The Central Point – Central Colombo Toastmasters Club

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION To empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders

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

DISTRICT 82 MISSION To build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence

THE 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

OUR CORE VALUES I N T E G R I T Y

R E S P E C T

S E R V I C E

E X C E L L E N C E

TABLE OF CONTENTS

01

Get to Know Us

02

Club President’s Message

03

Greeting from Area, Division and District Officers

05

Joint Meetings

06

Testimonials

07

Champions’ Corner

08

Achievements

11

CCTMC is 4!

14

What is new at CCTMC

15

Member’s Article

17

What’s Next?

JOIN OUR MEETINGS! CCTMC meets every other Sunday at 3:45 PM. Our regular meeting location for physical meetings is at the Academy of Finance, Kollupitiya.

At Central Colombo Toastmasters Club, we’ll give you the training of a lifetime, a wealth of inspiration, and a cohort of supporters to travel with you, side by side.

With mentors, evaluators, speech projects, leadership training, fellow members, and friends in your corner, your skills will be fine-tuned, cultivated, and enhanced beyond belief.

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

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

This Issue of the Central Point will take you through our triumphs over the past few months – We hope that with every page flipped, you discover the magic that we create and find yourself falling into place with Central Colombo Toastmasters Club.

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FROM THE PEN OF THE PRESIDENT

THE EXCO

I am delighted to pen these words for Volume 4, Issue 2 of the Central Point. Having been chartered as a Toastmasters club in February 2021, Central Colombo Toastmasters Club has become a safe haven for its members to practice being vulnerable on a stage – to let their true colours show and to allow themselves to be embraced wholly by their fellow members. As one of the charter members in 2021, I remember having a wholesome, comforting feeling about the club – and I am happy to note that that feeling still prevails.

President Nishedha Indraratne

Almost 4 years later, CCTMC is thriving in all facets. We’ve produced a District Finalist and District Second Runner-Up, we’ve produced the Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year, we’ve produced Division Winners, Division Directors, Area Directors and Distinguished Toastmasters; we’ve also chartered a Gavel Club and continue to nurture young talent through our continuous Speechcraft Programs.

+94 71 693 6096 msbenaragama123@gmail.com

CCTMC has become a club where members, guests and guest Toastmasters gather to create ordinary magic every single day. We’re proud to be a frequent stop for many Toastmasters from other clubs looking for a change of scenery and to practice their skills. It is through this exposure that we learn the art of speaking, stage crafting, evaluating and so much more.

CCTMC has become Crazy Connected – and no matter where you come from, we have something for you!

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

Vice President - Education Divya De Saram +94 70 581 8426 divyaadesaram@gmail.com

Vice President - Membership Methsara Benaragama

Vice President - Public Relations Janith Jinadasa +94 77 181 9846 janithsahanaka@gmail.com

Secretary Harshani Karunathilake +94 71 351 3351 karunathilakeharshani@gmail.com

Treasurer Mrinali Xavier +94 71 351 3351 xmrinali@gmail.com

Sergeant-at-Arms Haritha Kankanige +94 77 942 3626 kdharitha2@gmail.com

Immediate Past President Lakalya De Silva TM Nishedha Indraratne Club President Central Colombo TMC

+94 71 983 8971 lakalyadesilva@gmail.com

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GREETING FROM THE DISTRICT DIRECTOR Dear Esteemed Members of Central Colombo TMC, I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the publication of your 2nd newsletter for the Toastmasters Year 2024/25.

D D

You have maintained an impressive presence within District 82 over the years that I am happy to observe is getting stronger as time goes by. To better yourself as a speaker is a challenge, and every member at Central Colombo TMC has not only embarked on this challenging journey but has also shown remarkable perseverance in continuing it.

Such significant endeavours demand unwavering commitment from members and excellent leadership. The leadership exemplified by Nishedha and her team, and the dedication shown by all members of the club are truly commendable. It is through your collective efforts and steadfast determination that District 82 continues to thrive. You also achieved the Smedley Award this year, contributing to District 82 being recognised for having the highest number of Smedley Award winning clubs in Toastmasters International. Beyond that, I am sure that every member – new and existing – continues to provide their unique contributions to forming the ethos of your club.

