“Oasis Toastmasters Club continues to inspire with its dedication to growth, excellence, and shared success. Your commitment to fostering confident communicators and leaders is truly admirable.”
TM SAMAN WALISINGHE Division Director Division J
“Each week, we’ve witnessed our participants push their boundaries and step out of their comfort zones. Whether it’s a first-time Table Topic attempt or a well-rehearsed prepared speech, their progress has been remarkable.”
TM SHAMEEM NAFFEEL Vice President Public Relations | Assistant PRM Area J3
“You can practice table topics to enhance your impromptu speaking and it will help you in your personal life and most importantly in your professional life Here are some tips to help you handle Table Topics effectively”.
OASIS TOASTMASTERS CLUB
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A SHOWCASE OF EXCELLENCE ABOUT OASIS TOASTMASTERS WHERE VOICES RISE
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EDITOR’S WORD INSPIRING CONTENT TO FUEL YOUR TOASTMASTERS JOURNEY
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WHAT IS TOASTMASTERS?
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organisation that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds to become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders.
TOASTMASTERS CLUB MISSION
We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in great self confidence and personal growth
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION
We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
OASIS TOASTMASTERS
Oasis Toastmasters Club (TMC) is one of the oldest Toastmasters Clubs in Sri Lanka which was founded in year 2010 by late Mr. Chandra Liyanaarachchi. Initially it was established in the Mirigama Area and later it was moved to Nittambuwa Area in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. Currently there are 31 active members with Oasis TMC.
Regular Meeting Time
On every 2nd & 4th Sunday of each Month at 900am to 1100am
Meeting Location
EDITOR’S WORD
Welcome to Oasis Outlook, where we bring you insightful articles and inspiring content to fuel your Toastmasters journey. This newsletter is more than just a collection of words it’s a reflection of the energy, enthusiasm, and excellence that define our vibrant community.
In this issue, we’ve focused on three key pillars: learning, leadership, and the aesthetic expression of our talents From practical tips to enhance your communication and leadership skills to creative showcases of our members’ diverse abilities, we aim to offer something that resonates with everyone.
As you explore these pages, we encourage you to reflect on your own growth and continue striving for excellence in every speech, every project, and every leadership role you take on. Together, we can achieve more.
Let’s continue to grow, challenge ourselves, and support one another in this shared journey toward becoming our best selves Because excellence isn’t a destination it’s a lifelong commitment.
Thank you for being part of this journey Let’s keep learning, leading, and thriving together!
Warm Regards, Toastmaster Shameem Naffeel Vice President Public Relations / Assistant Public Relations Manager Area J3 Oasis Toastmasters Club
As President of Oasis Toastmasters Club Nittambuwa, I have the honor of leading an inspiring group of Toastmasters dedicated to continuous growth and excellence. Our Executive Committee works tirelessly to create a positive and supportive learning environment that encourages members to develop their communication and leadership skills.
In Term 1, we proudly earned the Smedley Award ribbon by adding five new members Building on that success, we achieved the Talk Up Toastmasters ribbon in Term 2 by welcoming five more members. Seeing them flourish has been incredibly fulfilling. Oasis Toastmasters Club has long been recognized for its exceptional public relations efforts We upheld this legacy by winning several PR awards from District 82 during our term. Our members’ growth and achievements reflect in the club’s overall success, and we are thrilled to announce that we have attained President’s Distinguished Club status by meeting all 10 Distinguished Club Program (DCP) goals. This milestone represents the unwavering dedication and dynamic spirit that define Oasis Toastmasters
Warm Regards,
Toastmaster Pushpitha Senarath Club President
Oasis Toastmasters Club
It’s an honor to connect with you through this special edition of your newsletter Under the theme “Transform Together,” Oasis Toastmasters Club continues to inspire with its dedication to growth, excellence, and shared success. Your commitment to fostering confident communicators and leaders is truly admirable.
Guided by the core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence, each speech, role, and meeting strengthens your club and the Toastmasters community. Let’s continue supporting one another, celebrating milestones, and embracing new opportunities for growth
Wishing Oasis Toastmasters ongoing success as you keep transforming lives and making a lasting impact!
Toastmaster Saman Walisinghe
Division Director, Division J
Toastmasters International, District 82
As Area Director, it brings me immense joy to share my reflections on OASIS Toastmasters Club From my first interaction, the warmth, hospitality, and respect of its members made me feel truly welcome. Witnessing the club’s growth has been a privilege, and OASIS continues to inspire me with its energy and dedication
The exceptional team spirit that defines OASIS is evident in every meeting. Members support one another, uphold Toastmasters’ core values, and foster an environment where positivity and encouragement thrive
OASIS is more than a club it is a family, united by shared purpose. I wish them continued success as they uplift, inspire, and transform lives through communication and leadership
Toastmaster Ruwan Adikari
Area Director, Area J3
Toastmasters International, District 82
OURHEADLINERS
The Dedicated Team Shaping This Narrative
N E W E S T
O U R VOICES
At first I came to the club as a guest because it was near by my home But after seeing the members there I felt like I belonged there They are such a nice bunch
TM Sachithra Pathiraja
Exposure brings knowledge. It helps to develop strong personality. Oasis TM club is a society with different professionals but united and help to achieve common goals as well as Individual goals. It maintains collaborative culture which feels more comfortable to a new comer T B
Returning to Oasis Toastmasters felt like home The support, growth, and inspiring members make it the best place to refine my skills. Excited for this journey!
