CEB Toastmasters Club
LUMINARA
Power of Delegation by DTM Noorul Munawara Page No: 10 Toastmasters’ AI Allies by TM Upul Pallekumbura Page No: 11 Journey Towards the AREA Director of the Year Award by TM Chamila Gamage Page No: 14 Delegate, Communicate & Follow-up by TM Nadeesha Manamperi Page No: 16
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
NEWSLETTER All aboutToastmasters
03
Who are WE ??
04
EXECUTIVE Committee
05
Messages from EXCO
06
Area Director’s message
08
District Director’s message
09
CEB Toastmasters
President’s message VP-Education’s message
Educational Articles Power of Delegation by DTM Noorul Munawara
10
Toastmasters’ AI Allies by TM Upul Pallekumbura
11
Journey Towards the Area Director of the Year Award by TM Chamila Gamage
14
Delegate, Communicate & Follow-up by TM Nadeesha Manamperi
16
New Member Experience
17
Club Events / Calendar
19
Write-ups on Meetings
20
Member Achievements
23
From the Editor
25
INSIDE THIS NEWSLETTER | PAGE 02
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
ALL ABOUT
Toastmasters INTERNATIONAL Toastmasters International (TMI) is a non profit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a world wide network of clubs Core Values of Toastmasters International Integrity Service Respect Excellence TOASTMASTERS
MISSION | INTERNATIONAL
We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders
MISSION | DISTRICT 82
We build new clubs and support each club in achieving excellence
MISSION | CLUB
We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills resulting in greater self confidence
TOASTMASTERS ENVISIONED FUTURE | INTERNATIONAL To be the first choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experimental communication and leadership development for more information please visit www.toastmasters.org
ALL ABOUT TOASTMASTERS | PAGE 03
CEB Toastmasters Club
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
Nov 2023
WHO ARE WE ?? CEB TOASTMASTERS CLUB Club Number - 4703328 Area - Area B4, District 82 Member base - 23
Meeting Venue - Kelanitissa Power Station Auditorium Meet - Every first and third Thursday Time - 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (for Hybrid Meetings) Time - 7:15 pm to 9:15 pm (for Online Meetings)
Open for all Executives of Ceylon Electricity Board and their family members WHO ARE WE ?? | PAGE 04
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT TM Hansi Rajapakshe 071 873 1109
We are on facebook
CEB Toastmasters Club
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
for the Year 2023/2024
Nov 2023
COMMITTEE
President
TM Janaki Rupasinghe 071 686 2721 janakirup@hotmail.com
Vice President - Education
TM Buddhika Fernando 071 864 3085 sandamaliweerapura@gmail.com
Vice President - Membership TM Nadeeshani Rathnayake 071 530 4663 nadeerathnayaka@gmail.com
Vice President - Public Relations TM Dilini Weerasinghe 071 932 2719 dilini.thaksala@gmail.com
Secretary
TM Dulja Bamunusinghe 071 940 8163 duljaseminids@gmail.com
Treasurer
TM Charith Chaminda 071 910 3550 charithchaminda@gmail.com
Seargent At Arms
TM Bashantha Sudesh 077 188 3666 bhashantha@gmail.com
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE | PAGE 05
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
MESSAGE PRESIDENT
from
CEB Toastmasters Club
TM JANAKI RUPASINGHE
This is the month of November 2023, we have approached the end of another fruitful year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our journey as CEB Toastmasters and share some thoughts with you. First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your dedication and commitment towards our club. Your dedication to personal and professional growth through public speaking and leadership development is what makes our club shining within and outside CEB. Our meetings continue to be a source of inspiration and growth, with members consistently pushing their boundaries, improving their communication skills, and assuming leadership roles within the club. This year, we have seen remarkable transformations and witnessed members achieving milestones. This is a testament to the supportive and nurturing environment that CEB Toastmasters Club provides. Looking ahead to the coming months, I encourage all of you to set new goals and challenge yourselves even further. As the saying goes, "A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there."
Whether it is completing your next pathways project, taking on a club officer role, or participating in a club contest, remember that the Toastmasters journey is about constant growth and development. Success of the Club would not be possible without the dedication of our officers and mentors. I would like to extend a special thanks to our founder and the mentor DTM Munawara. Her support towards our club makes us feel comfortable on ensuring our club runs smoothly and members receive the guidance they need. In the spirit of giving back, CEB Toastmasters is actively exploring opportunities to engage with our community and make a positive impact whether it be compering all the big events organized by Ceylon Electricity Board or extend the benefits of Toastmasters beyond our club meetings. I also invite you to share your ideas for club activities, events, and improvements. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of CEB Toastmasters. As we move forward, I have no doubt that CEB Toastmasters will continue to be a place of growth, camaraderie, and inspiration for all its members. Let's work together to reach new heights and achieve our personal and professional aspirations. Let's continue to work together, share our expertise, and inspire one another.