Your passion for our clubs mission and your dedication to excellence are evident in the pages of this newsletter. In today’s fast-paced world. effective communication and leadership skills are invaluable assets. Toastmasters International, a renowned organization dedicated to improving public speaking and leadership abilities, continues to make a significant impact on its members worldwide.

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Beyond refining public speaking abilities, Toastmasters fosters leadership development.

By taking on various roles within the club. such as serving as a meeting facilitator or evaluator, members gain valuable experience in organization, teamwork, and decision-making.

The unique equation between leadership and communication within Toastmasters is evident.

Effective leaders must communicate clearly. inspire others, and foster collaboration. Conversely, strong communicators often emerge as natural leaders. capable of guiding teams and influencing positive change.

While celebrating what makes CCTMC a great club, let us also look inward and commit ourselves once again to furthering the goals of the club and of the organization that we call home.

Congratulations to everyone involved in making this publication possible. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated.

Ganga Fernando, DTM District Director, District 82, Toastmasters International

CCTMC, A POWDER-KEG OF ENERGY! I am honoured to write a few words for Central Colombo Toastmasters Club. As a dynamic club in “Brilliant Division B”, you have continued to grow from strength to strength during this Toastmasters year.

I admire your verve in the face of challenge and your upbeat, positive attitude in the face of the individual and club-level goals that are left to conquer. Congratulations on achieving the Smedley Award during this year and on spreading your wings beyond the club. I see many CCTMC members everywhere I turn, and with this, I see a quality of camaraderie – of a willingness to learn and grow, and to help others grow along with you that sets you apart.

TM Clive C. James Division Director Division B

“You have continued to give back to the community through Speechcrafts and your club meetings are a powder-keg of energy. I am proud to say that CCTMC is a part of Division B “ At this time, I want to remind you of the importance of having a clear vision, of identifying your priorities, of planning and focusing your energy of members’ growth and development, and of maintaining consistency in your every action. May you continue to be a haven for your members and a conducive environment for members to be themselves, to experiment with their speaking styles and to discover what true support it. This newsletter is proof that you go above and beyond – and I, for one, am waiting to see what you all do next. Congratulations, and best of luck for the future!

As the past president and a lifelong member of Central Colombo Toastmasters, I am incredibly proud of how CCTMC spreads its wings everywhere, everyday.

This is a club that has always had its members’ best interest at heart, propelling them towards progress and transformation. A Sunday with CCTMC is not just educational and entertaining, it’s an addiction that members seek to kickstart a new week.

I have seen CCTMC grow over the years. How each exco adds something unique to its warm culture, how we diversify the conduct of meetings and how we stay relevant amidst changes is truly commendable. From tackling complex taboo topics to organizing flawless hybrid meetings to feasting at thanksgiving to contesting at District Finals, CCTMC is an experience that every toastmaster deserves.

I cannot wait to witness the incredible journey that lies ahead for CCTMC and its members. I have no doubt that we will enjoy it with the same enthusiasm, love and commitment - that define CCTMC. Here’s to an eternity of learning, laughing and leading!

TM Lakalya De Silva,Area Director(Area B1)

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The Greatest Lessons I’ve Learned as a Toastmaster (and How They Keep Me Going) After 15 years in the Toastmasters world, I can confidently say that this journey has been one wild ride, full of growth, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

But more than just improving my speaking skills, Toastmasters has taught me some invaluable life lessons that continue to fuel my passion for public speaking.

First, I’ve learned that failure is the best teacher. The number of times I’ve bombed a speech or misjudged a joke is countless. But each “failure” became a stepping stone, refining my skills and confidence. Toastmasters is a safe space to fall flat on your face and get back up, better than before.

Secondly, listening is just as important as speaking. As a Toastmaster, I’ve realized the power of truly listening to others. Engaging with the audience

and fellow speakers has taught me that communication is a two-way street, and every conversation is an opportunity to learn.

Finally, embracing vulnerability has been a game changer. When I open up in front of an audience, I not only connect with them, but I also connect deeper with myself. It’s a reminder that authenticity is what resonates.

