HNB TMC - The Word

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER Sep | 2024

SEASON 21 | ISSUE 1

THE

HNB TOASTMASTERS CLUB

HNB TOASTMASTERS CLUB Club Number - 0642857 Region - 13 District 82 Division G WE MEET ON HYBRID MODE Area 01 17:30 (SLST)

TM THIWANKA FONSEKA VP EDUCATION

TM SHANE PERERA VP MEMBERSHIP

TM LASANTHA UNAWATUNA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

TM RUWANTHIKA PERERA SERGENT-AT-ARMS

TM NAGAJOTHI KRISHNAN VP PUBLIC RELATIONS

TM MANJULI DE SOYZA CLUB SECRETARY

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TM DON DUSHMANTHA PRESIDENT

TOGETHER, TOWARDS TOMORROW

HNB LEVEL 14 & VIA MS TEAMS

THE

EVERY 2ND AND 4TH THURSDAY

THE

ABOUT TOASTMASTERS What is Toastmasters?

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

Toastmasters District International Mission Mission

Club Mission

We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

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.

We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.

Toastmasters International Envisioned Future

CORE VALUES

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

INTEGRITY RESPECT SERVICE EXCELLENCE

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Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals. Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado with approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,000 clubs in 150 countries.

Content Highlights

Message from The President Our Achievements HNB Best Speaker Contest 2024

Upcoming Events

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New Member Corner

THE

05 06 08 09 19 20

Message from The Area Director

Message From

The Area Director (G1) Embracing the Power of Community for Personal and Collective Growth

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TM Amali De Silva Area Director, Area 1- Division G District 82 Toastmasters International

THE

As the Area Director for Area 1, Division G, it is with immense pride and admiration that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed executive committee on taking up the challenge of navigating HNB TMC’s chapter 21. Stepping into leadership roles is a testament to your commitment, and I have no doubt that under your guidance, the HNB Toastmasters Club will continue to flourish.

HNB Toastmasters Club stands out as a corporate club in the realm of Toastmasters. This unique position brings with it an immense responsibility to enhance the quality of our members in communication, leadership, branding, and social presence. As a corporate club, our mission is not only to foster individual growth but also to add tangible value to HNB as an organization. The skills we develop here directly contribute to the overall strength and reputation of HNB, making our journey even more impactful.

Belonging to a community like Toastmasters is more than just attending meetings or giving speeches; it is about being part of a dynamic environment that is constantly focused on the development, progress, and transformation of its members. Here, we find ourselves on a journey not just to improve our communication and leadership skills, but to become more confident, empowered individuals.

In Toastmasters, every role we take on, every speech we deliver, every piece of feedback we receive, and every connection we make is a step towards becoming better versions of ourselves. We learn, we grow, and most importantly, we inspire one another. It is this spirit of mutual support and continuous improvement that makes our community so special.

As we embark on this new chapter, let us remember the importance of supporting one another, of pushing beyond our comfort zones, and of embracing the opportunities that lie ahead. The journey may not always be easy, but it is through challenges that we discover our true potential.

I encourage each of you to fully immerse yourselves in this experience, to take risks, to lead with passion, and to speak with confidence. The transformation you seek is within reach, and it begins with your commitment to this incredible community.

Together, we can achieve great things. Let’s continue to build a strong, vibrant, and a supportive Toastmasters club that not only enhances our individual skills but also contributes to the success of our collective vision and to HNB’s overarching goals.

Here’s to a year of growth, achievement, and transformation!

Message From

The President Together We Rise A Vision for Excellence As I step into the role of President for this tenure, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead. Having been a part of this well-reputed corporate club for some time, I am deeply honored to have earned your trust and the nomination committee’s confidence in my ability to lead. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each member for believing in my leadership and vision for the future of our club.

Our Executive Committee, composed of seven dedicated individuals, Vice President Education, Vice President Membership, Vice President Public Relations, Club Secretary, Club Treasurer, Sergeant at Arms, Immediate Past President and myself has already begun working diligently to ensure that this year is one of growth, innovation, and continued excellence for our club. Each officer brings unique strengths and perspectives, and together we are committed to delivering an enriching experience for all our members.

Looking forward, our primary focus will be on enhancing the quality of our meetings, creating more opportunities for each member to shine, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. We recognize the importance of supporting each of you as you pursue your personal and professional development goals, and we will strive to provide the resources and encouragement you need to succeed.

This year, we have set an ambitious goal: to make our mark on the international stage of Toastmasters. While this is a challenging and perhaps even a daunting objective, I am confident that with our collective passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence, we can achieve it. Together, we can propel HNB Toastmasters to new heights and showcase our talents on a global scale, shining as a beacon of what a strong, united club can accomplish.

Thank you once again for your trust and support. As we embark on this exciting journey together, let’s aim high, embrace the challenges ahead, and make this a year to remember for all the right reasons.