Indusara
SHAPING BUILDING LEADERS FUTURES
TM Pushpitha Senarath Club President
I have the pleasure of serving as the president of Oasis Toastmasters club at present. This amazing opportunity has ascended my confidence, creativity, communication skills, time management and multitasking ability. I’m fortunate to work with an amazing team, who always strives for excellence. They keep on inspiring me to go beyond my comfort zone and discover new possibilities.
TM Tharushi Sirikumara Vice President Education
Toastmasters has been a transformative journey for me, shaping my leadership and communication skills. As Vice President Education at Oasis Toastmasters, I’ve honed my ability to mentor, organize, and inspire others. My experience in public speaking, event management, and teamwork has strengthened my confidence, adaptability, and ability to lead with impact.
TM Chethiya Thenuwara
Vice President Membership
As an engineer, Toastmasters helps me grow as a leader by improving my communication and presentation skills essential for explaining complex technical concepts. It boosts my confidence in team collaborations, refines my ability to give constructive feedback, and strengthens my problem-solving skills, preparing me to lead projects and drive innovation effectively.
TM Yumna Afzal
Club Secretary
Joining Toastmasters has b journey for me and has pus my comfort zone. Being t encouraged me to socialise and improve my time man have also improved my sk and organizing and have e new challenges.
TM Shameem Naffeel Vice President Public Relations
Toastmasters reshaped my understanding of leadership, especially in volunteer settings. Coming from a corporate background, I had to unlearn traditional approaches and adopt an empowering mindset. This journey taught me the value of trust, collaboration, and guiding others toward shared goals skills that drive meaningful results and personal growth.
TM Vathsala Liyanaarachchi
Club Treasurer
Toastmasters has improved my ability to work with diverse people by enhancing my communication and leadership skills. Through structured speeches and impromptu sessions, I’ve learned to adapt my message to different audiences, together with collaboration, understanding, and effective teamwork in various environments.
TM
Thishen Ranasighe Sergeant At Arms
Being an exco member in Toastmasters has helped me grow in many ways. It has boosted my confidence in speaking in front of others, improved my leadership skills, and made me better at thinking quickly. Toastmasters gave me a safe space to practice and learn, with helpful feedback that helped me improve. It’s been a great way to build skills that are useful both in personal and professional life.
TM Sithiji Kavishma Immediate Past President
For me Toastmasters cultivates leadership by shaping communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. It provides a supportive environment to practice decision-making, conflict resolution, and mentorship.
As the past president of Oasis Toastmasters, I learnt to be a mentor, a supporter. Through the speeches that I did and evaluations, and roles, members develop confidence, adaptability, and the ability to inspire others. I’m forever grateful for Toastmasters.
MASTERING
THE ART OF
Table Topics is an impromptu speaking activity commonly used in Toastmasters clubs and other public speaking organizations. It involves giving participants a random topic or question on the spot and asking them to speak about it for a short period of time, usually 1-2 minutes. You can practice table topics to enhance your impromptu speaking and it will help you in your personal and most importantly in your professional life. Here are some tips to help you handle Table Topics effectively:
Here are some tips to help you handle Table Topics effectively:
1
Stay calm and composed:
Take a deep breath and remain calm when you receive your topic or question. Table Topics are meant to be spontaneous, so embrace the challenge and trust in your ability to think on your feet
2. Listen attentively:
Pay close attention to the topic or question given to you. Make sure you fully understand it before you start speaking. If needed, ask for clarification or rephrase the question to ensure you address it correctly.
3. Structure your response:
Even though you have limited time, try to structure your response with a clear introduction, main points, and a conclusion. This will help you organize your thoughts and deliver a coherent speech. Consider using the classic structure of "Tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you told them."
4. Think of examples and anecdotes: If appropriate, use relevant examples or personal anecdotes to support your main points This can add credibility to your speech and make it more engaging for the audience
5. Be concise and focused:
Since you have limited time, avoid going off on tangents or providing unnecessary details. Stick to the main points and deliver your message clearly and concisely. Avoid filler words or unnecessary repetitions When a topic is given, you have two to three options. One could be where you agree to the topic, another one could be you disagree to the topic and may be the last option could be you can give your opinion about the topic and ask audience to figure out their choice.
6. Concentrate on keywords:
If you have received a topic which is too long and difficult to remember the whole topic, just focus on the keywords For an example, if the topic given is "Aspire to inspire before you expire", try focusing on the keywords here. The only keyword that you need to focus here is "inspire" and you can talk about inspiring someone to an inspiration that you got from someone
7. Maintain eye contact:
Engage with the audience by maintaining eye contact while speaking This creates a connection and helps you appear confident and persuasive
8. Use body language and gestures:
Support your speech with appropriate body language and gestures. This enhances your delivery and makes your speech more dynamic and engaging Use natural gestures that complement your message. However, do not just limit to body language, focus on voice variation when it requires
9. Practice impromptu speaking:
To improve your ability to handle Table Topics, practice impromptu speaking regularly Challenge yourself by asking friends or family members to give you random topics or questions and practice responding on the spot This will help you build confidence and improve your ability to think quickly.