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT | PAGE 06
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
MESSAGE
from
VP-EDUCATION CEB Toastmasters Club
TM BUDDHIKA FERNANDO
I first heard about the CEB Toastmasters club in a farewell party organized for one of the members of the club. I approached a senior member of CEB Toastmasters club who invited me to attend a Toastmasters meeting as a guest. The novel and entertaining experience I encountered at the meeting encouraged me to be a member of the club. Having joined the club in year 2020, I was selected as the club secretary in 2022/2023 tenure and as the Vice President – Education in 2023/2024 tenure. The roles I play in the meetings as well as engagements in other activities in the club and outside has paved the way for me to become a more outgoing and cheerful person recognized by the masses. I have been able to use the skills learned at the Toastmasters in my day-to-day life which has enhanced the skills of problem solving, planning, coordinating and effective communication exceptionally. I am extremely grateful to the Toastmasters fraternity and the CEB Toastmasters club for the invaluable opportunities granted, for me to develop as a person. I am looking forward to enhancing club education achievements and assessing individual membership goals as the Vice President – Education in tenure 2023/2024. I would like to invite all executive employees of CEB and their family members to join CEB Toastmasters club and embark on an uplifting journey filled with enjoyment and endless opportunities of personal development.
MESSAGE FROM VP-EDUCATION | PAGE 07
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
MESSAGE AREA DIRECTOR
from
AREA B4 | DISTRICT 82
TM SANATH MAHAWITHANAGE
“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team” Phil Jackson I still remember the very first day I stepped into the CEB Toastmaster club as the Area Director. I was impressed by the power of enthusiastic group of professionals. I felt great joy and a sense of belonginess, and I felt like a major event was about to begin. I sensed the potential that they can reach is enormous. Though the team is relatively small, I found there is a greater cohesion and great team work going on. I observed what Phil Jackson said about strength of a team in CEB Toastmasters. “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” Thanks to President Janaki Rupasinghe and member of the club for making me witness a memorable occasion. I am very happy to see the club is shaping well and here is wishing all the very best to reach greater heights.
MESSAGE FROM AREA DIRECTOR | PAGE 08
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
MESSAGE DISTRICT DIRECTOR
from
DISTRICT 82
DTM MAHINDA KARUNAKARA Dear esteemed members of CEB Toastmasters Club, I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the publication of this extraordinary magazine. CEB TMC President, TM Janaki and team this is a new level of responsibility and leadership for you. However, your ability to work through unforeseen challenges, collaborating so well with the rest of the team, will help you perform exceptionally well. CEB Toastmasters Club holds a special place in my heart, not only in my capacity as your District Director but also as a devoted employee of this esteemed organization to which the CEB TMC is affiliated. The wealth of experience, encouragement, and unwavering support I have received from this organization has proven invaluable in both my professional and personal lives. Many of us initially joined Toastmasters with the intention of enhancing our communication and leadership skills. However, it is our continued dedication to selfimprovement through creative teamwork that has fostered our enduring commitment to this organization. The combination of diverse perspectives, inclusivity, and support within our team creates a solid foundation for success and brings about a sense of shared contentment and joy. 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.
MESSAGE FROM DISTRICT DIRECTOR | PAGE 09
Toastmasters is not just a platform for public speaking; it is a place where we cultivate relationships, build confidence, and embrace diversity. Let us encourage one another to learn from our failures, celebrate our successes, and support each other in our journey towards becoming better communicators and leaders. As we move forward, 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. Together, we can create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and inspired to achieve greatness. 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. In conclusion, I want to express my deepest gratitude to every Toastmaster in CEB Toastmasters Club. Your passion and commitment are the bedrock of our community. Let us stand united in our pursuit of excellence and create a lasting impact that extends far beyond our club meetings. I am confident that together, we will make this year one of growth, learning, and memorable experiences. Let us unleash our potential and ignite excellence! Thank you and congratulations to all!
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
POWER of DTM NOORUL MUNAWARA
However, these events cannot be handled by a single person and should be accomplished by a team and the leader needs to exercise power of delegation effectively. Barriers of Delegation Though Delegation is a powerful tool some leaders are reluctant to exercise the same for many reasons. The following are such barriers of delegation. a. Lack of Confidence b. Control c. Selfishness d. Insecurity e. Reluctance How can you effectively exercise delegation a. Prioritize the tasks b. Identify the team based on • Knowledge • Self-motivation • Ability to execute c. Assigning Responsibility • Task • Identify training need and train the team • Support with resources d. Empower Authority e. Establish Accountability The effective delegation takes considerable time at planning for any leader. However, once it is planned properly, it is very much convenient to execute the entire task and monitor the progress.