These lessons drive me to keep speaking, keep learning, and most importantly, keep inspiring others to find their voice.

Toastmasters isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifelong adventure.

DTM Gadjen Suryakumar Braybrooke Toastmasters Club

JOINT MEETING

CCTMC and Serendib Toastmasters Soar Beyond the Skies in a Memorable Joint Meeting!

In an electrifying convergence of eloquence and inspiration, Central Colombo Toastmasters Club (CCTMC) and the prestigious Serendib Toastmasters Club joined forces for their Joint Meeting of the Year!

This wasn’t just another meeting—it was a celestial spectacle of limitless ambition under the theme: Sky Is Not the Limit, You Are the Limit!

A Meeting Like No Other!

With an atmosphere crackling with energy, the event brought together some of the most brilliant orators, visionary leaders, and unstoppable dream-

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ers. The room wasn’t just filled with words—it was brimming with possibilities! Each speech, evaluation, and impromptu challenge pushed the boundaries of creativity and confidence, proving that limitations exist only in the mind.

from not only their club members TESTIMONIALS uations but from visiting toastmasters too. It showed “This is one club meeting on Sundays that I look forward to and if you are really interested developing your public speaking, communication skills and leadership skills, whilst having fun, I strongly recommend that Central Colombo Toastmasters club meetings on a Sunday evening in the center of Colombo is the place to be “ The first time I visited this club I was simply amazed. The club has a vibe which is infectious. It was a taboo theme meeting, which was my very first taboo meeting in my Toastmasters journey. The way they handled the meeting, so professionally yet filled with lots of fun made me want to come back again to this club, and so I did. I was invited for the fourth installation ceremony of the central Colombo toastmasters club which again I thought was a beautiful event and everything went like clockwork. the camaraderie among the club members was lovely to see.

me how committed they are to planning meetings well ahead by their adorable VPE and EXCO. It also demonstrates how willingly other toastmasters come to this club to help with roles even on a Sunday afternoon!

It is one of my most favorite clubs in the district. I can’t wait to go to a Central Colombo toastmasters meeting again, for the fun, the learnings and not only that. I’ve made so much of friends in that club who welcomed me with open arms and I thank you for the friendship and may the Club grow from strength to strength.

I was captivated by their enthusiasm and thus I decided to return yet again for their meetings. Visited them for their Christmas theme meeting. The TMOD’s energy passed on to all of us and I can still hear the “Fa la la la la” ringing in my ears. I went again to another meeting which was themed environmental friendly meeting where each role player had to identify which soul animal they relate to. The TMOD didn’t wait till the day of the meeting but shared a fun survey to find out which soul animal you relate to and went to the extent to describe each role player with the characteristics. Amazing!

I also went for their meeting in January 2025, which was a speech marathon and was enthralled that there were so many great eval-

DTM Sitha Kathirgamanathan Administration Manager 2024/25, District 82, Toastmasters International.

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CHAMPIONS’ In conversation with TM Lakalya De Silva She’s a great speaker, a great baker and a great conversationalist. She’s the CCTMC member who took the club all the way to the District 82 Finals for the International Speech Contest and bagged the Second Runner-up Title at the District 82 Table Topics Speech Contest in 2023/24. She did all of that while serving as President of CCTMC and she is currently taking on a storm as Area Director of Area B1. TM Lakalya de Silva has always pushed boundaries in pursuit of greatness and we are so proud to be her home club.

What worked for Lakalya last year when she took on the formidable District 82 stage? We were determined to find out.

Q: What inspired you to become a

Toastmaster?

I heard about Toastmasters in 2015 when the Siyane Toastmasters Club helped charter the Gavel Club of the College of Chemical Sciences, where I was a first-year undergraduate. I was privileged to meet poised, accomplished

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CORNER

yet humble Toastmasters early on in my Gavel journey, and I wanted to be like them one day.

Fast forward to 2020, and joining Toastmasters was the first thing I did (when I could afford 90 USD per year!)

Q: What went through your mind the mo-

ment you heard your name being read as one of the winners at the district finals?

The real thrill for me was walking out of the stage after delivering my table topic, with a heart pounding in my chest and a crowd cheering for me. When the results came in, of course, I remember feeling elated. I saw that my pack at CCTMC was over the moon. And there I was posing for a photo with giants in the field and I felt a sense of accomplishment.

