Oasis TMC - Outlook Volume 6 Issue 2

OASIS OUTLOOK

#2 ISSUE

The PR strategy of the Oasis Toastmasters Club

Uniquely blends traditional and digital methods.

District PRM

Feedback is breakfast of Champion

Five tips to evaluate your speeches in a proper manner

TM Chamin Athauda

Everything Started on a Sunday

Some people born leaders, but some are..

TM Dinara Mutugala

WHAT IS TOASTMASTERS?

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization 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 International Mission

We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

Club Mission

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

OASIS Toastmasters club (TMC) is one of the oldest Toastmasters club in Sri Lanka which was founded in year 2010 by late Mr. Chandra Liyanaarchchi. Initially it was established in Mirigama area and later it has been moved to Nittambuwa area in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. Currently there are 31 active members with OASIS TMC.

On every 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month at 9.00 am-11.00 am. Bandaranaike Public Library, Nittambuwa.

EDITOR’S NOTE

As we embrace the vibrant spirit of Oasis Toastmasters, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the latest edition of Oasis Outlook. With each issue, we endeavor to capture the essence of our club's journey, celebrating achievements, milestones, and the collective growth of our members.

In this edition, you'll find an array of insightful articles, anecdotes, and reflections that highlight the diverse talents and experiences within our Toastmasters family. From inspirational speeches to invaluable leadership lessons, Oasis Outlook serves as a platform to share stories that inspire, educate, and entertain.

Our club continues to thrive thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of our members. Whether it's mastering the art of public speaking, refining leadership skills, or fostering a supportive community, Oasis Toastmasters remains committed to nurturing personal and professional development in a warm and inclusive environment. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of communication and leadership, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to growth and learning. Together, let's continue to inspire, empower, and uplift one another on our journey to excellence.

I extend my gratitude to all contributors, editors, and supporters who have made this issue possible. Your passion and creativity enrich our club and reinforce the values of Toastmasters International.

Wishing you all continued success and fulfillment in your Toastmasters journey.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As we enter March, I am contemplating the significance of communication in establishing connections and fostering unity. Each member brings a distinct perspective, background, and narrative within our diverse and dynamic Oasis community. Effective communication enables us to bridge differences, celebrate diversity, and work together toward personal and professional development.

Toastmasters goes beyond enhancing public speaking skills; it serves as a safe space where individuals gather to share experiences, exchange ideas, and support each other in their journey of self-improvement. Through meetings, workshops, and conversations, we improve our communication skills and nurture empathy, understanding, and respect for one another.

As the President of Oasis Toastmasters, I am constantly inspired by our members' passion and commitment. Whether delivering speeches, offering feedback, or taking on leadership roles, each of you contributes significantly to our club's vibrant community. Your dedication to personal growth and readiness to embrace challenges embody the essence of Toastmasters.

In the spirit of connection, I urge you to embrace every opportunity to engage with fellow members. Take the time to listen to their stories, share your experiences, and learn from one another. We can cultivate a culture of inclusivity and belonging within our club through open communication and genuine interaction. As we embark on this journey together, let us reaffirm our dedication to communication, camaraderie, and continuous improvement. Together, we have the ability to bridge gaps, inspire change, and create a brighter future for ourselves and those around us.

Thank you for being an essential part of our Oasis Toastmasters family. Here is to the path ahead!

TM Sithiji Amarasena | Club President Oasis Toastmasters Club

AREA DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Oasis Toastmasters Club as they embark on a journey filled with boundless opportunities and success. Your dedication to excellence and commitment to personal and professional growth is truly inspiring. I applaud your unwavering support for area initiatives, which plays a pivotal role in strengthening our Toastmasters community.

As Area Director, I am honored to witness the positive impact of your contributions firsthand. Your enthusiasm, passion, and collaborative spirit exemplify the core values of Toastmasters International. Together, we continue to empower and uplift each other on this transformative journey.

I am confident that the Oasis Toastmasters Club will continue to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of its members and the broader community. Here's to a future filled with endless possibilities and achievements.

