CCTMC - The Central Point - Volume 3 Issue 1

ABOUT US Are you anxious to advance your career? Do you want to expand your network? Are you eager to make productive use of your weekends?

At Central Colombo Toastmasters Club, we’ll give you the training of a lifetime, a wealth of inspiration, and a cohort of supporters to travel with you, side by side. With mentors, evaluators, speech projects, leadership training, fellow members, and friends in your corner, your skills will be finetuned, cultivated, and enhanced beyond belief.

The origin of our club dates back to February 2021 when we officially chartered as a Toastmasters Club under the leadership of Arshad Nizam, DTM as our Charter President. Our club now constitutes a mix of engineers, business executives, consultants, HR professionals, lecturers, teachers, entrepreneurs, undergraduates, photographers, musicians and many more.

Despite our relatively short history, our members have already made an impact at all levels of Toastmasters, and we are proud to say that our members include speakers who have made it all the way to the District stage and also leaders who have been supporting not only our club, but the entirety of District 82 of Toastmasters International.

OUR MISSION We provide a supporting and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

OUR CORE VALUES INTEGRITY SERVICE

RESPECT EXCELLENCE

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL - MISSION We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL ENVISIONED FUTURE To be the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development.

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MEET THE EXCO CCTMC - 2023/24 PRESIDENT Lakalya de Silva

lakalyadesilva@gmail.com | +94 71 983 8971

VP - EDUCATION Nathasha Silva

nattosilva99@gmail.com | +94 71 888 7220

VP - MEMBERSHIP Nishedha Indraratne

nk.indraratne@gmail.com | +94 77 784 6668

VP - PUBLIC RELATIONS Pathum Jayasuriya

pathumakalanka28@gmail.com | +94 75 732 6917

SECRETARY Imesha Dissanayake

imeshadissanayake1@gmail.com | +94 77 656 5866

TREASURER Divya de Saram

divya.desaram@gmail.com | +94 70 581 8426

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Janith Jinadasa

janithsahanaka@gmail.com | +94 77 181 9846

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Uditha Weerasinghe skuditha@gmail.com | +94 71 659 7356

JOIN IN ON THE FUN! Central Colombo Toastmasters Club meets every other Sunday (2nd and 4th Sundays of the month) from 3:45 PM onwards. While almost every meeting is a hybrid meeting - which means that you can always join us on Zoom - our physical meeting space is the 5th Floor, Academy of Finance, Kollupitiya.

SCAN the QR code to fill out our form!

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CO NT EN TS

WHAT TO EXPECT...

Messages from Beyond... (the club)

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Messages from Within the Club

07

Testimonial + Editor’s Note

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Sticking with Toastmasters - CCTMC Speaks

09

Term Recap - in Pictures!

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Guest Contribution: Top Tips for Table Topics

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CCTMC’s High School Superlatives

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Into the Unknown - CCTMC Speaks

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Spotlight: Our Newest Newbies Say Hi

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Sharing the Wealth: CCTMC and Speechcraft

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Our Newest Dilemma: Navigating Timezones

20

Beyond Basics: Contesting, Winning, Becoming DTM

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Club Calendar

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GREETINGS FROM THE DISTRICT DIRECTOR! Mahinda Karunakara, DTM District Director District 82 (2023-2024) Dear Esteemed Members of Central Colombo TMC, I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the publication of this extraordinary magazine. The strides and accomplishments made by Central Colombo TMC within our Toastmasters community are truly commendable, and a significant portion of the credit goes to the exemplary leadership demonstrated by Lakalya. Her collaborative approach has fostered a culture of exceptional teamwork, enabling your team to consistently excel in enriching the lives of Toastmasters through effective communication and leadership.

It is important to recognize that the club serves as the fundamental unit of Toastmasters. It is at this level where members join and find value, not only within the Area, Division, or District. When a club operates smoothly and efficiently, additional layers of hierarchy become less crucial.

I appreciate the Vibrant Club Culture you have in your club. Your club’s spirit remains vibrant and supportive, creating an environment where members feel empowered to express themselves and reach new heights. The positive energy in the room is a reflection of the camaraderie we've built together. I encourage you to keep the spirit of camaraderie alive. Let us collaborate and share best practices, engage in mentorship, and celebrate each other's achievements.

Let us collectively strive to offer the invaluable gifts of increased confidence, professionalism, networking, and leadership skills to as many individuals as possible. Moreover, let us remember that enjoyment and FUN are integral components of this process. Drawing from personal experience and that of our four million members in 145 countries worldwide, I firmly believe that the simple act of participating in a Toastmasters club is all that is required to empower individuals to embark on the path to success.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to every Toastmaster in Central Colombo Toastmasters Club. Your passion and commitment are the bedrock of our community's strength. Let us stand united in our pursuit of excellence and create a lasting impact that extends far beyond our club meetings.