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THE

TM Don Dushmantha President HNB Toastmasters Club 2024/25

Message From

The Editor Crafting Our Story with Words It is my pleasure to present to you our quarterly newsletter, centered around the theme “The Word.” In Toastmasters, words are our most powerful tools. They shape our speeches, influence our audience, and ultimately define our growth as communicators and leaders. This edition of our newsletter reflects the power and significance of "The Word" in our journey as Toastmasters.

As the Vice President of Public Relations, and being relatively new to this incredible community, I have found this role both challenging and immensely rewarding. It has not only enhanced my public speaking abilities but also allowed me to explore new dimensions of creativity and innovative thinking. The process of creating this newsletter has been a true testament to the power of words in connecting, inspiring, and empowering our members.

This newsletter is the result of a collective effort, and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the content providers who contributed their words of wisdom, insights, and experiences. Your contributions have enriched this edition, making it a true reflection of our club’s vibrant spirit.

I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the editorial committee members, whose dedication and hard work were instrumental in bringing this newsletter to life. Their meticulous attention to detail, creativity, and commitment ensured that we could present a high-quality publication that resonates with our theme and celebrates our club’s achievements.

As you read through the pages, you will find highlights of our club and individual member achievements, insights from our HNB Best Speaker Contest, a special feature in our New Member Corner and reflections on our successful Speechcraft Programs. All of these elements emphasize the importance of "The Word" in our shared Toastmasters journey.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Let us keep the power of words alive in our speeches, our interactions, and our shared goals as we move forward.

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THE

TM Nagajothi Krishnan Editor Vice President - Public Relations (2024/25) HNB Toastmasters Club

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

GO

LDE

N CLUB A WA

RD

PATHWAYS LEVEL COMPLETIONS

TM CHRISHENDRA DE SILVA

TM SURAJ DISSANAYAKE

TM MANJULI DE ZOYSA

TM SHENALI FERNANDO

Our Journey of Excellence!

Our Toastmasters Leading the Way in Pathways and Beyond!

TM THIWANKA FONSEKA

TM SUJANA JAYAMANNE

LEADERSHIPS BEYOND THE CLUB TM SHENALI FERNANDO

TM SURAJ DISSANAYAKE

TM MANJULI DE ZOYSA

TM CHRISHENDRA DE SILVA

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THE

TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS

TM NAGAJOTHI KRISHNAN

HNB

B S C EST

THE

WE ENGAGED QUALIFIIED, VIBRANT AND TALENTED TOASTMASTERS FROM THE FRATINITY TO GROOM OUR CONTESTANTS

PRESENTING THE WINNERS AND THE PARTICIPANTS FROM THE PRELIMINARY LEVEL

PEAKER

ONTEST 2024

HNB BSC 2024 AT A GLANCE

HNB BSC 2024 Success HNB BSC 2024 Project Team

TM LASANTHA UNAWATUNA

TM SURAJ DISSANAYAKE

Club President 23/24

TM DINESH SANJEEWA

VP Public Relations 23/24

TM PERVIN JAYAWARDHANE

TM RUWANDHI PERERA

Club Secretary

Club Sergeant at Arms

Club Treasurer

TM SURAJ DISSANAYAKE

TM NAGAJOTHI KRISHNAN

North Central

TM DINESH SANJEEWA

Colombo

Gayathri Ganeshan Senior Manager – Talent Development / Facilitator - HNB Toastmasters Club

Head Office Depts

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF JUDGE TM THANUJA JAYASINGHE

TM AMALI DE SILVA

Southern

TM KUMAR JAIRAJ

Central

North Western

DTM MODITHA ATTANAGODA

TM PERVIN JAYAWARDHANE

TM NADEESH COREA

Uva Sabaragamuwa

South Western

TM RAMANIYA LOHANATHAN Eastern

Greater Colombo

TM DON DUSHMANTHA Nothern

SEMI FINAL WINNERS

HNB BSC 2024 FINALISTS

Coming from a Toastmasters background, I knew that serving as a Chief Judge for a contest requires a great deal of homework, planning, organization, coordination, leadership, and networking. But overseeing 27 contests? That was an entirely different challenge—one that I initially found daunting. When I was first approached for the role of Chief Judge, I had my doubts. Could I really manage this? However, with days of careful planning and collaboration, we managed to craft the contest in a highly effective way. Not knowing the contestants beforehand made me hesitant about planning the contest. To overcome this uncertainty, I relied on a talented group of Toastmasters who served as Regional Coordinators. Their expertise and support were instrumental in making my job smoother.

I was fortunate to have 176 judges from across the country, each of whom gave their all—150%—in selecting the best of the best to advance to the next level. Many of these judges were individuals I had never met before, yet they contributed wholeheartedly. Working with new faces, leading separate teams with different objectives, planning numerous contests without any room for error, aligning the perspectives of all 176 judges, and coordinating various teams to achieve a common goal—this experience transformed my leadership style.