TM Sankhani Suraweera | Area Director

DISTRICT PUBLIC RELATIONSHIP MANAGER’S MESSAGE

The PR strategy of the Oasis Toastmasters Club uniquely blends traditional and digital methods, significantly bolstering its prominence in District 82. This approach has efficiently paved the way for wider engagement, drawing new prospects and showcasing the club's strong commitment to fostering personal and professional growth. Their dedication to creating a supportive network highlights the club's key role in the community and district. I wish the Oasis Toastmasters Club all the best in their future endeavors, confident they will continue to thrive and inspire.

TM Nimanka Perera | District PRM

Elevating Educational Excellence

A Journey with Oasis Educational

Recognizing the significance of real-time data, I led efforts to improve existing trackers and introduced new ones. These trackers not only provided valuable insights but also empowered our club leadership to make informed decisions, steering our educational endeavors in the right direction.

Understanding the power of collaboration, I assembled an extended educational team. This team brought together individuals with diverse skills and perspectives, fostering a culture of shared learning and growth.

Together, we collaborated on various educational initiatives, including training sessions, workshops, and mentoring programs.

“Our collective efforts bore fruit in a multitude of achievements. In just nine months, Oasis Educational achieved remarkable milestones. We attained 10/10 Distinguished Club Program points, facilitated 100 pathway adoptions, and witnessed 17 level completions.”

Additionally, we enrolled five members in mentoring pathways, nurturing the next generation of leaders within our club.

But our impact extended beyond our club's borders. Through strategic open house programs, we actively promoted membership growth, welcoming new members into our vibrant community. Moreover, our commitment to excellence attracted over ten visiting Toastmasters, eager to experience the unique blend of camaraderie and learning that defines Oasis Educational.

As I reflect on our journey, I am inspired by the collective dedication and enthusiasm of our members. While we celebrate our achievements, I am reminded that this is just the beginning of our pursuit of educational excellence. With unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit, I am confident that Oasis Educational will continue to elevate educational standards and empower individuals to reach their full potential.

TM Chamodith Ranasinghe Vice President Education

FUN ANTICS STASH OF EXCO’S SECRET THE GAVEL BEYOND

NEW VOICES VISIONS

New members reflect on their journey ahead!

I'm Sithumini an undergraduate from the University of Moratuwa. Oasis Toastmasters Club is a good place where any person can improve their communication skills in a comfortable environment. I was searching for a Toastmasters club to improve my communication skills and I searched the Oasis club on social media as well.. From the photos, I realized that this will be the place where I can improve my English. And when I attended the very first day of the club, they warmly welcomed me. The club members are very helpful and friendly.

I'm TM Nethuli Liyanarachchi, and I studied at Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya in Gampaha. Currently, I'm eagerly awaiting my A/L results. Dreaming big to become a doctor one day! Oasis Toastmasters Club caught my eye because I believe it's the perfect place to develop my public speaking skills and boost my confidence in expressing myself. After all, effective communication is key in connecting with patients. Thrilled to be here and embark on this journey with all of you!

I nethmi Attanayaka who studied at Lyceum International School Gampaha currently is an undergraduate at Wayamba University of Sri Lanka while being a management-level CIMA Candidate. I joined Oasis because I believe in the power of leadership, communication social relationships and collaboration. As a member, I hope to gain insights, support, and inspiration from fellow members, as well as contribute my own experiences and knowledge to help others thrive. I look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals and fostering meaningful relationships within the Oasis community.

I studied at Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya in Gampaha, and currently, I am a final year undergraduate at the University of Moratuwa. I joined Oasis Toastmasters to enhance my presentation and personality skills and to overcome my fear of public speaking. I believe this is a great platform to overcome my shortcomings and expand my potential.

I studied at Veyagoda Central College. currently, I'm an engineering undergraduate student who has taken for university admission at the University of Ruhuna. I joined the Oasis Toastmasters Club to build my leadership skills for my future engineering projects.