“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity” General George Smith Patter Jr, US Army Officer
Delegation is a powerful tool used in leadership. Grooming new leaders is another responsibility of a leader who is assigned to complete a task. As such, leaders who are assigned to complete a task or achieve a goal must also focus on developing his/her skill on delegation. What is delegation? Delegation is the process of transferring responsibility to others to accomplish a specific task. By delegating individuals with specific tasks they are empowered to accomplish the assigned task. For example: organizing events such as Club Officer Installation Ceremony, Division Conferences, District conferences etc.
POWER OF DELEGATION | PAGE 10
As such, the leader would have enough time to focus on general performance. Following are the benefits of effective delegation a. More involved and empowered workforce b. Increased productivity and quality c. Reduced costs d. Innovation e. Greater commitment from team Leaders..... learn to exercise Delegation, empower the individuals , enrich your skills and enjoy your leadership journey.
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
AI
Toastmaster’s
ALLIES
TM UPUL PALLEKUMBURA
AI is more than just a buzzword. It is a powerful technology that can enhance our lives in many ways. Whether we want to create, communicate, learn, or entertain, AI can help us achieve our goals. One of the fields where AI can make a big difference is public speaking. As Toastmasters, we know how important it is to deliver effective speeches that captivate our audience and convey our message. But how can we use AI to improve our speaking skills and become better leaders? In this article, we will explore some of the AI tools that are available for Toastmasters, and how they can help us prepare, practice, and perform our speeches. Some of these tools are free, and some are offered by Toastmasters International as part of their partnership with Yoodli, an AI speech coach. Let's take a look at how we can use AI to take our speaking to the next level!
One of the first examples of AI surpassing human intelligence was when a computer program called Deep Blue defeated the world chess champion Garry Kasparov in 1997. Since then, AI has advanced rapidly, and now it can do much more than play chess. It can write emails, articles, poems, songs, and even peerreviewed research papers. It can draw realistic images, create art, and generate videos. It can also analyze speech, voice, and emotions, and give feedback and suggestions. These are some of the skills that we need as speakers and leaders, and AI can help us improve them. How?
• Generate speech outlines or topics based on their interests, goals, or audience preferences • Create catchy titles, introductions, or conclusions for their speeches • Enhance their vocabulary, grammar, or style by suggesting alternative words or phrases • Produce visual aids such as slides, charts, or diagrams to support their arguments or data • Compose feedback or evaluations for other speakers based on their strengths and areas of improvement • Transcribe and summarize meetings, provide Real-time feedback based on feeds or recorded audio/video
Let's look at some of these tools we can use as Toastmasters:
Chatbots: ChatGPT, Copilot, Bard and many more…
One of the most popular AI tools for writing is ChatGPT , an artificial intelligence chatbot that allows for almost human-like interactions. ChatGPT can generate words or images in seconds, based on the prompts that we give it. We can use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas for our speeches, to expand and refine our outlines, to generate catchy titles and hooks, and to polish our language and style. ChatGPT is not meant to write our speeches for us, but rather to inspire us and help us find new angles and perspectives. ChatGPT is like having a personal mentor that we can ask questions, and it can help us learn about a topic in a way that a textbook can't. ChatGPT is free to use online, and we can experiment with different prompts and queries to get the best results. continued ..
TOASTMASTERS‘ AI ALLIES | PAGE 11
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
Another alternative to ChatGPT is Microsoft Copilot. Notably, it offers a dedicated Composer feature, a valuable resource to refine and perfect your speech scripts. With its specialized tools, Copilot presents a comprehensive suite, allowing users to craft nuanced and polished content beyond mere conversation. This dedicated Composer serves as an advantageous tool, elevating the process of scripting and enhancing the quality of speech materials for various purposes. Bard also have similar capabilities.
Zoom, Notion and other companions
Notion "AI Tools are becoming ubiquitous across online apps. One of the software that has started providing AI tools as an inbuilt function is Notion. Notion is a powerful tool for note-taking, project management, and collaboration. It allows you to create different types of pages and blocks to organize your information and tasks. But what makes Notion even more useful for Toastmasters is its AI features. You can use Notion's AI to generate content, summaries, headlines, questions, and more. For example, if you want to write an article about a topic, you can use Notion's AI to suggest some ideas and outlines for you. If you want to prepare a speech, you can use Notion's AI to generate a catchy title and a concise summary for your audience. If you want to practice your speech, you can use Notion's AI to create some questions and feedback for yourself. Notion's AI can help you save time, improve your writing and speaking skills, and make your work more engaging and effective.