Thank you and congratulations to all!

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MESSAGE FROM THE DIVISION DIRECTOR It is an honour to pen a few words for Central Colombo Toastmasters Club. You have been growing from strength to strength, especially as a dynamic club in Division B and Distrct 82 during this Toastmasters year. Your commitment towards self Sevelopment and Motivaion to grow internally make me be happy.

This club has begun spreading its wings beyond its own club, and have ventured into the fulfilling avenue of coaching and mentoring outside organizations via Speechcraft Programs.

piribakaran’s message

I would like to take this time to remind the energetic members and leaders of the club of the following: clear Vision as a member and club; identifying your priorities, planning and focusing towards growth; consistency in action and performing in the best way for your personal and club’s growth will take the club towards great success. You ought not to back down or take a step back.

This is where dedication, commitment, delegation of responsibility becomes important. We must all strive for excellence as individuals and as a team.

SEE THE SEA WITHIN YOU. We shall continue to discover our own treasures.

We shall build a great nation with effective communicators and Leaders. You are our hope.

Keep growing. We will continue to support you.

Kanapathipillai Pirabakaran, DTM Division Director - Division B District 82 (2023-2024)

Central Colombo has been a club that I was fortunate to be involved in since its inception. I’m proud to call it my home club. It is a true embodiment of the toastmasters’ core values, and truly is a pleasure to see such an active member base that you would definitely catch in any toastmaster’s event. Central Colombo is a pillar of strength within the area, and an asset to toastmasters’ fraternity. They are an inclusive and energetic bunch and have such a contagious positive vibe, you would not go wrong in visiting as a guest. It has been two years and counting since its inception and now that the club has a strong foundation it is time to look to the future. Times are changing and with time so would a member’s educational needs.

My wish is that you would continue to innovate the member experience and spread word of the great experiences that lie in wait for folks who are yet to get a taste of toastmasters. I would like to congratulate the EXCO for their fantastic work done and encourage them to continue to do so until it is time to pass on the torch. I would like to wish every member and reader a great toastmaster’s year ahead, with great education and personal development and fun in the process of doing so.

Praveen Nanayakkara Area Director - B2 District 82 (2023-2024)

AREA DIRECTOR SAYS HELLO! 06

To the coolest kids in town - AKA, the membership of CCTMC, I’m delighted to pen my thoughts for the Central Point, the biannual newsletter of the Central Colombo Toastmasters Club. Since its inception, CCTMC has been a vibrant club with very dynamic and diverse individuals. This year has been no different. We had fun educational meetings with high member engagement, gave our best at contests to be better versions of ourselves and expanded our horizons by taking up responsibilities that were beyond our comfort zone.

“For the strength of the wolf is the pack and the strength of the pack is the wolf”. I believe this quote by Rudyard Kipling best describes the CCTMC culture that nourishes its members with empathy and strength while celebrating their individuality, creativity and ambitions. I consider it an absolute privilege to be a wolf in this dynamic pack and its leader.

This year we focused on being crazy professional while keeping our members’ growth and development at our core. I’m extremely proud of the growth we’ve witnessed in our newly joined members who have boldly and brightly taken up each opportunity that came their way.

From taking up table topics to supporting Speechcrafts, their enthusiasm and engagement are a testament to the transformation they have experienced with toastmasters. As always, the seasoned toastmasters who stay deep-rooted in CCTMC are an invaluable asset to our budding club and I’m grateful for their active involvement in mentoring us to make sure we don’t stray from our core values. It is this blend of old and new that makes CCTMC the best fit for many young professionals who strive to be better versions of themselves.

The newsletter is a culmination and a reflection of the vibrant culture we experience at CCTMC. It is with great joy that I invite you to immerse yourself in Volume 3, Issue 1 of Central Point.

Have a pleasant read & get in tune to the pulse of CCTMC!

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT Lakalya de Silva 07

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Wow - what a term it has been! CCTMC has no doubt been through the ringer during the last few months, and we’ve had plenty to show for it! It is a privilege to be able to document all of the wonderful things we have done, in the following pages.

Editing the Central Point has always been a dream of mine, and the reality has been nothing less than magical. I’d like to thank all of the contributors who sent in some of the best articles I’ve read in a while, at the drop of a hat!

A massive thank you goes out to CCTMC’s PR wing for all of the support extended, and of course, to our wonderful Madam President for doing everything that the rest of us couldn’t.

Please know, that as you scroll through these pages, that each one holds a piece of official CCTMC history that you should be proud to be a part of.

Every article is a showcase of the brilliance of our membership and of our well-wishers. Every photo is a snippet of the absolute joy that every meeting of CCTMC brings to us all, and every word has been carefully curated for you, with love and care.