Educational Pathways

TM Muditha Lakmali

TM Vishmi Wijesekara

TM Sakuni Jayathilake

TM Vathsala Liyanaarachchi

TM Zinthan Salahudeen

TM Tharushi Sirikumara

TM Shameem Naffeel

TM Yumna Afzal

MEMBER TRIUMPHS

Leadership Enrollments

AREA DIRECTOR

TM SANKHANIE SURAWEERA

DIVISION K | AREA 2 | DISTRICT 82 | 2023/24

ASSISTANT PUBLIC RELATION MANAGER

TM CHAMODITH RANASINGHE

DISTRICT 82 | 2023/24

PUBLIC RELATION CHAIR

TM GIHAN JAYAWEERA

PROGRAM QUALITY | DISTRICT 82 | 2023/24

OVATION MARKETING CHAIR

TM CHAMODITH RANASINGHE

DISTRICT 82 | 2023/24

OVATION MARKETING EXTENDED TEAM

TM THARUSHI SIRIKUMARA

DISTRICT 82 | 2023/24

CLUB TRIUMPHS

Champion Flyer of the Month (JULY)

Top Flyers of the Month (August)

Top Flyers of the Month (September)

Top Flyers of the Month (October)

Top Flyers of the Month (November)

Top Flyers of the Month (January)

Top Flyers of the Month (February)

Gold Creative Content Newsletter in Term 01

10 DCP Points

Outstanding Membership Status

Smedly Award

100% Pathway Completion

BEYOND THE BOUNDARY

CLUB CONTEST JUDGING

TM THARUSHI SIRIKUMARA

TM SHAMEEM NAFFEEL

AREA CONTEST CHAIR

TM TOLANI RIDMINI

AREA CONTEST MASTER

TM TOLANI RIDMINI

TM MUDITHA LAKMALI

AREA CONTEST TIMER

TM THISHEN RANASINGHE

CONTEST SUMMARY

CLUB CONTEST WINNERS

International Speech Contest

Winner

TM Zinthan Salahudeen

1st Runner Up

TM Yumna Afzal

2nd Runner Up

TM Chamath Liyanaarachchi

Table Topic Speech Contest

Winner

TM Tharushi Sirikumara

1st Runner Up

TM Zinthan Salahudeen

2nd Runner Up

TM Yumna Afzal

AREA CONTEST WINNERS

International Speech Contest

Winner

TM Zinthan Salahudeen

1st Runner Up

TM Yumna Afzal

Table Topic Speech Contest

Winner

TM Zinthan Salahudeen

1st Runner Up

TM Tharushi Sirikumara

EVALUATE TO ELEVATE

It is said “Feedback is breakfast of champions” and I am sure there are a lot of feedback behind every champion speaker. In other words, passionate speakers are made thanks to the valuable evaluations of mentors and colleagues. This is why in club meetings there is a separate session for evaluation. Here are some tips we can use when a speech is evaluated, especially Pathways projects.

1. Purpose

Every project in Pathways has a specific purpose or a few purposes. Therefore, every time we evaluate a Pathways project, we should be thorough with the purpose(s) of it. The best thing to do is getting the speaker to send us evaluation form well before the meeting and go through it to get a better understanding about the speech. During the speech we can analyze whether the speaker fulfils it or not.

2. You are not the Star

When you are the speech evaluator it is not your time to shine as a star and show how much you know about public speaking. Your task is to help the speaker shine as a star. Your purpose has to be to provide positive feedback to the speaker to do better in the future. In fact, we need to have an honest intention to develop the speaker.

“Feedback is breakfast of champions”

5. Keep it simple

3. ‘My’ opinion not ‘Our’ Haven’t we heard some evaluators say, “We all were inspired by your words.” But how do we know that every single person in the audience was inspired. There might have been individuals who were not inspired by the speech. It is, therefore, better to say, “I was inspired. I enjoyed it a lot. I was mesmerized.” Our feedback is a collection of our thoughts and the speaker should decide whether to agree or disagree.