The HNB Best Speaker Contest 2024 was a remarkable event, and it was an honor to serve as its Chief Judge. I am deeply grateful to the HNB Toastmasters for giving me this incredible opportunity. This two-month journey concluded in style, leaving me with valuable experiences, new connections, and a sense of accomplishment.

Congratulations to the winners and all 338 contestants who brought this annual event to life. Cheers to the organizing committee, and best of luck in your upcoming contests!

TM Dilrukshi Mervin Chief Judge - HNB BSC 2024

HNB BSC 2024 - BEST REGION RECOGNITION EASTERN REGION

GAYATHRI GANESHAN SENIOR MANAGER - TALENT DEVELOPMENT / FACILITATOR OF HNB TMC

HNB BSC 2024 WINNERS PREPARED SPEECH CONTEST

HNB BSC 2024 WINNERS IMPROMPTU SPEECH CONTEST

TM DILRUKSHI MERVIN CHIEF JUDGE

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REGIONAL COORDINATORS

TM THIWANKA FONSEKA

VP Education 23/24

THE

EXCO 23/24

TM DON DUSHMANTHA Project Chair / VP Membership 23/24

MESSAGE FROM THE FACILITATOR We are very pleased with the success of our recent Best Speaker Contest, organized by the HNB Toastmasters Club. The contest was a fantastic opportunity for our staff who are not professional speakers or Toastmasters to demonstrate their speaking skills in both prepared and impromptu categories.

The contest, which included preliminaries, semi-finals, and finals, showcased the remarkable talents inherent within the Hatna Family.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved, and particularly to the HNB Toastmasters Club for their efforts in organizing this event, the Regional Heads and Branch Leaders for encouraging your staff and supporting the regional contests. Your hard work and support are greatly appreciated. We look forward to more participation of our staff in the future.

The Grand Finale PREPARED SPEECH WINNERS

1

2

HNB BEST SPEAKER CONTEST 2024

HIRUNI SAMARASINGHE - CCO

When I first got to know about best speaker contest 2024, I wasn't excited to apply because I was petrified of public speaking. However, my superiors at CCO department forced me to apply for the contest because they discovered that I was good at compering.

Luckily, I was supported by the Senior toastmasters and senior managers of CCO department about how should I stand in front of the audience confidently and narrate my speech. The most important advice they gave me was "Enjoy your moment on stage. Those 7 minutes will be the best experience you're going to have". Even after being scared of public speaking, I took the opportunity and gave my best not only to win the title but also to have the best few minutes on stage sharing my experience with a wonderful crowd. I spoke & they listened!

I'm grateful to the toastmasters club for organizing such events where staff members can discover their hidden talents and get new experiences

HARSHA PERERA - ANAMADUWA "HNB Best Speaker contest 2024 is a thrilling experience that I'll never forget. This experience taught me the value of preparation, the importance of confidence and the power of effective communication.

It also reinforced my belief that when you're passionate about something, that passion can inspire and move others. Competitions like these push us to step out of our comfort zones and strive for excellence. I am truly grateful for ’HNB Toastmasters Club' for organizing such a fabulous event to share "My Melody of Perseverance", which made hundreds of people scream my name - Harsha Harsha Harsha…"

3

BINALI WIJEKOON - NUGEGODA "HNB Best Speaker 2024 really did justice to my inner chatty personality. What a journey it was!! From blanking out in the preliminary rounds to securing a place amongst the top 03 finalists quite proved myself that you could do wonders yourself by stepping out of your comfort zones and giving it your best shot!! From being mentored by top professionals and intense grooming sessions, this experience not just boosted my self esteem to greater heights but powered my confidence as a good speaker too!!"

IMPROMPTU SPEECH WINNERS Winning first place in the Best Speaker contest (impromptu) has been an incredible honor. This experience has not only boosted my confidence but also reinforced my passion for public speaking.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my ideas and connect with an audience on such a meaningful level. The journey has taught me the importance of preparation, authenticity, and embracing challenges. I want to thank everyone who supported and encouraged me along the way. This achievement is a reminder that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.

2 3

SUMUDU FERNANDO - BATTARAMULLA Participating in the Best Speaker Contest was a transformative experience. I knew this was a unique opportunity to test my public speaking skills and connect with others who shared a passion for communication. Since this was an impromptu speech, I did not know what I am going to speak on, but still I connected my topic with my experience and what I have read.

When the results were announced, I was overjoyed to hear that I had placed among the top speakers.

In conclusion, the Best Speaker Contest was more than just a competition; it was a journey of self-discovery and improvement. It reminded me that every opportunity to speak is an opportunity to learn, and that the true reward lies in the connections we make through our words."

SANJAY PRINSKUMAR Competing in the Toastmasters Best Speaker Contest was an incredible experience. The challenge pushed me to refine my speaking skills and embrace the art of storytelling. Connecting with the audience, feeling the tension and energy in the room made it an invaluable experience. Most of all, The new friendships I've formed along the way are what I cherish primarily.