Zoom Zoom has recently added some AI features that can enhance our presentations and communication. For example, Zoom can automatically transcribe our speech and display captions on the screen. I’m sure that Zoom will add more interesting AI features very soon. These are just some of the AI tools that we can use to improve our writing skills as Toastmasters. But writing is only one part of the speechmaking process. We also need to practice our delivery and performance. How can we use AI for that?
Yoodli Yoodli is an artificial intelligence powered speech coach that can help you improve your public speaking skills. Toastmasters has established a partnership with Yoodli, providing Toastmasters exclusive access to all premium Yoodli features at no cost. This means you gain access to a treasure trove of benefits. Yoodli analyzes your voice, pace, pauses, filler words, and emotions, and gives you personalized feedback and tips to enhance your speech. It provides almost instantaneous feedback on recorded speeches, complementing the traditional inclub evaluations. For example, Yoodli can tell you if you are speaking too fast or too slow, if you are using too many ums and ahs, or if you are conveying the right emotion for your message. Yoodli can also be used as an assistance to the general evaluator in toastmasters meetings, by providing objective and data-driven evaluations of the speakers. Yoodli can help toastmasters members to identify their strengths and areas of improvement, and to track their progress over time. Here are some key features of Yoodli: 1. Objective Analysis: Yoodli evaluates aspects such as ums and ahs, repeated words, noninclusive language, top keywords, and any “weak” words like “totally” or “really.” It also tracks your pacing and eye contact. 2. Filler Word Count: Yoodli keeps track of filler words like “um” and “er,” helping you become more aware of them. 3. Instant Feedback: Whether you’re practicing between Toastmasters meetings or preparing for a speech contest, Yoodli provides immediate, detailed analysis. It’s like having your own speech evaluator available anytime you speak. continued..
TOASTMASTERS‘ AI ALLIES | PAGE 12
CEB Toastmasters Club
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
Remember, Yoodli doesn’t replace inclub evaluations but enhances your learning experience. You can use Yoodli to Elevate your club meetings by infusing them with Yoodli's dynamic essence, replacing traditional roles with innovative inbuilt games or enriching table topics sessions with creative prompts and scenarios. Yoodli isn't just a tool; it's a gateway to honing your skills, enjoying the process, and forging connections within the Toastmasters community.
Nov 2023
AI tools are everywhere, and they are constantly evolving. They can make our lives easier, smarter and more efficient. But they can also pose a threat to our livelihoods, if we don't keep up with them. As toastmasters, we have a responsibility to be aware of the latest AI trends and applications, and to use them wisely and ethically. We can't afford to be left behind by the AI revolution, or to let it replace our human skills and values. We need to be the leaders and speakers who embrace AI as a tool, not a rival, and who can inspire others to do the same.
Bottom Note: This article is a demonstration of how AI can write a fascinating article about “AI for Toastmasters”. You might be wondering if this is really written by an AI or by TM Upul . Well, the truth is that almost all the content is generated by an AI, but with some guidance from a human. This is what prompt engineering is all about: crafting the right input to get the desired output from an AI model. If you are curious about how to do prompt engineering, you can chat with chatGPT and learn some tips and tricks. But don't expect chatGPT to write a captivating article about "AI for Toastmasters" just by asking it. That requires more creativity and expertise than the current AI can offer (At least for now, who knows what the future will bring).
TOASTMASTERS‘ AI ALLIES | PAGE 13
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
JOURNEY
towards AREA DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
AWARD TM CHAMILA GAMAGE
Past Area Director
In May 2021, I was selected as the Area Director of Area B5 where I had to work with four clubs namely BEPZ Toastmasters Club, CEB Toastmasters Club (my home club), Kadawatha Toastmasters Club, and Kaduwela Toastmasters Club. When I was selected as an Area Director, one of my main targets was achieving President Distinguished status for the Area, which would be a common goal for any Area Director and in addition to that I wanted to improve quality of the clubs of the Area. Those were highly challenging for me as I was expecting to become a father for the second time in few months’ time and it was Covid-19 pandemic period. Since all three other clubs were totally new to me, as the first step I had a few familiarization sessions with newly elected EXCO members of those clubs to get to know each other and have some idea about their current situation and expectations for the next tenure. During those sessions, I observed that there were two well running clubs, one average club and one difficult club. In addition to that, I set up the core team of the Area consisting of seven members including myself and as a new concept I aligned them with each EXCO position of the clubs, while allowing one or two members to support them. When I was communicating with BEPZ Toastmasters, there were very few active Toastmasters in the Club and badly they had not have any meeting for the last six months. In reviving the BEPZ TMC, I planned to get the help of all other clubs in my area. I started their club meetings and managed to conduct all regular meetings throughout the tenure. With the help of DTM H.B. Dayarathne, whom I met in the first meeting of BEPZ TMC, I was able to get them to the President Distinguished status by the end of the tenure. continued ..
