MEETING DETAILS
Every Second & Fourth Thursday
6:00 - 8.30 PM
RCU Skills Centre, Rajakeeya Mawatha, Colombo 7
CONTACT US
President:
+94 75 266 4444
VP Education: +94 77 712 8585
VP Membership: +94 76 8857 903
VP Public Relations: +94 76 475 8534
WELCOME TO MARKETERS TOASTMASTERS
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION
We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL CORE VALUES
Integrity | Respect | Service | Excellence
TOASTMASTERS DISTRICT 82 MISSION
We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.
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.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 24/25
Refined Sophistication, Inspire Change & Transform
President
VP Education
VP Membership
VP Public Relations
Secretary
Treasurer
Sergeant At Arms
TM Franklin Paul
TM Ashane Wadasinghe
TM Bhagya Rathnasiri
TM Vinu Balasuriya
TM Ashen Jayathunga
TM Jayani Hiripitiyage
TM Sepali Dahanayake
TOASTMASTER VINU & TOASTMASTER FRANKLIN
AREA DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE & COMMUNICATION IS CURRENCY
TOASTMASTER NISAL & TOASTMASTER CHATHURA
CELEBRATING SERVICE: PRAISE & PRESTIGE
TOASTMASTER DHANUSHKA
THE ART OF SMALL TALK
TOASTMASTER FIRHA
CLUB TRIP: A SUMMER ESCAPE TO REMEMBER
TOASTMASTER CHARINDI
5 TIPS ON HOW TO ELEVATE YOUR EVALUATIONS TOASTMASTER AYESHA
TOASTMASTERS BEYOND THE STAGE
HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS DISTINGUISHED TOASTMASTER SHEREEN
BEHIND THE SCENES - A Q&A WITH HAFEEL TOASTMASTER HAFEEL
Q&A WITH OUR SPEECHCRAFT COORDINATORS
TOAST TIPS BY MARKETERS
GROOMING ETIQUETTE FOR SUCCESS
TOASTMASTER ASHANE
CLUB HIGHLIGHTS
CLUB ACHIEVEMENTS, NEW MEMBER CORNER & UPCOMING EVENTS
FROM THE EDITOR
From The Torchbearers, carrying the flame of growth and transformation, to The Inferno, where we fuel each other’s progress and confidence as a team, our journey continues to burn brightly Here we are again with the final edition of our Marketers Toastmasters newsletter for the 2024/25 term!
FROM THE EDITOR PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Marketers Toastmasters Club empowers individuals
It feels like just yesterday, but we've already completed nine months of our term Time has flown by, and we're now in our final quarter.
FROM THE EXCO: THE LEADERSHIP LENS
From inspiring insights to exciting activities and achievements, there’s always something happening that deserves a page in this newsletter. We’ve had lovely contributions from both our members and guest Toastmasters that I wish I could include them all in here
Reflecting on our initial focus of inspiring change and transformation, I can confidently say I've experienced significant personal growth
WEEKEND WIND WITH MARKETERS IN CONVERSATION WITH DTM NIROSHAN
As the Editor, it has been a privilege to showcase these moments I’m deeply grateful for everyone who contributed, whether by sharing content, providing feedback, proofreading, checking for brand violations (shoutout to the amazing past VPPRs of the club), or simply cheering us on And, of course, a special thank you to those who constantly (and quite threateningly) reminded others to send their content
THE CONTEST CHAIR’S GUIDE
HOW TO TOAST TASTEFULLY A HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO MY HOME CLUB
This newsletter wouldn’t be possible without our amazing members! Just like the name suggests, your collective passion, effort, and teamwork helped bring this fire to life
BEHIND THE WINNING EVALUATION
This term has created my best memories within the club Being part of Marketers Toastmasters Club, with its supportive and respectful members, has been a truly enriching experience Because I tend to work independently, delegating tasks to my team was initially challenging However, taking that leap of faith and trusting in their abilities led to a significant change in my leadership approach I'm grateful for the insights gained, which will serve me well in the final quarter and beyond
As the 16th president of this club, I've witnessed many positive developments I'm especially thankful for my dedicated Executive Committee team (EXCO), who have been the pillars of our leadership. And, of course, the members, who are the true foundation of our club's success
PASSING THE TORCH MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS
Happy reading, and let’s keep the fire alive!
THE L OVAT
Time is a valuable resource, and I'm committed to making the most of our remaining time together. Let's continue to inspire change and transform lives!