4. No Exaggeration

“Wow! What a wonderful speech! The best speech I have listened to in my life!” Would you like to hear these kinds of words from an evaluator for a pretty average speech? I believe one of the biggest mistakes an evaluator could do is exaggeration. Will it help the speaker to do better in the future? Instead, what if we appreciate the effort of the speaker and positively discuss the ways he can improve.

Simplicity matters a lot when it comes to speech evaluations. No matter how advanced your evaluation is if the speaker cannot digest what you say, the effort will be wasted. Of course, we can come up with advanced points if the speaker has already requested to do so prior to the meeting and if he is in need of such points.

Every time you are to evaluate a speech, consider it an opportunity to help another to do better in the future. Ultimately, that is what we all would like to see as Toastmasters.

Article by TM Chamin Athauda Siyane Toastmasters Club

EXPERIENCES SHARING THEIR Testimonials from Our Visitors

Congratulations on maintaining such a vibrant and welcoming community! My recent visit to your club was truly delightful, and I was impressed by the dedication and talent of your members. Your commitment to growth, confidence, and camaraderie is inspiring. Kudos to President Sithiji Kavishma and the entire exco team for fostering such a supportive environment. I look forward to our continued collaboration and friendship.

I first encountered Oasis TMC during the time we were conducting online meetings. Members from Oasis Toastmasters helped our club by participating in our meetings. They were a very helpful bunch of people. Moreover, this is a very enthusiastic group of people. Eventually, when I got a chance to associate with them more, I realised that every person at Oasis shares the same passion for Toastmasters, which is what led them to be one of the best clubs in the country. I feel it is a privilege to be able to work with Oasis Toastmasters Club members on different occasions because each time it is a learning experience with them. I convey my gratitude for all the support Oasis Toastmasters have given to our club in the past, and I wish Oasis Toastmasters a bright future and good luck in their future endeavours!

I was fortunate to attend an Oasis meeting on 11th february 2024. It happened to be a valentines themed meeting and as soon as I entered the hall, I could see members decorating the hall. We were greeted warmly and throughout the meeting each segment was matched with the theme. Although these are not mandatory aspects in a Toastmasters Meeting I really appreciate the members of Oasis Toastmasters for going that extra mile and making sure to make the meetings more interesting and engaging. Wishing you all the very best in the upcoming years Oasis Toastmasters!

TM Isuru Ehelepola

TM Nimshi Pallihawadana PRESIDENT MINUWANGODA TOASTMASTERS CLUB

TM Ravindu Mirihana

PAST EVENTS

Outing to Kandy

Oasis Open House 2.0

Live in the moment – 2024 New Year-themed Meeting

Everything with Love – Valentine’s Day-themed Meeting

International and Table Topic Speech Contest

COTP – 2nd Term

Movie Night

Moment of Truth

Women Empowerment – Women’s Day-themed Meeting

Oasis Open House 2.1

Transform 24 – Divisional Conference

Community Project – Asgiri Walpola Primary School

Joint meeting with Minuwangoda Toastmasters Club

UPCOMING

EVENTS

Joint meeting with Hill Capital Toastmasters Club

Oasis Avurudu

Ovation 2024

Annual Oasis Outing

COTP

Leadership Training Program

New Member Induction & Club Officer Installation

Humorous & Evaluation Contest

Divisional Conference

Camping Night

“Spooky Night” – Halloween-Themed Meeting

Oasis Picnic

"Merry Christmas"- Christmas party along with the meeting.

“Building the real leader in you” - Community Project

APERSUASION

s I stepped into the Grand Ball Room of the Oak Ray Hotel, a wave of nervous excitement washed over me. I was attending Transform ’23,

Division K’s midyear conference. Apart from being the mid-year conference, it was also the venue for Division K Humorous speech and Evaluation speech contests. It was my first major Toastmasters contest, and despite putting in many hours of practice and preparation, I still could not believe that I was one of the contestants participating. My participation in this contest came about due to a fluke as well. During the club contests, I was determined not to participate in the Evaluation contest instead preferring to take part in the humorous speech contest, but our club president TM Sithiji insisted that I could do both. I am glad that she persuaded me because I ended up winning first place at the evaluation speech club contest. Following that after winning second place in the area contest, I ended up participating in the division contest. I could feel the anticipation buzzing in the air. The room was filled with eager participants, each one ready to showcase their speaking skills and compete.