AREA DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD | PAGE 14
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01 Chartering a new club was a requirement to become President Distinguished Area Director and I took the challenge despite the prevailing pandemic. With the help of DTM Shehara Dissanayake and TM Asiri Wijesekara I was able to give birth to Silver Line Toastmasters Club as the first newly chartered cub in District 82 for the tenure 2021/2022 after a series of ten weekly online model meetings. In addition to the above two main achievements, I managed to conduct two Area Speech Marathon events going beyond the boundary and ensured that all my clubs supported each other. As a result, during the Ovation 2022, I was awarded with Star Area Director Award for achieving president distinguished status, achieving 8% increase in membership payments compared to previous year by 31st March 2022, where only four Area Directors out of 44 were able to achieve that award. At the end of the tenure 2021/2022, the clubs in my Area including newly chartered club achieved president distinguished club status which was a unique achievement. Finally I was awarded with “Area Director of the Year Award for the tenure 2021/2022” at Ovation 2023, which was the most prestigious moment in my eight-year Toastmasters journey.
WINNING
AREA DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
AWARD There were many humble Toastmasters who stood behind me to get to this level and my gratitude goes to each of them including members of CEB Toastmasters club and all other clubs in Area B5 in tenure 2021-22. Specially I should pay heartiest gratitude to my leader at Division B, DTM Jeewana Pradeep for his guidance and encouragement given throughout the tenure as the Division Director and DTM Noorul Munawwara for encouraging me from the day one of my Toastmasters journey by providing many opportunities to climb up the leadership ladder. Also, I need to pay my heartiest gratitude to my loving mother, father, wife and two daughters who supported me by tolerating me for the time I missed being with them and for supporting me to manage difficult times.
AREA DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD | PAGE 15
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
DELEGATE,
COMMUNICATE and FOLLOW-UP
TM NADEESHA MANAMPERI
Immediate Past Area Director Delegation is not a sign of weakness; it's a testament to the wisdom of a leader who understands that true strength lies in the collective capabilities of the team. Being the team leader means that we have a duty to constantly be accountable. However, the duties must be appropriately assigned to each person. Delegation requires careful consideration of each person's commitment levels and critical areas of expertise. A strong foundation in communication is necessary for delegation. We need to let our team members know exactly what we anticipate from them. A comprehensive and fulfilling output from the team is the result of effective delegation, communication and followup on the assigned tasks. We held our Area International Speech and Table Topics Speech Contest on March 11, 2023, and our Area Humorous and Evaluation Speech Contest on October 15, 2022 At Kelanitissa Auditorium. Once more, NSF toastmasters hosted an exciting Christmas-themed Area Joint Meeting at Maris Stella College OBA center on December 20, 2022. Toastmasters from CEB hosted an engaging dramathemed Area Joint Meeting at Kelanitissa Auditorium on June 21, 2023. Four of these significant calendar events demonstrated the excellent teamwork skills of the Area B4 toastmasters. The three organizing principles of delegation, communication, and follow-up were crucial for me as the Leader to get the teams empowered to meet the target.
DELEGATE, COMMUNICATE & FOLLOW-UP | PAGE 16
Formal physical club officer installations were held by all four clubs: Silverline Toastmasters Club, Negambo Speakers Forum Toastmasters, Ja-Ela Toastmasters, and CEB Toastmasters. These installation ceremonies all demonstrated to us how delegation enables the teams to accomplish shared objectives. A leader can make a mistake when choosing which members to delegate to. For those who are willing, Toastmasters provides a plethora of chances. When choosing willing members, it's important to consider their aptitude, attitude, and degree of experience. We must train the person beforehand if their experience is behind. When they are unmotivated, we should strive to inspire them; and if they refuse, we should release them from their responsibilities so they can improve over time. Fundamentally delegation is a people skill which requires lot of attention. At the end of the term 2022/2023, Area B4 earned the distinguished status and it is utterly the result of these three principals of Delegation, Communication and followup.