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1

MAHESHIKA MAPA - NAWALA

THE

The Books That Influenced Me First of all, I am not an avid book reader. Nevertheless, the few books that I have read, I read them with great enthusiasm. Even though I rarely read books, buying books in the hope of reading them one day has become a habit for me.

When I think of books, there are three books that influenced me greatly. One such book is the “3 in 1 story book of “The Famous Five” by Enid Blyton. I got it when I was young from my aunty. It was one of the few books I loved when I was young. When I started to read the book, I could not stop reading it.

The book had three great stories which kept me hooked. So, one day when my mother called me to have my meal while I was reading the book, I simply ignored her. I cannot remember whether it was lunch or dinner but I can remember she called me few times.

Next thing I knew, my mother was standing next to me, staring down at me with an angry face, just like the villain in the story! She grabbed the book from me and hit my head with the book and told sternly, when I ask you to come, you will come. Come to think of it, it was dinner time because I can remember seeing stars at that time. I cannot remember what was the story in the book, but the lesson I learnt is that when your mother calls, you stop whatever you do and you will answer her.

The next book, “Rana Maga Osse Nandikadal” written by General Kamal Gunaratne, is a book which I have never read in my life. I do not think I will ever read it. It is about the Civil War in Sri Lanka and I do not like to read about war. I prefer to read less violent books which allows me to stay in a fairy tale world. On the other hand, my brother who is in a whole different level, actually searches for books on war to read. I should clarify that he is not after violence, he simply likes to read about the strategies and history, which also makes him a lot smarter than me.

Now you might be wondering how a book which I have never read in my life, influenced me. So for the context, every year for my brother’s birthday, I ask him what he wants for his birthday. I ask him to tell me something cheap which I can buy for him. But every year he fails! Every year he tells me something that is expensive like this book which he wanted for his birthday in year 2020. Even though his birthday was in March, I happened to be in Borella in February. So I thought since I am already in Borella where there are few bookshops, I will buy his birthday gift. Fortunately, the first bookshop I stepped into, M D Gunasena bookshop had the book. It was 3,000 rupees! So I was wondering whether I should buy the book? Should I wait till October where there will be discounts for the books. Then I thought whether I can change my brother, to have a brother with less expensive tastes. Probably not. Once a sibling, always a sibling. So, after giving lot of thought, I finally bought the book for Rs. 3000.

Then comes March 2020, the whole country is under lockdown due to Covid. While my parents were wondering how to buy a gift for my brother because they never imagined there will be a lockdown, there I was with the book I already bought for him. But even I didn’t think there will be a lockdown so I did not have any wrapping paper. That is where “Do It Yourself” comes in handy. I wrapped the book in newspaper and tied a nice bow, then called it creative gift wrapping. My brother was so happy to get the book, which made me happy too. It was the only gift he got on his birthday that year and he could read it leisurely while being struck at home. All the other gifts were delayed because of the lockdown. That day I was thinking to myself, what if I didn’t buy the book in February? What if I got Covid and died before I could buy the book? Those were real possibilities at that time. Even though I have never read this book, this book taught me that we should never postpone things when it comes to family. It also taught me that some memories are more valuable than money.

Then there is another book which I have read so many times, I lost count. Because it is my favourite book. I read this book whenever I feel down. It was written by Bill Bryson who writes about his travels around the world with lot of humour mixed in. He has a talent to show any situation in a humorous perspective. Reading his books helped me to develop my sense of humour as well.

Back to the book, “A Walk in the Woods” is about two friends, the author and his friend, hiking the longest hiking trail in America named Appalachian Trail. They hike for months and months surrounded by the forest. I first read the book when I was a teenager and soon after reading the book, I was able to hike through a forest with my siblings while on that hike, I could relate to the book, even though I hiked only for around 1 hour. I imagined myself hiking the Appalachian Trail. It was the hike which made me fall in love with hiking. This book helped me to discover my love for hiking.

Now my dream is to go on a hike for a few days but being a woman I do not know whether I will ever feel safe enough to hike alone. Even in the book, it says about two women who were killed while hiking. Therefore, I do not think my dream will ever become a reality. But that is one reason why there are books. You can simply read a book and imagine while at home without actually experiencing dangerous situations. So, until my dream becomes a reality, I will keep on reading this book and imagine myself on that trail hiking along with Bill Bryson.

In conclusion, you do not need to read books to learn lessons from them. All you need is a family likes mine. They will help you to learn lessons from books without actually reading them.

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TM Priyashanthi De Mel

THE

OFFICER TRAINING PROGRAM

VIRTUSA AUDITORIUM

Redefined and Recharged.

Our Meetings Showcased the Power of Personal Reinvention!