DIRECTOR
It fills me with immense pride and excitement to serve as the Area Director and witness the exceptional growth and accomplishments of the Marketers Toastmasters club As I reflect on the journey with Marketers Toastmasters, The relentless pursuit of excellence in the club continues to set a benchmark for others
The vibrant energy each member brings to the meetings is nothing short of remarkable The creative themes, insightful speeches, and collaborative learning experiences are a testament to the commitment of the entire Executive Committee Your efforts have not only enhanced our members' growth but also created a warm and inclusive environment that draws new members to the marketer’s family.
Beyond the club meetings, the marketers spirit shines brightly at Area, Division, and District events The willingness to participate, contribute, and support one another shows the true essence of Toastmasters From conducting impactful Speechcraft programs to representing the club as keynote speakers, your efforts inspire others and leave an indelible mark
As your Area Director, I am honored to represent a club that exemplifies the values of integrity, respect, service, and excellence Together, let us continue to push boundaries, embrace opportunities, and support each other on this incredible journey of personal and professional growth
Thank you for being the heart and soul of our Toastmasters community Here's to reaching new heights together!
TOASTMASTER NISAL HETTIARACHCHI
Communication is currency! And trust me, I learnt this the hard way!
Graduating as an engineer, then jumping into HR, and finally launching EverHealthy, I discovered that communication isn't just talking - it's my most valuable asset In the early days of my startup, every conversation was a lifeline Pitching to customers, negotiating with suppliers, or explaining my vision - each interaction was crucial
I started with minimum connections and zero budget My only capital? My ability to connect, listen, and inspire When big marketing was impossible, I relied on genuine conversations I shared my story, my passion for Himalayan Pink Salt, and why EverHealthy mattered
My engineering precision, HR empathy, and entrepreneurial spirit taught me one thing: People don't buy products. They buy stories. They buy passion They buy YOU
One of the strongest pillars in that journey is Startup Colombo Toastmasters Club, which played a pivotal role in helping me explore and sharpen my communication and public speaking skills
Communication isn't just talking It's connecting It's believing
It's your ultimate entrepreneurial superpower
TOASTMASTER
CHATHURA KALANSOORIYA
CELEBRATING SERVICE:
PRAISE & PRESTIGE
FROM THE EDITOR PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
FROM THE EXCO: THE LEADE
WEEKEND WIND WITH MARKETER
When I joined Toastmasters, this saying often echoed within our halls “Toastmasters is a place of service” To end the term 2023-2024 we held our final meeting dedicated to recognize and celebrate our amazing members, reflecting how each member’s contribution made an impact on the current term's success The ambience was warm and inviting with camaraderie among our club members and visitors from Division D, it was themed under rich shades of green symbolizing our wealth and harmony
IN CONVERSATION WITH DTM NIR
THE CONTEST CHAIR’S GUIDE
HOW TO TOAST TASTEFULLY
The meeting was filled with laughter, joy, and appreciation, acknowledging the executive committee's efforts in concluding a successful year Many appreciation speeches followed, reminiscing about quirky memories and highlighting the contributions of EACH AND EVERY MEMBER who gave their utmost support to ensure successful meetings It was indeed a heartwarming sight The evening served as a powerful reminder that, regardless of the size of one's service, any effort offered with devotion deserves appreciation.
A HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO MY HOM
TOASTMASTER
THE ART OF SMALL TALK
The other day, my best friend from school made an interesting observation about me.
She tilted her head, looked at me and went ‘you know what? You have changed so much from school times She used a term in Sinhalese to describe my past self for which I found it hard to find the English meaning for so Instead I’m going to use the opposite word she used to describe my present self - vociferous
I was an Introvert. Too shy to speak up at social gatherings as a child. As I grew up, I realized that this ‘having to speak people business’ does not go away & I had to get on board, and these are some of the tricks that I developed over the years to navigate these choppy waters of small talk
01 STORYTELLLING
Something I have adopted over the years to connect with people is storytelling It might sound daunting, but it is a skill that can be developed. How do you gather the required content though? This is a trick that I learnt years ago from a veteran toastmaster He suggested that I identify at least one-story worthy moment for every day of my life.
That customer I met last month that had me tongue tied during the first few seconds of the meeting because he looked like the young hot version of my favorite Tamil actor? Turns out that he was training to be an equestrian but had to take over his father’s business? Story!