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
NEW MEMBER
EXPERIENCE TM METHTHA PERERA
My decision to embark on the Toastmasters journey was driven by the commitment to uplift my communication and leadership skills within a diverse and supportive environment. CEB TMC seamlessly aligns with my expectations, serving as an optimal environment for both personal and professional development. It stands as a nurturing ground where leaders are not only developed but also born. On my inaugural Toastmasters meeting as a guest, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The warm welcome from fellow members instantly put me at ease. With their encouragement ringing in my ears, I embraced the challenge of delivering a Table Topics speech on “Do you believe in luck?”. Despite it being my very first day, the supportive environment gave me the confidence to share my thoughts and engage in the discussion. Encouraging applause after the speech and the constructive feedback during evaluations, gave me a sense of belonging from the get-go. As a fresh face in the vibrant world of Toastmasters, my journey took an unexpected turn when I was graciously handed the challenge of conducting the partner role, Master of Ceremonies (MCEE) at Club Officer Installation 2023/2024 and New Member Induction ceremony of CEB TMC. Nervous yet determined, I accepted the task with open arms. Little I knew that this experience would become a defining moment in my Toastmasters initiation. The support and mentorship I received from seasoned members have been invaluable. The camaraderie within the club transformed a seemingly daunting task into a rewarding experience, reinforcing the ethos of support and encouragement that defines our Toastmasters community. This unexpected challenge has become a cherished chapter in my early Toastmasters journey. I have had the privilege of consistently undertaking diverse roles during club meetings. These responsibilities include serving as Table Topics Master, Toastmaster of the Day for themed meeting, Round Robin Master, Grammarian, Table Topics Evaluator, and act in Drama Fiesta with a drama role. This multifaceted involvement has not only refined my leadership skills but also significantly improved my ability to think on my feet. As I reflect on my initial experiences as a new member in this vibrant Toastmasters community, I am energized by the prospect of the journey that lies ahead. The supportive environment, rich with opportunities for growth, has laid a strong foundation for my personal and professional development. With the guidance of my mentor and the encouragement of this dynamic community, I am confident that the future holds countless opportunities for continued learning and achievement. I am reminded of the wise words of Winston S. Churchill: 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.' With this ethos in mind, I am eager to embrace the challenges and triumphs that the Toastmasters journey has in store.
NEW MEMBER EXPERIENCE | PAGE 17
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
NEW MEMBER
EXPERIENCE TM GAYANI CHAMPIKA
Welcome to Toastmasters, where leaders are made, and confidence is built! As a recent addition to the vibrant community of my local Toastmaster club, I can confidently say that joining this organization has been a transformative experience. From the moment I stepped into the meeting room, I was greeted with warm smiles and genuine enthusiasm. The club members went out of their way to make me feel welcome, easing any nervousness I had as a new member. The icebreaker speech, my first official presentation, was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. It's a unique initiation where you share a bit about yourself. This exercise not only helped me conquer public speaking fears but also allowed me to connect with fellow members on a personal level. One of the standout features of Toastmasters is the mentorship program. Having an experienced member guide myself through the initial stages of my Toastmasters journey was invaluable. My mentor provided constructive feedback, encouragement, and practical tips, making my learning curve much smoother. Toastmasters is not just about speeches; It is a treasure trove of educational resources. Workshops, manuals, and experienced speakers helped me enhance my communication and leadership skills. The structured approach to learning ensures a steady progression and keeps me motivated. Toastmasters has become my laboratory for building confidence and leadership skills. Through various roles such as timer, evaluator, and even Toastmaster of the Day, I have gained practical experience that extends beyond the realm of public speaking. If you are contemplating on joining Toastmasters, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. It is not just a public speaking club; a supportive family that encourages growth and celebrates each milestone. You will be amazed at what you can achieve with the guidance and support of this incredible community. In just a short time, Toastmasters has become a crucial part of my personal and professional development. The journey is challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. So, here is to new friendships, newfound confidence, and the exciting journey ahead in Toastmasters.