Q: What were the biggest challenges you

faced on your journey to the district stage?

My biggest challenge was my procrastination and lack of preparation.

Q: What was it like to find a balance be- Q: W Aside from CCTMC, what resources do tween being club president, being a working professional and being a champion speaker-in-training?

I felt like a bumble bee, buzzing around and making sweet memories. Looking back I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’m firm in the belief that Toastmasters is there to refine us, not to define us. Juggling things, and giving all my 100% was my way of using Toastmasters to refine me.

Q: What is your favorite thing about CCTMC

you use to find out how your speeches need to be curated? (this is an invitation to speak about visiting other clubs, having multiple evaluators/shadow evaluators etc.)

Visiting other clubs, becoming a test speaker, and conducting speechcraft keynotes have helped me gauge what delivery techniques work on what kind of crowds. Aside from this, I make it a point to run my speeches by my aunt - who has no idea what Toastmasters is. This helps me understand how a non-Toastmasters crowd perceives my speech.

and how has CCTMC helped you?

CCTMC is crazy caring, and smothers you with support that you have no option - but to be better. CCTMC treated me as a winner long before I won anything. Having a dynamic club rooting for you is the confidence boost that any contestant deserves, that I’m privileged to have.

Q: What would you say to our new mem-

bers who are looking forward to becoming champion speakers as well?

Enjoy the process. Play roles, do speeches, come for speechcrafts, go for installations, contest, fail, contest again. Do anything and everything. It’s great to be ambitious, to have a timeline, and to work for your goals. But in my opinion - it is the journey that transforms you. I always believe that a true champion is not the one with a winning speech, but the one who is always a winning speaker. And that consistency of being ‘always good’ can only be achieved by enjoying the process.

Interviewed by: TM Sajani Jayathma.

Sajani is an author, undergraduate and researcher in the fields of psychology, law and environmental conservation.

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CCTMC ACHIEVEMENTS Here are some of our moments that made an impact.

Darren Pullenayegam Dynamic Leadership path Level 1

Level 2

Pathum Jayasooriya Presentation Mastery path Level 1

CCTMC wins Talk Up Toastmasters Award!

A Toastmasters Club wins this award for adding 5 new, dual or reinstated members between February 1st and March 31st.

Level 2

Janith Jinadasa Presentation Mastery path Level 2

Patali Tissera Dynamic Leadership path Level 1

Nishedha Indraratne Visionary Communication path Path complete

Highlights from the Area Stage!

On March 1st, Toastmasters Praveen Nanayakkara, Nishedha Indraratne, and Janith Jinadasa showcased their talent at the Area-level International Speech and Table Topics Contests.

Their eloquence and confidence earned them well-deserved placements, with TM Nishedha advancing to the Division contest!

Methsara Benaragama Engaging Humour Path Level 3

Level 4

Lakalya de Silva Dynamic Leadership path Level 2

Level 3

Kalpa Rashmika Presentation Mastery path Level 1

Praveen Nanayakkara Engaging Humour path Level 4

Central Point Volume 4 Issue 1 among top 10 newsletters!

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Sajani Senanayake Motivational Strategies path Level 1

If you had told me a few months ago that I’d complete this milestone in my Presentation Mastery pathway, I would have probably laughed nervously and gone back to my cup of tea. But here I am, and I owe a huge part of this success to my incredible Toastmasters family at Central Colombo Toastmasters Club. Their encouragement, feedback, and the occasional playful roast kept me going and made thisjourney one to remember.

Balancing an 8-to-5 corporate job while working through my Toastmasters pathway was no easy feat. There were nights spent scribbling speech ideas while munching on short eats, early mornings rehearsing in front of the mirror and plenty of moments where I wondered why I voluntarily signed up for this challenge. But every time I felt overwhelmed, my club members were there offering support, sharing their own struggles, and reminding me that growth always comes with a bit of discomfort.

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MONTHS LEVELS!