Following some introductory and welcoming speeches from distinguished members of the Division K and District 82 Toastmasters fraternity such as Division director, TM Methsiri Herath, it was finally time for the speech contests. The Humorous speech contest took place first and it was amazing to see all the experienced speakers deliver their comedic speeches which made us fall out of our seats laughing. Four members of Oasis Toastmasters Club participated in the contests (TM Shameem Nafeel and Pushpitha Senarath for the Humorous Speech contests; TM Vathsala Liyanaarachi

and TM Yumna Afzal for the Evaluation speech contests). When the time came

it was time for to get to know the contestant and the awarding ceremony. It was joyous moment for our club when TM Pushpitha won the 2nd runner up at the Humorous speech contest and we were extremely happy for him. When the evaluation contest winners’ results were finally announced, I held my breath, hardly daring to hope. To my utter disbelief, my name was called as the 1st runner up of the contest.

I stood in shock as I was presented with a gleaming trophy, my heart overflowing with gratitude. Winning the contest was a validation of all the hard work and dedication I had poured into my public speaking journey, but most of all it was due to the support that I got from Oasis family

As I left the Oak Ray Hotel that day, trophy in hand, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible journey that had led me to this moment. Joining Toastmasters had led me on a public speaking journey and the memory of my first major contest will always stay with me. What had started as a nerve-wracking experience had turned into a triumph beyond my wildest dreams. And it all began with some simple persuasion from the president of my Toastmasters club.

Article by TM Yumna Afzal Oasis Toastmasters Club

THOUGHT GUEST

Oasis Toastmasters has been an invaluable experience for me.The supportive environment, structured feedback, and engaging speeches have truly helped me hone my public speaking skills. I highly recommend Oasis Toastmasters to anyone looking to improve their communication and leadership skills.

Nethmi Wijesekara

A Journey to Remember CELEBRATING PR TRIUMPH

Reflecting on the past year, my journey in public relations with Oasis Toastmasters Club has been an exhilarating ride filled with challenges, triumphs, and an abundance of inspiration. As I reminisce on the milestones achieved, I am delighted to share the highlights of this unforgettable journey, crowned by the receipt of five prestigious PR awards.

Champion Flyer Contest - Gold Award

The voyage commenced with the prestigious Champion Flyer Contest, where innovation and creativity took center stage. Crafting a flyer that not only reflected the ethos of Oasis Toastmasters but also resonated deeply with our community was both a labor of love and a thrilling challenge. Pouring my heart and soul into every pixel and phrase, I was overjoyed when our flyer was awarded the coveted Gold Award, setting the tone for the remarkable journey that lay ahead.

Champion Flyer of the Month - July

As the months unfolded, I continued to push the boundaries of creativity and excellence in our promotional endeavors. July brought with it another opportunity to shine, as our flyer was crowned the Champion Flyer of the Month. This accolade reaffirmed our commitment to excellence and underscored the power of effective communication in conveying the essence of Oasis Toastmasters to our audience.

Creative Content Newsletter - Silver Award

As the year progressed, I embraced the challenge of enhancing our club's digital presence through our newsletter. From thought-provoking articles to captivating event highlights, each edition aimed to inform, inspire, and engage our members. Winning the Silver Award for Creative Content Newsletter was a testament to our team's collaborative effort and innovative spirit, reinforcing our commitment to delivering value and inspiration to our members.

Best Social Media Presence - Bronze Award

In an increasingly digital world, maintaining a strong social media presence is paramount. Leveraging platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, I endeavored to amplify the voice of Oasis Toastmasters, sharing stories, insights, and updates with our online community. Winning the Bronze Award for Best Social Media Presence was a testament to the impact of our efforts in fostering meaningful connections and expanding our reach beyond the walls of our meetings.