NEW MEMBER EXPERIENCE | PAGE 18
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
CALENDAR Club Events from April 2023 to Nov 2023 April 20 May 04 May 18 June 01 June 15 July 06 July 27 Aug 03 Aug 17 Sept 07 Sept 15 Sept 21 Oct 05 Oct 19 Oct 28 Nov 02 Nov 23
“Awurudu” Themed Meeting [Physical] at Diyatha Uyana Club Meeting [Online] “Never Give Up” Themed Meeting [Online] Club Meeting [Hybrid] “Lessons Learnt from Children” Themed Meeting [Hybrid] “Go Green” Themed Meeting [Hybrid] “Habits” Joint Themed Meeting [Online] with Silverline TMC Club Meeting [Online] Meeting with MoT session/ Visiting Toastmaster from DIMO TMC “Self Confidence” Themed Meeting [Online] Club Officer Installation Ceremony and New Member Induction Club Meeting [Hybrid] with Area Director’s Visit Club Meeting with Educational Session on “Delegation of Power” Club Humorous & Evaluation Speech Contest [Hybrid] New Member Orientation [Online] “Haloween” Themed Meeting [Online] “The Cowboys” Joint Themed Meeting with Battaramulla TMC
Upcoming Club Events Dec 07 Dec 21 Jan 04 Jan 18 Feb 01 Feb 15 Feb 23 March 07 March 21 April 04 April 18 May 02 May 16 June 06 June 20
Club Meeting [Online] with Educational Session “Christmas” Themed Meeting [Hybrid] Club Meeting [Online] Club Meeting [Hybrid] with MoT session Joint Themed Meeting [Online] Club Meeting [Hybrid] with Area Director’s Visit Club International & Table Topics Speech Contest [Physical] Club Meeting [Online] with Visiting Toastmaster Club Meeting [Hybrid] with Educational Session “Awurudu” Themed Meeting [Hybrid] Cub Meeting [Online] Joint Club Meeting [Hybrid] “Vesak” Themed Meeting [Online] Club Meeting [Online] Club Meeting [Hybrid]
CLUB EVENTS/ CALENDAR | PAGE 19
CEB Toastmasters Club
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
Avurudu Themed outdoor
Meeting
held at Diyatha Uyana on April 20, 2023
Nov 2023
Exposing the members to a novel experience in an outdoor atmosphere, the Avurudu themed meeting was held in Diyatha Uyana with a festive spirit this year. With the BATIK avuduru costumes and ornaments, the members were ready for a lively evening. The meeting was hosted by TM Dilini Weerasinghe and TM Lasith De Silva was the General Evaluator. TMOD TM Dilini, in between the sessions, reminded everyone about the rituals to be followed during the New Year festive season. All took part in Avurudu game “Popping the Balloon” and TM Chamila came out being the Winner. During the Round Robin session, the RR master TM Hansi acted out the phrase “Glass of water, glass of beer, Oh my Dear!, Happy New Year” with physical gestures and without words. All were to pass the message to the next one by acting out the phrase. The last member had to tell the phrase as he/she understood. It was so funny to watch the way each and every Toastmaster acted out the phrase. The Table Topics session was even more entertaining. One speaker had to speak on “My experience with Kanamuttiya” by replacing the word “Kanamuttiya” with the word “Waliya”. Another speaker had to talk about “My Avurudu Kumaraya” by replacing the word “Kumaraya” with “Mahasona”. The audience could not hold their laughter as the speakers were struggling to switch between the words. At the end of this lively evening, all gathered to sing Avurudu songs.
WRITE-UPS ON MEETINGS | PAGE 20
CEB Toastmasters Club
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
Nov 2023
All the haunted spirits of CEB Toastmasters Club were welcomed to the online burial ground by the Monster President TM Janaki Rupasinghe.
Themed
Meeting
held online on Nov 02, 2023
Everyone flaunted their creepy costumes. The Monster TMOD, TM Buddhika explained the rules of the burial ground and further explained the reason to celebrate HALLOWEEN making us all feeling chilled. Then there appeared the ghost General Evaluator TM Upul Pallekumbura. The demons around him constantly tried to drag him along with them. Their creepy hands were all over him, yet he managed to distract the demons and pay attention to the haunted CEB Toastmasters. However Under influence of those demons, the ghost General Evaluator warned the ghost Ah-counter TM Gayani to suck the blood out of us if we were to exceed the acceptable number of Ah-counts. The monster Grammarian, TM Janaki Rupasinghe too wanted to tear us into parts and suck the blood out of us if we weren’t using the word of the Day throughout the session. The bewitched Round Robin Master, TM Ruwani Wijesinghe took us to a haunted house filled with bad smell and abandoned us there. We were to find our own ways to get out while dealing with all the monsters we come across. Most of the monstrous CEB Toastmasters were feeling chilled being alone in the haunted house, whereas few were brave enough to fight. Three monstrous speakers TM Dilini, TM Hansi and TM Chamila delivered speeches. Monster TM Chamila explained about the initial steps of the project he was about to carry out to build leaders within his work place. The spooky Table Topics Master, TM Charith Chaminda had himself prepared with tricky Table Topics, Monster TM Dilini, TM Nadeesha, TM Buddhika and TM Janaki answered all those tricky topics. The Monster TM Hansi Rajapaksha was crowned the best monstrous speaker, TM Upul was crowned the best monstrous evaluator and TM Nadeesha was crowned the best monstrous Table Topics speaker. At the end of two hour stay, all CEB Toastmasters were finally released to leave the online burial ground saying Good bye.