The beautiful sunset I witnessed over the Kalyani bridge while driving back home? Story!
Getting into a habit of doing this can help you gather enough content to keep your conversations interesting
02 FORM
Something I have learnt over the years is to be interested, not interesting People love to talk about themselves I generally follow the acronym FORM - Family, Occupation, Recreation & Message for closure for small talk Listening becomes easy when it is approached with curiosity rather than judgement
03 POSE, PAUSE, PROBE
In the process of listening, use the pose, pause & probe method For example:
Pose a question: What do you do for work? Pause: keep quiet and listen Probe: what kind of customers do you sell your product to?
In conclusion, small talk can be scary but useful, and the key is practice It is important that you keep trying and you will eventually perfect the art
Happy talking!
MARKETERS TOASTMASTERS CLUB TRIP:
A SUMMER ESCAPE TO REMEMBER
The Marketers Toastmasters Club set sail on a blissful two-day getaway to Villa Ranmenika, Ahungalla on February 22nd and 23rd The retreat was the perfect pause from the everyday hustle, bringing members together to reconnect and recharge The journey unfolded with ice-breaking games by TM Nisal Adikari, setting the stage for camaraderie and countless laughs. As the sun dipped, the night unfolded into a dazzling white-themed party in celebration of our 16th Club anniversary
This celebration was paired with an elegant cheese and wine tasting session hosted by TM Sepali Dahanayake From water polo battles to photoshoots and heartfelt conversations around the dining table, every moment painted a memory worth cherishing, making this trip not just an escape, but a celebration of the vibrant family the club built together.
HOW TO ELEVATE YOUR EVALUATIONS
5 KEY TIPS FROM THE 2024 DISTRICT CHAMPION
Evaluating Toastmasters speeches is a great opportunity to develop your skills as a listener, your skills in analysis, and your skills in giving feedback Here are five techniques which could help you become a stronger evaluator!
1) The key ingredient is empathy
The Evaluation Contest judges ballot sheet has many references to being empathetic, asking judges to allocate points to evaluations that are ‘positive’, ‘sympathetic’, ‘sensitive’, ‘motivational’ and ‘encouraging’. When evaluating, we can convey humility and respect through our words, tone and facial expressions I believe this empathy is the number one ingredient to succeeding in evaluations!
2) Make a mental checklist
How do you identify areas for improvement especially when you have an excellen front of you? Make a mental chec criteria you typically see on an eval eye contact, vocal variety, interest, e any additional criteria you believe ma engaging When I’m assessing a spea at a contest, while making notes, I run mental checklist
3) Consider the greatest speakers yo Consider the best speakers you’ve may be World Champions of Public S Ramona J Smith, Mohammed Qaht Montalvo, or admirable orators li Obama and Martin Luther King When evaluating a speaker, ask yourself ‘What separates them from the great This can help spark ideas for what may elevate the speech
4) DELIVER ‘STICKY’ FEEDBACK
Deliver feedback that will stick in people’s minds by using metaphors to explain your ideas, sharing advice from expert speakers while crediting them, delivering unexpected insights about public speaking, and connecting your evaluation back to the speech you just heard With a joke or two, you might also be able to make your evaluation entertaining as well as informative
5) Manage your time
You have 3 minutes (and a 30 seconds grace period) to deliver your evaluation I follow a method recommended by Toastmaster Moritz Ebeling-Rump who advises spending 1 5 minutes on areas you liked, just over 1 minute on areas of recommendation, and about 30 seconds to summarize I usually share 3 areas I liked, 2 suggestions for improvement and try to conclude
HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS MORE THAN JUST
A HELPING HAND
Words like poverty, vulnerability, and charity often come to mind when we think about giving whether out of generosity or in remembrance of a loved one Driving through the streets of Colombo, we frequently see people in need, and many of us have participated in almsgiving But does this alone define humanitarian work?
In the corporate world, terms like Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability are common. Companies engage in these initiatives for various reasons sharing profits with the community, encouraging employee volunteerism, or even mitigating past mistakes But is this enough?
Transitioning from the education and banking sectors to community development transformed my perspective
The quote, “Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day Teach a man to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime,” became a reality for me. True humanitarian work is not just about giving but about creating lasting impact Empowering people with skills, education, and opportunities fosters self-sufficiency, not dependency
Effective humanitarian work addresses immediate needs hunger, shelter, medical aid while also building resilience The goal is not just relief but recovery, ensuring communities can rebuild and thrive. Advocacy plays a crucial role in changing mindsets and fostering sustainable solutions.