Outstanding Website - Silver Award

Our club's website serves as a digital gateway to our community, offering valuable resources and information to both current and prospective members. Collaborating with fellow members, we revamped and optimized our website to ensure it was user-friendly, informative, and visually appealing.

Winning the Silver Award for Outstanding Website was a testament to our dedication to excellence in every aspect of our club's operations, ensuring that our online visitors could easily access the information and resources they need to embark on their Toastmasters journey.

In conclusion, my journey in public relations with Oasis Toastmasters Club over the past year has been a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and collaboration. As we celebrate these achievements, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to elevating our club's presence, impact, and influence in the year ahead. Together, we can continue to inspire, empower, and transform lives through the art of communication and leadership.

Here's to another year of growth, success, and unforgettable moments with Oasis Toastmasters!

In the year 2023/2024, I was honored to continue serving as the Vice President of Public Relations (VPPR). This position allowed me to further contribute to the growth and success of our club's communication efforts. In July 2023, I once again clinched the Champion Flyer of the Month award, showcasing our club's ongoing commitment to excellence. Additionally, my flyers were selected as the top flyer of the month for six consecutive months, marking a significant milestone in Oasis Toastmasters Club's promotional efforts. Furthermore, in the year 2023/2024, I was thrilled to receive the Creative Content Newsletter Gold Award, further solidifying our club's reputation for delivering high-quality, engaging content to our members.

Article by TM Tharushi Sirikumara Oasis Toastmasters Club

EVERYTHING STARTED ON A SUNDAY

Once upon a time there was a little girl who did not want to do anything. She hardly left the house. She did not want to make friends.

One day, a miracle happened. When she was scrolling on Facebook, she saw Toastmasters. She went to one of their meetings and everything started to change. Toastmasters became her comfortable zone. This is about how toastmasters help her to excel in her leadership roles and that girl is none other than me.

Some people are born leaders, some people do not get opportunities to show their capacity and some are not ready to take up the challenge. I was in the third category. I did not want to accept the challenges. So I missed almost all the leadership positions at school.

On a wonderful Sunday I could change my life. The very first day on my toastmasters journey I learned to take up challenges. I stood up to deliver a table topic speech. Everybody clapped for me!! I felt that I am included and capable. Starting from thereI accepted all the challenges that come along with leadership roles. I could contest for the college election and won it. The process was difficult but I learned to make any place a comfortable zone thanks to Toastmasters.

When engaging with people as a responsible leader, communication is very much important. The way you communicate with others will define your personality. Me being little younger than many and dealing with mature people is really hard.

Amazing communication skills I learned from toastmasters helped me to catch any age group. And Round Robin session is about listening. I am a good listner thanks to Toastmasters.

My life is a roller coaster. There are ups and also downs. Whatever it is, a Sunday morning with Toastmasters can fix my entire mood. This is how I discover my true self. I hope you all will find your hidden flows and capabilities.

SUCCESS CELEBRATING

Oasis Open House 2.0

In the vibrant tapestry of our annual events, the Oasis Open House stands as a beacon of collaboration, growth, and community. Spearheaded by our dedicated VP Membership and VP PR teams, Oasis Open House 2.0 on December 31, 2023, marked yet another triumphant milestone in our Toastmasters journey.

This year's event was a testament to the values we hold dear: leadership, communication, and inclusivity. Through the collective efforts of our teams, we curated an immersive experience filled with educational speeches that left attendees inspired and empowered.

What truly set this event apart was the influx of new faces eager to embark on their Toastmasters journey. With over 10 new participants joining our ranks, our community expanded, enriched by diverse perspectives and talents.

At the heart of Oasis Open House 2.0 was our dedication to providing an authentic Toastmasters experience. Participants had the opportunity to partake in a model meeting, where they witnessed firsthand the transformative power of our structured approach to communication and leadership development.

As we bask in the glow of another successful event, we are reminded of the profound impact of Toastmasters values. Through collaboration, education, and empowerment, we continue to shape leaders, foster connections, and inspire growth within our community.