "The " (4)
12 John Scottish mathematician who originated the concept of logarithms (6)
14. A polygon with four sides of equal length and four right angles (6)
15. The whorl left by the base of a branch growing out of the tree's trunk (4)
18. A triangle having all three interior angles measuring less than 90 degrees (5)
19. A mountain range in South America extending 8,000 km from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego (5)
21. American singer who released the 2006 studio album "A Thousand Different Ways" (4,5)
Down
2 Character portrayed by Ian Holm in the 1979 science fiction film "Alien" (3)
3 The supreme god of ancient Greek mythology (4)
4. Scottish chemist who discovered the noble gases, awarded the Nobel Prize in 1904, William (6)
5. Port city on the Gulf of Finland, the capital of Estonia (7)
6. Large antelopes with curved horns, native to Africa (4)
7 The 2015 studio album "Suffer in Peace" was by American country music artist Tyler (4)
11 Opening track on side two of Brenda Lee's 1964 studio album "By Request" (2,5)
13. A mechanical model of the solar system, or parts of it (6)
14. The former name of Thailand (4)
16. A 1979 film directed by Roman Polanski, starring Nastassja Kinski and Peter Firth (4)
17. Landlocked country in Western Africa, its capital and largest city is Bamako (4)
20 British indie rock band who released the album "Grow Into It" in 2018 (3)