One of the biggest transformations I’ve experienced is in my speaking style. I’ve always been a fast talker—so fast that even a Sri Lankan tuk-tuk driver in a hurry would ask me to slow down. And to make things more animated, I also had a habit of snapping my fingers while talking, as if I was conducting an invisible Baila band. My club members, with endless patience and good humor, gently helped me pace myself. They reminded me that a speech isn’t a race, that pauses can be powerful, and that I don’t need to punctuate every sentence with a dramatic hand movement. Over time, I learned to embrace the silence, let my words settle, and—most importantly—keep my fingers from breaking into an impromptu dance routine.

What kept me pushing forward was the realization that Toastmasters isn’t just about learning to speak—it’s about personal growth, stepping out of our comfort zones, and discovering confidence we never knew we had. Every speech, every evaluation, and every role I took on brought me one step closer to becoming a better communicator and a more confident version of myself.

So, to anyone just starting out or struggling to find their rhythm, here’s my advice: trust the process, lean on your club, and enjoy every awkward, nerve-wracking, and hilarious moment. Because before you know it, you’ll look back and realize just how far you’ve come.

TM Pathum Jayasooriya CCTMC

As I continue my Toastmasters journey, I am beyond grateful for my Central Colombo Toastmasters family. Here’s to more speeches, more growth, and—hopefully—fewer dramatic finger snaps!

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Speechcrafts are CCTMC’s way of reaching out to the communities around us and helping out the eager to learn, and the quick to grasp. This year, CCTMC has been conducting Speechcrafts at a healthy rate, completing the 3rd batch of the Holy Family Convent, Colombo 04 Speechcraft, the 2nd Batch of the Asia Pacific Institute for Digital Marketing Speechcraft.

This term, we continue our streak with a new Speechcraft at the Instittute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and another new Speechcraft at APIDM. We also hope to begin a new journey with the Imperial College of Business Studies by incorporating Speechcraft into their curriculum.

A new batch at HFC will begin soon, as well.

This year, we have been participating in droves at each and every Speechcraft session. While TM Nishedha coordinates HFC and CA Speechcrafts along with TM Praveen and TM Lakalya, TM Divya coordinates the APIDM Speechcrafts with TM Lakalya’s help. Our newest and youngest Speechcraft Coordinator has been impressing both the club’s members and the Speechcraft

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participants with his incredible wit and confidence – TM Haritha embarked on his journey as a coordinator with our newest APIDM Speechcraft.

As we look forward to nurturing talents and helping others to step out of their comfort zone, we remain committed to bringing more recruits to Toastmasters and creating more leaders and effective communicators

Want to enhance your team’s public speaking and leadership skills? Organize a Speechcraft Program for your organization today!

Contact Ms. Nishedha Indrarathne at +94 77 784 6668 to bring this transformative experience to your workplace or group!

CCTMC is 4! where friendly competitions Central Colombo Toastmasters Club Celebrates 4th Anniversary with a Memorable Getaway!

On the 22nd and 23rd of March 2025, the members of the Central Colombo Toastmasters Club embarked on a much-anticipated two-day trip to Aluthgama, marking the club’s 4th anniversary in style.

This getaway was not just a celebration but an opportunity for members to bond, unwind, and create cherished memories together.

The journey to Aluthgama was filled with excitement, as members eagerly anticipated the planned activities. Upon arrival, the group settled in and wasted no time in making the most of their time together. A thrilling game of cricket set the tone for the day, with members showcasing their sporting skills and team spirit.

The fun continued at the pool,

together to celebrate this mileand laughter filled the air. stone, making the event even more special.

As the evening set in, the The 4th anniversary celebracamaraderie deepened over tion was a resounding success, card games and heartfelt reinforcing the club’s spirit of conversations. Personal stories unity, laughter, and personal were shared, strengthening growth. Here’s to many more the bonds among members years of learning, leadership, beyond the confines of regular and lasting friendships! meetings. The highlight of the night was the musical session, led by DTM Kasun on the guitar. The atmosphere was electric as members sang along, transitioning seamlessly into a karaoke session that lasted into the night. To top it all off, a delicious BBQ dinner added a flavorful touch to an already unforgettable evening.