RE-INVENT

YOURSELF

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THE

SEASON 21 | EPISODE 1

AREA

THIS TRAINING SESSION AIMED TO EQUIP THE CLUB OFFICERS WITH THE NECESSARY TOOL AND KNOWLEDGE TO EFFECTIVELY LEAD OUR CLUB TO SUCCESS.

DIRECTORS INSTALLATION

CLUB

DIVISION G

Everyone fears failure. It's a universal human experience. But what sets us apart is how we respond to it. Today, I want to share with you the remarkable story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, an ordinary boy from India who faced failure headon, only to emerge as an inspiration for dreamers everywhere.

Born in 1977 in a small village in the Morena district of Madhya Pradesh, Manoj's early life was marked by financial struggles. His father, employed in the Department of Agriculture, worked tirelessly to make ends meet for their family. Academically, Manoj wasn't exceptional, earning only a third division in Class IX and X. But it was in Class XII that his life took a decisive turn.

Manoj's academic failures seemed like the end of the road for him, until love intervened. He fell deeply in love with Shraddha Joshi, a turning point that ignited a fire within him to strive for something greater. Despite his academic setbacks, he mustered the courage to propose to Shraddha, promising to turn his life around if she accepted.

Motivated by love and a newfound sense of purpose, Manoj embarked on a determined path to success. His dream? To become a police officer. But the journey was far from easy.

Financial constraints loomed large, forcing Manoj to take on odd jobs in Delhi just to finance his education and UPSC exam preparation. From driving a tempo to walking dogs for the affluent, he did whatever it took to pursue his dream.

But it wasn't just about passing exams for Manoj; it was about integrity and honesty. A pivotal moment came when a dedicated police officer arrested cheaters at Manoj's school, leaving a lasting impression on him. Those words, "Don't cheat, stop copying," resonated deeply with Manoj, inspiring him to pursue a path of honesty and hard work.

Despite facing numerous setbacks, including failing the IPS exam three times, Manoj refused to give up. Supported by his family and the unwavering love of Shraddha, he persevered.

Even when he had to return to his village, he didn't let failure define him. Instead, he used it as fuel to reignite his passion and determination.

Manoj's journey was marked by countless sleepless nights, juggling multiple jobs during the day and studying into the early hours of the morning. But his persistence paid off. On his fourth attempt, he achieved what seemed impossible: he passed the IPS exam with flying colors, proving to himself and the world that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to success.

Manoj's story is not just about one man's triumph; it's a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in oneself. It's a reminder that no dream is too big and no setback too great to overcome with the right spirit and dedication.

So, the next time you face a hurdle on your journey, remember Manoj Kumar Sharma, the failing student who became an IPS officer.

Let his story be your guiding light, inspiring you to persevere, no matter the odds.

TM PERVIN JAYAWARDENE

In other words, the employer and employee are on either end of a single poll.

Employers naturally seek to maximize the utilization of resources, aiming to harness the optimal employee contributions that decipher into achieving strategic goals and securing market winning share. On the other hand, employees yearn for a fulfilling performance, employment that could showcase their strengths and bring them joy and life fulfillment. It's like finding the right music, that moves them and lets them shine. The expectation of an employee for a self-fulfilling career, which could leverage their strengths to become a better contributor to the organization. Hence, achieving career satisfaction and overall life satisfaction. (Farla, Baharudin, Yuliansyah & Muhammad, 2019). A prudent way to ensure business stability and long-term success in the market dynamics. Because employees are the key drivers to drive all other resources of an organization, for its full capacity of optimum utilization phenomenon.

Like the "right music" is crucial for both sides in the ballet performance, the ideal match is when the employer finds the ideal employee, it's like a perfect fit with the ideal melody. Move together seamlessly, building a stronger and lasting relationship where everyone thrives. This is especially important in Sri Lanka's banking system, where professionalism with a personal touch is like the rhythm of a beautiful Sri Lankan dance. Even with modern technology, the human connection remains inimitable. Think of a warm smile during a complex transaction! which unites hearts, together to achieve a common goal.

Here's where things get interesting, if an employee doesn't find their perfect melody in the workplace, that will lead to their performance misery. It's like dancing with the wrong shoes clumsy and frustrating accompanied by an unmatching melody.

In this context of organizational ballet, an employment seeker's ability to choose the "right career" becomes paramount like selecting the right partner.

That is a win-win situation for both parties. Finding the right fit fosters a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship built on satisfaction. This holds particular importance in Sri Lanka's labor-intensive banking sector where the call for professionalism with integrity and a higher level of work commitment is crucial. While digitization rapidly transforms the industry, the human touch remains irreplaceable, especially at customer touchpoints. Furthermore, Sri Lankan culture emphasizes this personal connectedness ideology, making it an essential part of the banking business.