I hope that this Issue of The Central Point brings you the chance to reflect on how awesome you have been and as a reminder that your efforts are always noticed.

Have a great read!

TM NISHEDHA INDRARATNE EDITOR - THE CENTRAL POINT, VOL 3, ISSUE 1

TESTIMONIAL Central Colombo Toastmasters club, is definitively not your ‘run of the mill’ club!

Having worked with several of the members of the club prior to penning these words, many of whom went on to become good friends, they show a level of commitment to their promises rarely seen these days! The club’s membership definitely stands on levels of higher standards, and they dare to leave a strong impression wherever they may tread!

I walked into their club with the invite of being a chief judge for a club contest (which I rarely take up, but this one time, I made an exception). The contest showed me just how resilient and interested these members are in selfdevelopment and in supporting each other. At a time when clubs are struggling to stay on their feet, the members of CCTMC show up day in and day out to give their club a 100% of their effort. Since then, I've been joining CCTMC's meetings as a Guest Toastmaster and have been assisting them with carrying out various programs to develop the speaking and leadership skills of other organizations through Speechcraft Programs and YLPs. It's been a pleasure to see this young club grow stronger with each passing month, and I'm sure they'll be growing bigger and more influential in time.

GADJEN SURYAKUMAR, DTM PINNACLE ADVANCED TMC SMEDLEY TMC

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THE ROAD TO TOASTMASTERS...

From my early years, I've been drawn to the thrill of expressing my thoughts in front of others. It all started with talking to myself in the mirror, a quirky yet effective way to boost my confidence. During my school days, I ventured into the world of public speaking through the Gavel Club.

However, my involvement waned due to various extracurricular activities.

As an undergraduate, my enthusiasm for public speaking found a new home in the University Gavel Club, eventually leading me to the vibrant community of Toastmasters. Joining the Central Colombo Toastmasters Club proved to be a game-changer. The warm camaraderie and the genuine acceptance of members created an atmosphere that I couldn't resist.

In this club, I discovered more than a platform to improve my communication and leadership skills; I found a second family. The interconnectedness of members and the unique support system have made it a safe space to share my thoughts comfortably. It's not just a learning environment; it's a community of the coolest and most supportive individuals I've encountered.

A year into this transformative journey, the lessons I've gained are beyond measure. The Central Colombo Toastmasters Club has become my haven, a place where I continually strive to evolve as both a leader and a public speaker. Beyond the structured meetings, it's a space where personal growth is not just encouraged but celebrated.

In this journey, I've come to realize that leadership extends far beyond the corporate world. It involves navigating the course of our lives, families, and the circles we inhabit. This Toastmasters community has not only refined my communication abilities but ignited a passion within me to be a leader in various aspects of life.

Each meeting becomes a stepping stone in my personal growth, and the Central Colombo Toastmasters Club has become an integral part of my ongoing journey toward self-improvement and leadership development.

TM DIVYA DE SARAM CLUB TREASURER

...IS PAVED WITH RESILIENCE. 09

FROM TIMID TO TRIUMPHANT! In the past three years, my journey with Toastmasters has been nothing short of transformative. Initially, when i joined toastmasters I was hesitant, akin to a timid mouse. However, with each session, I found my voice and courage, evolving into a confident and articulate lion. The new Exco role I undertook for the year, as the VPEd of the club is by far the most challenging yet eliciting experience. Toastmasters has been the catalyst for a profound personal metamorphosis.

Beyond conquering the fear of public speaking, Toastmasters has opened unexpected career doors. The skills I honed in communication and leadership have translated into tangible opportunities, propelling my professional growth. The club, in essence, became my launchpad for success.

More than skill development, I was gifted with a remarkable family and a network of like-minded individuals. The camaraderie and support within the club are unparalleled, fostering an environment where growth is not only encouraged but celebrated.

What makes this journey even more remarkable is witnessing the club's exponential growth. From the club's inception, I've seen it blossom into a vibrant community. The collective enthusiasm and commitment of each member have contributed to a thriving hub of learning and encouragement.

In just three years, toastmasters has become more than a weekly meeting; it's a transformative journey that turned a mouse into a lion, opened doors in my career, fostered leadership skills, and provided a warm family and network. CCTMC is the foundation upon which all my success lies. It is not just a club; it's a life-changing experience.

TM NATHASHA SILVA - VP EDUCATION

THE UNCHARTED PATH...

Deciding to join CCTMC ended up reshaping both my professional and personal landscapes. The atmosphere at Central Colombo Toastmasters was unlike any I had experienced before - supportive, non-judgmental, and pulsating with positive energy.

Despite my initial apprehension, I summoned the courage to deliver my Ice Breaker. It was a modest endeavor, yet it felt like conquering Mount Everest. My voice quivered, my hands clammy, and my heart beat like a drum. However, amidst my nerves, I witnessed something remarkable - an engaged and appreciative audience. It was a turning point.