The trip was not just about fun—it was a testament to the strong sense of fellowship that exists within the Central Colombo Toastmasters Club. With 24 members in attendance, nearly the entire club came

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RECRUITS TM RANJAN SURESH Territory Manager - Hemas Pharmaceuticals Ranjan is back with CCTMC! A seasoned Toastmaster, he began his journey with CCTMC, actively competing in contests at the area and division levels.

TM ESINI PEIRIS HR Professional - Rockland distilleries Our longest-standing guest, has finally joined CCTMC! She is a Rotaractor with extensive leadership experience, and a Gavelier. While taking on her field by storm, she also moonlights as a Chemistry tutor.

TM AMASHA DULARI PERERA Audit Trainee Associate - KPMG Nineteen-year-old Amasha, the youngest member of CCTMC, recently completed her A/Ls in the field of Commerce.

TM AALIYAH HASSEN LLB undergraduate Aaliyah is a truly resilient and passionate communicator. She joins CCTMC in the hopes of cleaning up her courtroom speaking style.

TM SHEHAN Tax professional Shehan is a tax professional with 10+ years experience in the tax field, a nature lover, a cardio athletic enthusiast and joined CCTMC to be an inspiring public speaker.

TM NETHUL Undergraduate - Medical Faculty University of Colombo Our most recent addition to the CCTMC Family, while preparing for his journey as an MD, Nethul joins CCTMC to polish his communication skills.

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INITIATIVES INCEPTUM The purpose of interpersonal communication webinars is to enhance members’ skills in effectively exchanging information, ideas, and emotions with others. These webinars are designed to improve communication and to address various aspects of interpersonal interactions in personal and professional contexts.

MEMBERS IN THE LIMELIGHT Showcasing the journey of a successful Toastmasters, to inspire members to strive for excellence in their public speaking, leadership, and personal growth. This initiative is also aim to honor the achievements of the individual, reinforcing the value of hard work and dedication within the Toastmasters program.

MENTORSHIP BOOTCAMP

CCTMC’S NEW MENTORS

Divya De Saram

Yashodha Silva

Janith Jinadasa

Pasindu Silva

The Mentorship Bootcamp is a dynamic program designed to accelerate learning and foster both personal and professional growth. Guided by experienced mentors, it provides a structured and intensive learning experience, equipping members with the skills to navigate challenges and build confidence.

The session successfully concluded with eligible members completing the bootcamp, resulting in an increase in the number of mentors within the club.

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M A ST E R I N G T H E J U G G L E

“Thriving in Toastmasters While Balancing Life’s Chaos” Life often feels like a never ending juggling act; work deadlines, family responsibilities, personal goals, and social commitments all competing for attention. Add Toastmasters into the mix, and it might seem like you’re piling on yet another obligation. However, the secret to managing it all isn’t about cramming more into your schedule—it’s about understanding that Toastmasters is not just another task, but a supportive community that helps you grow and navigate life’s chaos more effectively. With the right mindset and strategies, it’s possible to balance a hundred things while still being an active and engaged Toastmaster.

One of the most important skills in balancing multiple commitments is prioritization. When you have countless responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stretched too thin. The key is to focus on what truly matters. Not every task requires immediate attention, and not every responsibility is equally important. The same applies to Toastmasters.

Instead of aiming for perfection in every speech or leadership role, focus on consistency and impact. Some weeks, you might have time to deliver a well-polished speech; other weeks, simply attending a meeting and offering feedback to others might be enough. The ability to prioritize ensures that Toastmasters remains a source of growth rather than stress.

Alongside prioritization, effective time management is essential. With so many responsibilities, time often feels like a limited resource. The best way to manage it is to be intentional about scheduling. Time blocking (dedicating specific hours for Toastmasters meetings, speech preparation, and leadership responsibilities) can help create structure. Batching tasks can also be effective. for instance, using commute time to brainstorm speech ideas or preparing multiple speeches in advance when inspiration strikes. Additionally, leveraging technology such as Google Calendar, Notion, or task management apps can help keep track of deadlines and commitments. This makes sure you remember that long distance aunty’s birthday without forgetting about your next pathway speech! By organizing time efficiently, it becomes easier to balance Toastmasters with other responsibilities.