Henceforth, employee performance optimization directly linked with career satisfaction, becomes a vital scenario. When employers can identify employees' true potential and align their careers with their strengths and values, the likelihood of recruitment mismatches and workplace burnout diminishes significantly. This, in turn, contributes to a positive work environment and ultimately, higher levels of job satisfaction and optimal job contribution (Djabatey, 2012; Ekwoaba, 2015; Boxall & Purcell, 2008; Sutherland, et al, 2011). Research suggests that employee underperformance stemming from recruitment mismatches displays potentially severe consequences for organizations. These mismatches can lead to a significant loss of profits and ultimately, a decline in market competitiveness. This "recruitment mismatch" can lead to burnout and lost profits for the employer.

But the solution is right there, with the ideal employee placement process both employer and employees can achieve their goals. It's like dancing together to find the perfect harmony for the dance. As such, by prioritizing employee career satisfaction through a focus on effective job selection, both employers and employees can achieve their goals. This collaborative approach paves the way for a thriving workplace capitalized on mutual benefit, a workforce driven by individual skills deeply invested in their professional journeys.

That's a supper waltz worth applauding

WALTZ IN THE OFFICE

TM MANJULI DE ZOYSA

An organization is a ballet arena, complicated and multifaceted.

In this grand ballet of employment, a perfect balance is the key.

Imagine employers as leaders, waltzing with their employees as partners. The employer or the leader strives for the best steps, guiding their partner to contribute their full potential. Their success depends on the perfect harmony between the two and this dazzling display leads to winning the hearts of the audience, the existing and potential market segments.

“It's like dancing together to find the perfect harmony for the dance.”

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THE

Restart

HOW TO BUILD A SPEECH

THE

EDUCATIONAL SESSION

“ALL WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS, YOU CONNECT WITH THE AUDIENCE” DTM PIYAKARA JAYARATNE

SEASON 21 | EPISODE 2 Navigated Change with Grace.

CHANGE & How Our Club Embraced Adaptability and Flourished!

ADAPTABILITY

BE DIFFERENT BE UNIQUE SEASON 21 | EPISODE 3

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Unleashed Uniqueness. Celebrating the Power of Being Different in Every Meeting!

When you see things in the world like banana peels that have no great value for you, then you’re free to walk in the world without being moved, without being bothered, without being hurt in any way all the things that come and passed away, whether pleasant or unpleasant.

This the path that leads you to freedom.

Flashlight We are endlessly hearing about letting go about not clinging to anything. What does this mean? It means to hold but not to cling. Take this flashlight, “What is this?” so, pick it up. “Oh, It’s a flashlight”. Then we put it down again. We hold things in this way. If we didn’t hold anything at all, what could we do? We couldn’t do anything, as we hold things first. It’s wanting, we don’t cling to it, as that flashlight. We know and then we let go.

DTM MODITHA ATTANAGODA

from the book All the teachings Ven. Ajahn Chah taught, are merely similes and comparisons, means to help the mind see the truth. Many of the similes that Ven. Ajahn Chah himself used to teach came out of his vast experience of living in the forest. His practice had this strange ability to take that wordless truth and convey it to his listeners in the form of a simile that was fresh, easy to follow, sometimes humorous, sometimes poetic, but always striking a place in the heart where it would inspire the most.

Crazy Man Suppose one morning, when you’re coming to office a man yells and insult you. As soon as you hear his insults, your mind changes from his usual state. You don’t feel so good. You feel angry and hurt.

A few days later, another man came and tells you, “Hey, that man abused you the other day, he’s crazy. He abused everybody like that” As soon as you hear this, you are suddenly relieved.

That anger and hurt that is within you all these days melt away completely. Why? Because you know the truth. Before, you didn’t.

When attachment, aversion and allegory disappear, they disappear in the same way. No one could show you this. Only when the mind sees for itself, can it uproot and relinquish attachment.

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Banana Peel

Lessons THE

Ven. Ajahn Chah was born in 1918 in a village located in the northeastern part of Thailand. He became an accomplished meditation teacher in his own right, sharing his realization of the truth with those who sought it. The essence of his teaching was rather simple: be mindful, don't hang on to anything, let go and surrender to the way things are.

THE

SPEECH

MARATHON

A Comeback to Remember.

Speech Marathon Reinstated with Vibrant Energy

“TRUTHFUL HNB TMC & BETTERMENT AND BRAYBROOKE TMC IMPROVEMENT”

EDUCATIONAL SESSION BY TM NADEESH COREA

int Meeting

HOW SYNERGY ACHIEVED

SEASON 21 | EPISODE 4

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DUAL

TO DO AN EFFECTIVE EVALUATION

THE

FINDING PURPOSE HAS BEEN THE JOURNEY FROM SCHOOL If someone asks you if there's any purpose of what you are doing now, Why are you doing?

STRUGGLES TO We will certainly have to take some time to think, figure out and come up with an answer.

TOASTMASTERS What is the purpose of you and me being a toastmaster or reading this toastmasters article?

SUCCESS.

During my school years, I had to go through a few struggles. Traveling for more than 25 km from my residence was one of them, get up early in the morning was a another, staying awake for 8 periods in the school was also a difficult task for me.