Central Colombo Toastmasters has become more than a platform to refine public speaking; it's a catalyst for personal transformation. The club has not only polished my communication skills but has also woven a rich tapestry of friendships and connections. Within its nurturing environment, I discovered a passion for helping others, honed leadership skills, and embraced a journey of continuous growth; I only plan to continue moving forward and upward.

TM PATHUM JAYAS00RIYA - VP PUBLIC RELATIONS

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THE TERM IN PICTURES

(because we like pictures) CCTMC spent the past Toastmasters term making strides and redefining the meaning of “educational meeting”. One of our favourite meetings took place on the premises of ComicsCon, with a dedicated TMOD who donned the costume of his favourite anime character. We’ve

celebrated Avurudhu and Children’s Day, we’ve turned the room into a detective’s workshop we’ve unapologetically indulged in the wonder of chocolate and we’ve made waves at “Ovation 2023” - all in true, CCTMC style.

We had a fabulous Installation ceremony, but we didn’t forget to hang out at home to play games and make memories.

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THE TERM IN MORE PICTURES CCTMC conducted a successful Humorous Speech and Evaluations Contest, and continued our string of fun meetings with a Halloween Joint Meeting and capped off the stint with an ambitious Open House Meeting, which attracted many prospective members to the club. At the mid-year Division Conference, several of our club members played important roles in the organizing committee, and one of ours represented our club at both contests at Division level.

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CONQUERING TABLE TOPICS: MY TOP 10 TIPS I’m tickled and thrilled at the prospect of contributing to one of my favourite clubs’ newsletters. While pondering on what to write for you, I thought about what would be the most challenging aspect of Toastmasters to a new member and then, I realized that Table Topics is often a subject that Toastmasters approach after they’ve become too comfortable with the rest of the process. So, I thought I’d offer you my top 10 tips for becoming a better Table Topics Speaker. Forgive me for drawing from personal experience.

01. Practice Regularly Like anything else, becoming a good Table Topics speaker comes with practice. When you’re with your significant other, for example, use that time to practice by bringing up a completely unrelated argument and seeing how much you can stretch it.

02. Expand Your Knowledge Base I used to be confused with certain speech titles, until I realized it was my fault for only knowing things about science. I switched my daily TikTok scroll to a daily Instagram scroll, and I ended up expanding my knowledge of celebrities significantly. Also, browse literally any other site for information at least one hour a day, and you’re on your way.

03. Develop a Structure People love the “opening, body, conclusion” structure in any speech, and in a Table Topics speech, having any structure at all is impressive. Try structuring everything that you think about in this way - if you see someone attractive on the road, open your thought with a sweet quote, move on to the descriptive body, and wrap up with an “ah, in another life” lament and move on.

04. Listen Actively Next time your S/O says something, listen to every word meaningfully. This’ll help tackle those pesky TT titles.

05. Think on Your Feet If you’re constantly breaking rules, this must come naturally to you. If not, challenge yourself to think fast, think smart and to articulate your thoughts at lightning speed.

06. Embrace the Unknown Some Table Topics really mess with your head - replace the panic that sets in, with the calm acceptance that you’re just going to do the best that you can.

07. Use Humour Wisely I know that a lot of you are hilarious, so use your natural gift for the humorous script when you need to - but be careful not to offend or come off as inappropriate, as it might break your chances at a good score.

08. Seek Feedback Your evaluator has 1 minute for you, so ask them for a longer evaluation after the meeting. Ask friends to evaluate you and present you with feedback later on. I know we hate to hear it, but that’s the best way to get better and move forward.

09. Manage Nervousness Being nervous is a guaranteed thing, unless you’re the most confident person on earth. Learn how best to manage your particular brand of nervousness by channeling it into energy! You can even do a quick meditation before you start your speech - for about, 1 second.

10. Record and Review Perhaps the most underutilized tool that we have (when we’re not mindlessly scrolling) is the smart phone.

Ask someone to record your speech and go back to watch yourself note the body language, the awkward tics, the things you do that you can’t usually see.

When you know what you look like doing a Table Topic, you can use that information to put on a better show in the future.

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR SANARA PREMARATNE BATTARAMULLA TOASTMASTERS CLUB

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CCTMC’S Laks

Kasun Most likely to start a new club.

Most likely to call at 11pm.

HIGH SCHOOL SUPERLATIVES Jine

Praveen Most likely to talk about what she said.

Most likely to ask about the price.

Pathum

Most likely to snap his fingers at you.

Yasho Most likely to apologise.

Dighayu Most likely to cheer for you.

Pasindu Most likely to wear a wig.

Ranja Most likely to be in an action movie.

Imesha

Nats

Hasho

Most likely to educate you. Most likely to put Most likely to correct you in your place. your grammar.