10. Enjoy the process:
Table Topics are meant to be fun and challenging Embrace the opportunity to think on your feet and share your thoughts with others. Approach each Table Topic session with a positive mindset and enjoy the experience of impromptu speaking.
DTM Hingston Lovell Software QA Professional | Distinguished Toastmaster |
Public Speaking
Coach
SPEECHCRAFT WITH IFS TEAM
I’m beyond excited to share the incredible progress we’ve made in our very first Speechcraft session, conducted for the talented team at IFS. Seven sessions down, three to go – and what a journey it’s been so far!
For those unfamiliar, Speechcraft is a short-term program that helps participants develop their public speaking and leadership skills. Think of it as a crash course in Toastmasters’ magic, packed with learning, growth, and plenty of fun. And watching the transformation within the IFS participants has been nothing short of inspiring. Since day one, we’ve seen nervous smiles turn into confident speeches, hesitant introductions evolve into captivating presentations, and quiet listeners become active, enthusiastic participants.
Each week, we’ve witnessed our participants push their boundaries and step out of their comfort zones. Whether it’s a first-time Table Topic attempt or a well-rehearsed prepared speech, their progress has been remarkable.
One of the best parts of Speechcraft is the supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Our Key Note Speakers, Oasis Toastmasters and mentors have been by the participants’ sides every step of the way, providing guidance, feedback, and plenty of cheerleading.
The IFS team, too, has brought incredible energy to the sessions Their eagerness to learn, engage, and improve has made this Speechcraft program truly special.
OASIS OUTLOOK
With three sessions left, we’re gearing up to finish strong. The final weeks will focus on refining delivery skills, mastering vocal variety and body language, and preparing for a culminating session where participants will showcase their growth.
To the IFS Speechcrafters – your journey has been amazing, and we can’t wait to see how far you’ll go in the coming weeks. And to our fellow Toastmasters –thank you for your unwavering support in making this initiative a success.
This is just the beginning. Speechcraft may be a short-term program, but the confidence and skills gained here will last a lifetime.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to empower, inspire, and create confident speakers and leaders – one session at a time!
TM Shameem Naffeel Vice President Public Relations
Oasis Toastmasters Club. “Where Leaders Are Made”
We’re thrilled to announce that Oasis Toastmasters has won 7 Top Flyer Recognitions this Toastmasters year, including the prestigious Champion Flyer of the Month Award in July! A huge shout-out to our PR team for their creativity, dedication, and outstanding contribution. We’re humbly proud of this incredible achievement!
TRIUMPH
1
TM CHAMODIT RANASINGHE
TM MELUSHA GAMLATH
TM MUDITHA LAKMALI
TM CHIRANTH SIRIKUMARA
TM MELUSHA GAMLATH
TM MUDITHA LAKMALI
TM CHIRANTHA SIRIKUMARA
4
Oasis Toastmasters takes pride in earning the prestigious Smedley Award and the Talk Up Toastmasters Award this term, a testament to our club’s consistent efforts toward membership growth and excellence. These achievements reflect our dedication to creating a dynamic, supportive, and inspiring environment where members can build confidence, sharpen their communication and leadership skills, and achieve personal growth. We remain committed to empowering individuals and fostering a thriving, vibrant Toastmasters community.
TM YUMNA AFZAL
TM SHAMEEM NAFFEEL
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TM PUSHPITHA SENARATH
The
of Expression Echoes Echoes
The Poetry Corner by
TM Tharushi Sirikumara
The Road Ahead
The streetlights hum, their golden glow, Falling softly on the path below. The night is quiet, yet it speaks, Of shattered dreams and futures bleak.
Footsteps echo, slow and deep, A restless soul with none to keep. The wind it whispers, cold and wise, But offers neither truth nor lies.
Love Across the Distance
The cozy couples holding hands, Lost in love’s sweet demands... Yet here I stand, miles apart, With only your name carved in my heart.
A heart once full, now wears its chains, Heavy with loss, silent with pain. Yet still, he walks no map, no guide, Just the road, the dark, the endless tide.
What waits ahead, he does not know, The stars don’t tell, nor do they glow.
But step by step, through night’s embrace, He walks, he walks toward unknown grace.
I could have stepped outside today, Let the world take me far away. But every street, every light, Would only remind me of your sight. So I chose to stay, just me and my dreams, Where you’re right here, or so it seems.
The stars whisper secrets tonight, Carrying my love with all their light. If only time and space could bend, I’d be right there your love, your friend.
Though distance keeps us far away, My heart is yours, come what may. So on this special Valentine’s Day, I send my love, in every way.
May our love grow strong and true, Until the day I’m there with you.