Most importantly, I wasn't sure & was wondering of the purpose of things I learned in school in most of the subjects.

As an example, let’s take History as a subject, we have the story of king “Pandukabaya” who was very ill and the doctors had no medicine to treat the king, where they sent a monkey and a pig to India to get those medicines. I was not sure about the purpose of learning. I even had to memories the 16 provinces of India namely, Anga, Magadha, Kasi, Kosala, Vrijji, Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala, Matsya, Surasena, Asmaka, Avanti, Gandhara & Kamboja Geography, how British created the first map known Babylonian Map in 6th century. Why did we learn or rather what was the purpose of leaning, memorizing those things? I was not aware that time, and I’m still not sure on that.

For English, we had to learn the 12 tenses. Prepositions, conjunctions and many more. I wasn't sure why we had to learn all those things, Until I meet Mr Pemlath, who was in charge of the English Class.

He was a young energetic individual with more than 40 years of teaching experience. Even though he was less than half of my height, he was a caring and understanding teacher with enough patience. Most importantly he had an amazing voice and was able to keep half the class asleep during his 40 minutes. One day we had the English period immediately after the interval, and the nightmare started when he told us that two of our teachers were on leave, and English Master would take 3 periods. After around 1 hours’ time he noticed that I had fallen asleep. He was furious, “why, why the last row get up and come in front.” He yelled. I stood up and when I walked to the front of the class, I was a little bit relieved when I saw that 2 boys were already kneeling, which meant I was not the first person to get punished. And the punishment was to spell the word “foolscap”. Me being a fan of movies was good at understanding English but, speaking spellings was never a piece of cake for me, back in my school time. Seeing my struggles, the Master started yelling at me, “Why are you coming to school if you want to sleep? What is the purpose of sitting in the last row?” and he chased me out of the class. He actually tried to slap me but the height difference saved me. With this small incident, I learned quite a few things.

1.You should be careful when you are dealing with someone less than 5 feet. If any male disagrees with me either you haven't dated a girl less than 5 feet or she hasn't upgraded you from a friend's zone.

2.I learned to spell the word “foolscap” properly, he also explained the origin of the word. On a rainy day, a fool ran a cap. He only had a paper on his head, that paper size became foolscap.

3. Most importantly I still remember some of those words he told me, “Your parents are struggling and working hard to educate you. Your mother gets up early in the morning. Prepares food for you and she helps you. You are coming to school and sleeping. One day you might be a football player and go up in society and will have to face an Interview, but you can't stand up on the feet and speak proper English. Is this what you are going to give them back? What is your purpose? Is this, how you are going to show respect towards your parents love for you?”

When someone speaks about mother’s love while you are guilty of doing something wrong, it goes straight to your heart with emotions.

After that day I was attentive and behaved well during English period.

As a Toastmaster or guest of the Toastmasters Club, let us take a moment to reflect on ourselves. What is the purpose of you being a Toastmaster?

As you are well aware this prestigious organization helps us not only in public speaking but also Multifaceted like, 1.Build up your self-confidence, belief, and self-awareness.

2.Work on your leadership ability.

3.Enhance your presentation skills.

4.Embrace the challenges and share the passivity.

5.Challenge yourself with self-evaluations.

6.Connect with people globally and many more.

But can we get those benefits if we don’t even remember when the next meeting of the club is.

Let me ask you a few of these questions to help you to figure out how far we have fulfilled the purpose of your Toastmaster journey.

If we can be happy with this, that's great!!

If not let’s make it great.

WHY? TM SHANE PERERA

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1.How many meetings did I join during the last Toastmaster tenor?

2.How many project speeches did I complete within last Toastmaster tenor?

3.How many roles did I play within last Toastmaster tenor?

4.Do I wait till VP Education speak to me or do I speak to him?

5.Did I introduce any of my colleagues to the club?

Usually I'm a good listener rather than a speaker. I'm not that much of a talkative person & also I'm getting a little bit nervous to talk in front of the public.

Even if this is the case, I might have the ability to attract others through my speaking style and behavior, so I was hooked. I believe I have the talent for public speaking and I need to explore it more to overcome my shortcomings.

After being a guest in club meetings for a month, I decided to join the HNB Toastmasters Club as a member in July 2024 & started to do pathways from Motivational Strategy.

Within the past month, as a Toastmaster, I was able to improve various aspects of my life such as speaking abilities, confidence, presentation skills, vocal varieties, gesture controlling, stage balancing, positive thinking etc. & surprised others throughout my speeches. As a result of that, I was awarded as the best speaker in one of a meetings.

Dear friends, "End" does not exactly mean end. It is "effort never dies". Be sure to dream big. Have a passion in your life & work hard to own it.

How did I became a Toastmaster? I know everyone has a different story but mine is completely different. In 2023 march I got selected as a TBA. We were having our induction. On the 1st day of the induction, a nice gentleman came to address us. It was none other than our very own Toastmaster, Roshantha Jayathunge.