Nish

Sajani

Arunali Most likely to call you “girlie”.

Most likely to text 2 weeks in advance.

Most likely to be called “Alice”.

Kalpa

Most likely to know how to invest money.

Patali Most likely to take your photo.

Metha Most likely to start a business.

Zainab Most likely to have a to-do list.

Darra Most likely to ask you to study marketing.

Divs

Mrinali

Most likely to tell you she’s the treasurer.

Most likely to call you “akka” or “aiya”.

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CCTMC NOW, CCTMC TOMORROW. As we reflect on the first half of the year, it's evident that Central Colombo Toastmasters Club (CCTMC) has embarked on a remarkable journey of growth, leadership development, and collective achievement.

As the Secretary of the club I am honoured to share my thoughts and collective aspirations we have as a club, headed by our very own President. The coming second half of the year holds promise of fresh opportunities, and renewed enthusiasm, with a collective commitment to furthering our personal and professional growth through effective communication and leadership.

One of the main objectives for this year is to increase the club's membership and retention. With the leadership of Vice President Membership, we want to attract more people who are interested in improving their communication and leadership skills, and provide them with a supportive and friendly environment where they can learn and grow. We also want to keep our existing members engaged and motivated, by offering them opportunities to participate in various roles, projects, and contests. To achieve this, we have conducted membership building activities and an open house event, and hope to continue to do so in the second half with mentorship programs, and recognition awards as well.

Another objective for this year is to enhance the quality of our club meetings and educational programs. We want to ensure that every meeting is well-organized, productive, and enjoyable for everyone building on the core values of CCTMC. We also want to provide our members with relevant and useful resources and feedback that can help them achieve their personal and professional goals. To achieve this, we have conducted evaluations and surveys, and hope to continue to do so in the second half with guest speakers and trainers to impart knowledge to our members.

A third objective for this year is to strengthen our club's network and visibility. With the leadership of the Vice President of Education and Public Relations, we want to build positive relationships with other clubs, organizations, and communities that share our vision and values. We also want to promote our club's achievements and activities to the public and potential members.

To achieve this, as a club we have participated in interclub events, joint meetings, social media campaigns, and public relations initiatives. We hope to continue this in the second half as well.

TM IMESHA DISSANAYAKE CLUB SECRETARY

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THE FRUITS OF RESOLUTION Toastmasters is a definite place to learn and grow! Joining Toastmasters in 2019 was not something I had long planned or written as a new year resolution, but something which had constantly been an interest as I was a Gavelier. However, joining has been a constant support in every aspect in my life.

Irrespective of whether it is an academic presentation, a project proposal for work or merely writing an email to request a supervisor’s views, Toastmasters has helped me develop my language, eloquence and confidence.

It has definitely given me a helping hand as a qualification when going for a job! My current supervisor at my workplace prefers to send me to introduce the projects of the entity as he believes in my communication skills.

It has also allowed me to me confident as a leader to both at the practical field and workplace.

People skills gained at Toastmasters has allowed me to entail group discussions and come to positive and integrated solutions.

Another great advantage is that Toastmasters allows to get to know many individuals of various interests and specialties! This allows to understand and explore knowledge through discussion and also allows to gain inspiration from their work!

Another great advantage is timing!

Toastmasters has taught me the value of 2 mins, it has shown me how much information can be shared in 7 minutes and allowed me to mentally map my usage of time.

It has greatly improved my performance in professional settings!

Therefore toastmasters has been a constant support for all endeavors in high spirits!

TM SAJANI JAYATHMA

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SPOTLIGHT: CCTMC’S NEWEST NEWBIES I am Mrinali Xavier. IIT is where I am an undergraduate student at, doing a degree in software engineering. I have more to say about school life, which will define me, now that I've just moved into campus life.

I was a student who wanted to be involved in extracurricular activities but was also very interested in academics. It was a wise choice I made to better my leadership and socialize myself. But once I got into A/L's, I decided to take a break from everything and only concentrate on my studies.

With all this, my efforts fell far from what I needed to accomplish. That infuriated me, and I wanted to change that feeling. Yet, I came to know that although life never goes exactly as planned, I may still build a different route that might CCTMC was a part of it. I’m glad that I have a new home where I can develop my leadership skills.

TOASTMASTER MRINALI XAVIER

I'm TM Kalpa Rashmika, a 26-year-old graduate from the University of Colombo, Faculty of Science, currently working as an Analyst in Asset Management at Capital Alliance Limited.

Outside the financial world, I find joy in watching anime, movies and TV series, especially in sci-fi, adventure, and mystery genres.

Hiking is my passion, offering solace from my introverted nature. I thrive in smaller, more intimate settings, finding it challenging to engage with strangers.

Seeking personal growth, I joined Toastmasters to overcome communication barriers and connect with others.