WRITE-UPS ON MEETINGS | PAGE 21
CEB Toastmasters Club
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
“The Cowboys” Joint Themed
Meeting
CEB Toastmasters Club & Battaramulla Toastmasters Club Hybrid on Nov 23 , 2023
WRITE-UPS ON MEETINGS | PAGE 22
Nov 2023
Nicely dressed with costumes, the Cowboys and Cowgirls of CEB Toastmasters Club and Battaramulla Toastmasters Club had an enjoyable evening together with the tagline “Stronger than Steel, Tougher than the nails”. All the members from Battaramulla Toastmasters Club were warmly welcome to the Auditorium of Kelanitissa Power Station by President, TM Janaki Rupasinghe and VP-Education, TM Buddhika Fernando. Unlike other meetings, there were two TMODs jointly hosting the meeting (TM Janaki & TM Kanchi) in a lively manner. The Head Cowgirl, TM Kanchi had nicely photo labed all the role players to look like our favourite Cowboy movie characters. TM Claude delivered an emotional speech on the loss of his youngest son which made the whole audience sentimental. He recited a verse which he had recited at the funeral making it even more emotional. The Table Topics Master TM Chathura had a totally different approach to the session. Selected lovely songs from English country music were played and a part of the verse was given as the topic for the speaker. The topics were: “So let us make each tomorrow be the best it can be” “When I get where I am going there will be only happy tears” “Remember when thirty seemed so old? now looking back it is just stepping stone to where we are, where we have been” At the end of this wonderful evening, we all had a photo session with our Cowboy costumes...
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS
Term 2021/2022 Awarded at OVATION 2023
TM CHAMILA GAMAGE TM HANSI RAJAPAKSHE Received Merit award at CEB Innovation Competition Award Ceremony held on 14th July, 2023, for the contribution in developing a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for Transmission Division, CEB
MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS | PAGE 23
Division B
TM UPUL PALLEKUMBURA TM METHTHA PERERA Received the Bronze award at CEB Innovation Competition Award Ceremony held on 14th July 2023 for the development of a software solution "Automated IT Sevice Desk (AITSD)" for entire CEB
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS WINNERS
2 3
2
Evaluation Speech Contest
TM HANSI RAJAPAKSHE
TM UPUL PALLEKUMBURA
CLUB CONTEST 2023/24
11
Evaluation Speech Contest Hansi Rajapakshe Chamari Dhanapala
3
2
Buddhika Fernando
MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS | PAGE 24
Humorous Speech Contest Chamari Dhanapala Hansi Rajapakshe
2
Janaki Rupasinghe
3
CEB Toastmasters Club
Nov 2023
LUMIN ARA | VOLUME 01
TM HANSI RAJAPAKSHE TM CHAMILA GAMAGE Compering at the Farewell Ceremony of Eng. Rohan Senevirathne, General Manager of Ceylon Electricity Board held on Sept 19, 2023 at Cinnamon Lakeside
TM NADEESHA MANAMPERI Compering at the Farewell Ceremony of Eng. D.N. Navarathne, Additional General Manager (Generation) of Ceylon Electricity Board held on Oct 10, 2023 at Galadari Colombo
TM PRABUDDHI EDIRISINGHE TM BASHANTHA SUDESH Compering at the Farewell Ceremony of Eng. G.J. Aluthge, Additional General Manager (DD3) of Ceylon Electricity Board held on Oct 26, 2023 at Cinnamon Lakeside
FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Readers, Welcome to the radiant newsletter LUMINARA Volume 01. “Luminara”, in Latin origin, carries connotations of brightness, radiance, or the quality of luminous. Just like the name suggests, LUMINARA is here to illuminate your world with insights, stories, techniques and knowledge. It definitely is a great joy to share with you this collection of content designed to brighten your life. First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to all the talented contributors and writers for their unwavering support. Your articles are the radiant gems that illuminate the pages of LUMINARA. Special thank goes to DTM Noorul Munawara, Past District Governor, DTM Mahinda Karunakara, District Director and TM Sanath Mahawithanage, Area Director for accepting our request to include your insights in to LUMINARA. My extended gratitude goes to our master Grammarian TM Lasith De Silva for his invaluable support in ensuring the precision and clarity of every article. A sincere gratitude goes to TM Nimeshika De Silva, Immediate Past VP-PR for her continuous guidance and encouragement in making this issue a reality and a success. In closing, I want to thank the executive committee including President, TM Janaki Rupasinghe and all CEB Toastmasters for their support, dedication and contribution. Here’s to a brighter, more inspired life through the pages of LUMINARA!
FROM THE EDITOR | PAGE 25
CEB Toastmasters Club