From the moment, he started to speak to us I felt like I was under a spell. The way he talked effortlessly and the vocal tone made me think that, one day I would talk like him. Therefore I'm going to join the Toastmasters Club. As time passed I got a chance to do a presentation for our department in English. After my presentation, my unit head Mr. Amila called me and asked me "Would you like to join the HNB Toastmaster Club? You have a very good voice projection and a clear voice". It felt like a dream came true to me as I always wanted to be a member of Toastmaster Club.

Then I went for my 1st meeting as a guest and I got surprised to see how the members spoke and how they supported one another. That made me want to participate every meeting as possible. My Toastmasters journey so far, i have been a member since March 2024, and before that a guest for 5 months. I’m so happy to be a part of this precious club. I'm hoping to go forward in my career with the support of the HNB Toastmasters Club.

Finally I invite all of you to be the part of The HNB Toastmaster Club.

When I joined Toastmasters, my goal was pretty simple: I wanted to learn how to organize my thoughts and speak in front of people without getting too nervous. But what I didn’t expect was how much I’d discover about myself along the way. Through giving speeches, I’ve realized that I have a lot of experiences I never thought much about before. These memories have made me see myself in a new light, and I’ve found that there’s more to me than I ever realized.

One thing I love about Toastmasters is the positive atmosphere. When you speak, everyone in the room is smiling at you, even if you make a mistake. That smile is enough to keep you going and give you the confidence to try harder next time. The members are always ready to interact, help, and support each other. This club is a safe place to learn, no one is here to judge you. Everyone is polite and respectful, and they admire each other’s efforts.

I truly believe that it’s the members who keep the club alive. The more people who join and get involved, the better the club becomes. So, if you’ve never been to a meeting, I really encourage you to come and experience it for yourself. Be a part of the club, and help us take it to new heights.

Being in Toastmasters has also allowed me to connect with amazing people. These connections can lead to new opportunities you never imagined. For example, my mentor, DTM Priyakara, suggested that I co-emcee at an award ceremony, a role I never thought I could do! I hadn’t even done anything like that in school, but here I am, challenging myself in ways I never expected.

There’s still a lot I need to learn and improve, but Toastmasters gives me the chance to do just that. The feedback I get after each speech helps me correct my mistakes and get better every time.

Overall, Toastmasters is a great place to grow, both personally and professionally. I’m really thankful for this journey, and I’m excited to see where it leads. If you’re looking for a place to learn, connect, and challenge yourself, this is the place to be. Come join us and see for yourself!

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THE

TM NAVEESHA DEVMI

HOW DID I BECAME A TOASTMASTER?

TM THARUMINI DE SILVA

FINDING CONFIDENCE AND CONNECTIONS

TM RANDIKA SILVA

"EFFORT NEVER DIES"

NEW MEMBER CORNER

Journey Life is a journey You need to make it worthy Keep on moving when you see it's stormy Because, victory is so close to your beautiful alley

SPEECHCRAFT PROGRAM

Speechcraft Program (11 Weeks) of Victoria’s Secret & Co. - Sri Lanka Mast Industries (Far East) Limited coordinated by DTM PIYAKARA JAYARATNE

Walking along the roads full of muddy Jumping over the hard avenues of rocky Feeling no happy and heart is so weary Don't give up because...your victory is at a land of milk and honey TM Chrishendra De Silva

UPCOMING EVENTS Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest 2024

Reach us

HUMOROUS EVALUATION SPEECH &

CONTEST

Speech Marathon 2 New Member Induction First Half 2024

SCAN ME TO ACCESS THE NEWSLETTER

Monthly Educational Sessions

VP EDUCATION TM Thiwanka Fonseka +94 77 7417 922 Thiwanka.fonseka@hnb.lk

VP MEMBERSHIP TM Shane Perera +94 789 655 520 Shane.perera@hnb.lk

VP PUBLIC RELATIONS TM Nagajothi Krishnan +94 702 664 337 Nagajothi.krishnan@hnb.lk

SECRETARY TM Manjuli De Zoysa +94 773 792 290 Manjuli.dezoysa@hnb.lk

HNB Best Speaker Contest 2025

TREASURER TM Shenali Fernando +94 772 569 103 Shenali.fernando@hnb.lk

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE THE

TM INDIRA FERNANDO

TM NADEESH COREA

SERGEANT AT ARMS TM Ruwanthika Perera +94 779 561 141 Ruwanthika.perera@hnb.lk

Find us

HNB TOASTMASTERS CLUB NEWSLETTER | SEASON 21 | ISSUE 2 LOADING............

2024 HNB TMC All Rights Reserved

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And more …

TM CHAMALA WARAKAULLE

PRESIDENT TM Don Dushmantha +94 777 728 543 Nilanka.dushmantha@hnb.lk