I navigate life with curiosity, and like tackling different challenges, not the same thing every day.

TOASTMASTER KALPA RASHMIKA

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WE TAKE WHAT WE’VE LEARNED...

This year, CCTMC has had the opportunity to spearhead two Speechcraft Programs at the Institute of Chartered Accountants Sri Lanka, under the guidance of Marketers Toastmasters Club. One batch was coordinated by TM Praveen Nanayakkara and the other was coordinated by TM Nishedha Indraratne. More than 40 students have been given a crash course in public speaking by CCTMC’s team of resourcepersons.

“The Speechcraft program with CCTMC has been a transformative journey for me. The structured guidance and constructive feedback provided by the program not only enhanced my public speaking skills but also instilled confidence in my ability to craft compelling and impactful speeches. I am immensely grateful for the support given by TM Nish and the CCTMC Team. The invaluable lessons gained through this program, have undoubtedly elevated my communication prowess.” - Akila Gamage - Student, ICASL

"Before our Speechcraft, I was terrified at the prospect of speaking on stage. When Nathasha & Uditha took over with their team, though, I was encouraged every step of the way to take the plunge - and then I realized that it wasn't too bad! The CCTMC team made sure to give us all the knowledge that we could handle, and at the end of the program, I felt like a whole new person. I learned so much thanks to these Toastmasters." - Hasangi Udayakumari, BMICH Staff Member

The club also had the chance to lead a Speechcraft Program for the staff members of the BMICH. Led by TM Uditha Weerasinghe and TM Nathasha Silva, 20 of BMICH’s staff members were coached for 10 straight weeks on the various competencies associated with a good public speaker. Each meeting was made more vibrant with a carefully curated keynote presentation on an important aspect related to public speaking. The course ended as it began - as a success.

...AND WE PAY IT FORWARD. 18

HELPING THE YOUNGER GENERATION CCTMC was also fortunate enough to get the chance to work alongside the students and administration of Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya, for a series of speech development programs and in the reinstating of the school’s Gavel Club. Returning to their Alma Mater, TMs Nishedha and Mrinali have provided valuable training to all students, and will continue to do so with the help of the members of CCTMC and associates. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to DTM Gadjen Suryakumar and to TM Dilrukshi Rajapakse for their continued support in this endeavour.

"We were looking to revive our Gavel Club and to breathe some new energy into our school, and CCTMC answered our prayers! Not only did Nishedha and her team take us on in full force, but they also taught our children from their level, to live up to their potential. The students at HFC have become more confident thanks to CCTMC, and will become more and more outgoing with their help in the future, I'm sure."

- Rev. Sr. Charitha Thandalge, Principal, HFC Bambalapitiya.

...REACH THEIR POTENTIAL. 19

NAVIGATING TIME ZONES: A TOASTMASTER'S DILEMMA Greetings from across the miles! As someone passionate about self-growth, I find myself facing a unique challenge that not many of you might empathize with - the time zone struggle. Living on the other side of the world from our home club has its perks, but it also comes with its own set of hurdles, especially when it comes to attending our beloved Sunday morning Educational Meetings.

Picture this: the alarm blares at 4 am on a Sunday, and while the rest of the small town of Starkville is still wrapped in the tranquility of sleep, I am gearing up to join our hybrid gathering. The commitment to my journey of self-growth is unwavering, but the sacrifice of precious weekend sleep is a battle I face regularly. Why, you might wonder, go through this ordeal every week? The answer is simple - the value of consistent participation in Toastmasters meetings cannot be overstated. Each session is an opportunity to hone our public speaking skills, receive constructive feedback, and stay connected with the vibrant community we have nurtured.

However, the dilemma lies in the balancing act between the commitment to self-improvement and the demands of a global clock. Missing out on these sessions would mean losing touch with the rhythm of public speaking, making each subsequent presentation a bit more challenging.

Presentations, that I must make at least once per week as a Graduate Student studying Physics.

The struggle is not just about waking up early; it's about maintaining the momentum, the camaraderie, and the personal growth that our Toastmasters journey promises. It's a testament to the dedication we share as members of this club, scattered across different time zones, yet united by a common passion for selfimprovement and effective communication.

So, as I navigate through the bleary-eyed mornings and occasional battles with the snooze button, I encourage each of you to reflect on your own commitment to our Toastmasters family. Whether it's a time zone challenge, work commitments, or any other hurdle, let's remind ourselves that the effort we invest in our personal development is a gift that keeps on giving.

Here's to conquering time zones, embracing challenges, and continuing our journey as Toastmasters with unwavering determination!