While time management and prioritization are crucial, the real magic of staying engaged in Toastmasters while balancing a busy life lies in understanding that Toastmasters is more than just a commitment, it’s a support system. Many people hesitate to join or stay active in Toastmasters because

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they fear it will add to their already overwhelming workload.

However, what they often overlook is that Toastmasters is designed to help, not hinder. It provides a structured yet flexible way to develop communication and leadership skills that can be applied to both personal and professional life.

For example, if you have an important work presentation, Toastmasters offers a safe space to practice. If you struggle with confidence in meetings, the supportive environment helps you build self-assurance.

Another key factor in balancing multiple roles is learning to delegate. Whether it’s at work, home, or in Toastmasters, trying to do everything alone is a recipe for burnout. If you hold a leadership role in your Toastmasters club, trust your fellow members to take on responsibilities. If you’re preparing for a speech but feeling short on time, ask a mentor or a club member for quick feedback. In both Toastmasters and life, teamwork and collaboration are essential. One of the greatest strengths of Toastmasters is that it fosters a culture of support—members help each other, encourage growth, and step in when needed.

Of course, none of this is possible without self-care. When managing multiple responsibilities, it’s tempting to push through exhaustion and keep going without pause. However, burnout is real, and maintaining balance requires making rest and personal well-being a priority. Skipping a meeting or taking a break doesn’t mean failure, it means sustainability. Toastmasters is about growth, and growth is a long-term process. Taking the time to recharge, whether through a short walk, meditation, or simply laughing with friends, allows you to return to your commitments with renewed energy. Success isn’t about doing everything at once, it’s about maintaining a pace that keeps you moving forward.

At its core, balancing a busy life while staying active in Toastmasters isn’t about sacrificing one thing for another, it’s about integrating Toastmasters into your life in a way that enhances everything else. Whether you’re preparing for a speech, leading a team, or simply attending a meeting, remember that Toastmasters isn’t just about public speaking, it’s about developing the confidence and skills to navigate all aspects of life with ease. So, embrace the challenge, trust the process, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.

TM Sajani Jayathma

Continuing the Journey of Growth The Central Colombo Toastmasters Club hosted a Special Workshop on Scripting a Speech & Impromptu Speaking on January 19th at ACBT Dickmans Road Branch, Colombo 05.

TM Farweez Imamudeen shared insights on structuring speeches with clarity and impact, while TM Lakalya De Silva, a Table Topics contest winner, guided participants in mastering impromptu speaking.

Through interactive exercises and expert guidance, attendees honed their public speaking skills. The club continues its mission of fostering growth, equipping members with essential communication tools for success.

THANK YOU FOR READING THE 2ND ISSUE AS WELL! I am happy to present the final newsletter for the term 2024/25, which is the culmination of weeks of collaboration, creativity, and dedication from the members of the Central Colombo Toastmasters Club.

This newsletter is more than just a collection of articles and photos —it’s a reflection of the passion, hard work, and growth that each of you brings to the club. From our seasoned speakers to those just beginning their Toastmasters journey, every contribution helps shape the vibrant community we’ve built together. Whether it’s through insightful speeches, inspiring leadership, or our ongoing support of one another, this newsletter showcases how we consistently dazzle

the Toastmasters stage with our collective talent.

Every section has been carefully crafted with you in mind—our members, who continue to push boundaries and grow with every meeting.

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence, and I hope this edition inspires you as much as the previous issue. Here’s to even greater achievements in the future!

You’ve Read About It, Now Experience It – Scan to Join Us!

JOIN OUR MEETINGS!

CCTMC meets every other Sunday at 3:45 PM.

TM Janith Jinadasa Editor, The Central Point

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WHAT’S NEXT? CCTMC CALENDER DATES TO REMEMBER! 25th March

Joint Educational Meeting

30th March

Educational Meeting

6th April

Divison Conference

20th April

Avurudu Themed Meeting

10th May

Educational Meeting

23rd - 25th May Ovation - 2025

THE CENTRAL POINT TEAM JANITH JINADASA (EDITOR) KYU THIN CHO (CO-EDITOR) NISHEDHA INDRARATNE

THE CENTRAL POINT VO LUME 4, ISSUE 2