Yours in Toastmasters spirit,

TM UDITHA WEERASINGHE IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

20

5

FROM THE MOUTH OF CHAMPS:

TOP TIPS FOR STRONG COMPETITION

LAKALYA DE SILVA 2nd Place - Humorous Speech Contest, CCTMC 3rd Place - Humorous Speech Contest, Area B2

TACKLING A HUMOROUS SPEECH

1. Script your speech Take that pen and those highlighters, write your jokes word to word, highlight which words need punch, which tone to use, and where to pause for effect.

Let your script be your director.

2. Know your style Do you get a thrill out of making intelligent jokes, or are you a fan of dad jokes? More often, we lie on the spectrum. It'll be good to know where you lie so you can capitalize on your strengths better.

3. Test out diverse audiences Humor is absolutely subjective. What's funny to you might not be funny to me. This is why it's important to know your audience, but most importantly, this is why you should test the speech with a diverse audience to gauge their reaction.

4. Timing is everything.

Leave plenty of time for the audience to laugh. Remember, a responsive audience is any speaker’s dream, and every second of every minute should be savoured.

5. Enjoy your speech, embrace your story The deeper your connection with your speech is, the better the audience’s connection with you will be. Is this a story you really want to say? Remember, this is, first and foremost, your story. No one knows it better than you, so go ahead, enjoy your speech and embrace your story. Be fearless.

PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE EVALUATION 1. It’s always about them.

A good rule of thumb is to remember that a good evaluation has to benefit the speaker - you’re not supposed to just perform, you’re supposed to help the speaker with identifying their strengths and areas of improvement.

NISHEDHA INDRARATNE 2nd Place -Evaluation Speech Contest, CCTMC 3rd Place -Evaluation Speech Contest, Area B2

2. Always be “braining”.

Never lose sight of your objective - it’s easy to get swept away with a brilliant test speech, but try to keep your head and be analytical with every second you consume.

3. Be an audience member.

Yes, you’re evaluating. No, you don’t have to not enjoy yourself. Gauging audience response applies to you as an audience member, as much as it does to everyone else. Live in the speech, feel those feelings!

4. Pick out REAL points and stick to them.

Instead of having 3 positives and 2 negatives at the ready, and modifying your evaluation to them, pick out points that are actually relevant.

5. Be a professional, polite friend.

Never try to sound like you know better than the speaker. Always remain humble, and remind them that these are your opinions only.

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THE GOAL OF COMPETITION IS NOT TO WIN. THERE IS A GREATER PURPOSE. Dighayu Jayawardene has become a powerhouse of speech at CCTMC. Recently, after winning Humorous Speech and Evaluation Speech Contests at Club Level, and conquering the Area Level Contests, he took the club all the way to the Division Level, where he emerged 1st Runner Up for both Humorous Speech and Evaluations. Our editor had a quick interview with our reigning champion to get some insight into the mind of a winning speaker, and here’s what he had to say:

Dighayu, what was it like being on stage again? How did all of this begin?

As it does for every contestant, my journey began at the club contest level. Even though, the contest run was fell short, it was truly a moment beyond expression to compete after two years of absence on the contest stage. But this time the help from the club members was very special in my contest run. They were eager to support my journey with their time, insightful feedback, heartfelt encouragement and positive words.

What makes a winning speech?

I think a winning speech is created not through the genius of an individual, but through the combined feedback of many Toastmasters and of course preparation.

What kind of preparation do you do for your speeches?

Preparing for a contest starts months ahead of time. It all starts with a speech purpose. Second only to managing fear, selecting a compelling speech purpose is the biggest challenge. You don’t necessarily need to have a problem to write a speech. You can choose a single, inspirational core theme, rooted in an eternal truth. Then, you can ask yourself “what is the message I want in my speech?” Be clear on the message you want to get across. Try to phrase it in 10 words or less in a way that is easy to remember. I find that sitting down before I write a speech and getting clear on my purpose for speaking, helps me to distill a message statement. I then write my stories and content to support that message. Your first draft should help you to structure your thoughts, but as you practice what you want to say you should be able to rewrite your speech in your conversational voice and start adding small nuances that improve your message. This is what will allow the audience to connect to you. Always consider the audience you are presenting to and what their needs might be. Are there relevant humour points or references you can include that they will appreciate? If you prepare with them in mind, you should get a really warm reception.

“Choose a single, inspirational core theme, rooted in an eternal truth.”

TM DIGHAYU JAYAWARDENE

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How did you practice for your contests?

It always feels good for someone to guide you in the contest journey. A senior toastmaster who would show your mistakes and provide constructive criticism throughout. I would also recommend to script everything. Even the hand gestures and the voice modulations. This will help yourself to practice better with the awareness and understanding.

Any tips for aspiring speakers waiting to take the plunge?

It all starts with your choice. You might feel your nervousness weighing you down, but my advice is to take the bull by the horns. Members of CCTMC are always willing to lend a hand and help you improve. It’s quite the amazing crowd we have here. You end your speech halfway, they applaud. You stutter, they applaud. The support the club provides to its members are second to none.

When all seems lost, what keeps you going?

No matter how much we have practiced, how robust our winning mindset is we all become discouraged. Take a small break and start again. Start again until you feel accomplished and have fed your self-satisfaction of achieving something great.

How did you improve on your evaluation skills?

Taking judging opportunities at speech contests not only allow yourself to listen to an array of speeches, but also it will enhance your perspective of viewing them in a critical way. This will help you be better at providing evaluations.

What’s the best way to learn about evaluations?

Volunteer to do evaluations at club meetings and request a member to do a personal evaluation on the evaluation you delivered.

What’s the next contest that you’re preparing for?

I am excited for the International Speech contest, and I am hoping to reach the District Finals.

Best of luck for your future contests!

Thank you!

“No matter how much we have practiced, how robust our winning mindset is we all become discouraged. Take a small break and start again. Start again until you feel accomplished and have fed your selfsatisfaction of achieving something great.”

TM DIGHAYU JAYAWARDENE INTERVIEWED BY TM NISHEDHA INDRARATNE

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WHY SHOULD YOU BECOME A DISTINGUISHED TOASTMASTER? KASUN ILANGARATNE, DTM AND HASHINI SILVA, DTM

In the world of public speaking and leadership development, the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation stands as a symbol of excellence. Earning this title means that a person has not only mastered the art of effective communication but has also shown a strong commitment to personal and professional growth. The path to becoming a DTM is difficult and demanding, and it requires a mix of dedication, hard work, and a love of selfimprovement, that is well worth it for a multitude of reasons.

A Journey of Transformation The DTM journey starts with finishing two learning paths in Toastmasters' Pathways program. This program is a deep learning experience that helps members learn everything they need to know about public speaking, leadership, and personal development. As people go through the program, they get better at writing good speeches, using storytelling to keep their audience interested, and dealing with difficult conversations in a calm and confident way.

Beyond Honing Speaking Skills: A Leadership Odyssey While DTM aspirants are working on their speaking skills, they are also going on a leadership journey. They take on different roles in their Toastmasters clubs and districts.

They serve as club officers, helping and supporting their fellow members, and they contribute to the overall success of their clubs. Their leadership experiences help them learn a lot about team dynamics, how to delegate tasks well, and how to inspire and motivate others.

The DTM Advantage: A Treasure Trove of Benefits Achieving the DTM designation unlocks a treasure trove of benefits, extending far beyond the Toastmasters community. DTMs are recognized as exceptional communicators and leaders. Organizations and individuals are looking for them to provide guidance and expertise in public speaking, leadership development, and team building.

In the Professional Arena: A Force to Be Reckoned With In the professional world, DTMs are respected and admired for their mastery of communication skills. They can explain complex ideas in a clear and concise way, present their ideas in a persuasive way, and deal with difficult conversations with poise and tact. Their ability to inspire, motivate, and foster collaboration makes them invaluable assets to any team or organization.

Beyond the Professional Realm: A Beacon of Mentorship and Guidance Beyond professional settings, DTMs are sought after as mentors and coaches.

They guide aspiring speakers and leaders on their own journeys of personal growth. Their expertise and experience empower others to reach their full potential, fostering a culture of effective communication and leadership within their communities.

A Lifetime of Learning: A Never-Ending Pursuit of Excellence The pursuit of the DTM designation is not just about getting recognition; it is a lifelong commitment to learning and self-improvement. DTMs are always looking for ways to expand their knowledge, improve their skills, and contribute to the Toastmasters community. They attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay upto-date on the latest developments in communication and leadership theory.

Their passion for learning is an inspiration to others, showing that the pursuit of excellence is a journey that never ends.

In Conclusion: A Legacy of Inspiration and Excellence In conclusion, the Distinguished Toastmaster designation represents the pinnacle of achievement within the Toastmasters organization. It is a testament to an individual's dedication to mastering the art of public speaking, developing exceptional leadership skills, and fostering a commitment to lifelong learning. DTMs stand as role models and mentors, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys of personal and professional growth. Their impact extends far beyond the Toastmasters community, as they contribute to a world where effective communication and exceptional leadership are the norm.

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THE FUTURE

AWAITS

Have a look at our club calendar for the next few weeks...

DEC

10

DEC

17

JAN

Online Educational Meeting CCTMC’s Christmas Bash!

14

Hybrid Educational Meeting

JAN

Hybrid Educational Meeting + Moments of Truth

FEB

Valentine’s Day Themed Educational Meeting

28 11

THANK YOU FOR READING!

THE CENTRAL POINT TEAM NISHEDHA INDRARATNE (EDITOR) LAKALYA DE SILVA (CO-EDITOR) MRINALI XAVIER PATHUM JAYASOORIYA