Being a Toastmaster in this field has strengthened my communication skills, helping me engage donors, project implementers, and beneficiaries It also provides a platform to share stories and inspire others to see humanitarian work through a deeper, more meaningful lens
BEHIND THE SCENES A Q&A WITH HAFEEL
What’s a specific moment when you realized Toastmasters had made a significant impact on you?
When my sister told me that I have become kinder and empathetic This was after a year or so since I joined MTMC. I have always been known to be very stoic and stern My looks also don't help me with it But since I joined Toastmaster, I can see myself becoming more lenient, less judgemental, and empathetic a key thing that I can attribute is the female friendship I had from here I rarely had female friends in my entire life until I joined Toastmasters
The friendship between the bros is very different from the friendship that we have with the sisters Especially being very careful about what we say to them and making sure they are not hurt
Initially, it was extremely hard for me to adjust, and I even believed that this was very fake, but eventually I understood the importance of showing the love that we have for our friends...
It made a huge difference in my life and altered the relationship dynamics that I have with my parents, my sister, etc. No,w I can tell that at least the people in my close circle feel comfortable sharing their stories with me
What’s your most memorable meeting, and why does it stand out?
My first meeting as the TMOD It wasn't the best meeting that we had in MTMC’s history, but because it was a very ordinary meeting nothing special to offer
But it was special for me because halfway through the meeting, I understood people were getting bored and nothing was happening, and as the TMOD I felt helpless after some time, I remember TM Ludmila asking everyone to take up a table topic Everyone were telling different stories, and the room became very energetic and fun-filled again
How do you keep an audience engaged, whether it’s a humorous speech or an evaluation?
See whether it's engaging to you, for example, answers that I have given for the first 3 questions are pretty stale that I wonder if anyone would read all of this, but I can’t do anything about it because the due date to submit the article ends tonight
What’s the best way you recover when a joke doesn’t land as expected?
Same as how you handle it when you fall on the road, just look around and see whether anyone noticed; if not, just move on like nothing happened But make sure to reflect on why it didn't work Give context or change the words Most of the time, a joke doesn't land because we tend to be over-explanatory about it
Have you ever made a major mistake during a speech or role? What happened?
I almost always forget some parts of my speech when I deliver it; I have never delivered a speech that I have written 100% ever But I don’t consider it a mistake because it doesn't feel natural to say a speech word for word from paper But I feel the biggest mistake that I always make is that I don't put as much effort into my delivery as I put into content Once TM Ayesha told me in her evaluation that I don't do justice to the speeches by failing in delivery Yes, She is very mean You all just don’t see it Those words still echo in my ears
Nice try, Hafeel—that’s a lie!
You’re known for humor, but you excelled in an evaluation contest—how do you adapt your style to different speech formats?
Be it humor, ISC, or evaluation, knowing why a speech works and how it can be made more interesting is the key to excelling in public speaking Even though I am known to be the club clown, I know that I am not the funniest person in our club But to write a humorous speech, we don't have to be funny; we should know the rules of being funny! As long as we know the rules and have strengthened our fundamentals, we can easily evaluate any speech I trained under TM Ayesha and TM Franklin for my evaluation, so credit goes to them My Division contest evaluation wasn’t stellar, but I’ve come a long way
How would you describe the culture of our club in one word?
Supportive - Whenever another toastmaster from our club asked for help, it's difficult for us to say “No” Given our club’s hatred towards babies, I feel like the founders of our club had some rituals done so that this cult would be glued as one, supporting one another always.
One word, Hafeel, just one
Another lie! We love babies!
Q&A WITH OUR
SPEECHCRAFT COORDINATORS
We extend our gratitude to our Speechcraft Coordinators for their dedication and commitment to shaping confident speakers Their guidance has played a vital role in supporting our Speechcrafters' growth
This Q&A offers a glimpse into their journey, highlighting the challenges they overcame and the most rewarding moments they experienced
From March 2024 to 2025, we conducted 8 Speechcraft programs with CA Sri Lanka and MAS Kreeda, training over 100 aspiring speakers This achievement was made possible through the dedication of our coordinators.
What
was your biggest challenge as a Speechcraft coordinator, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was that I used to feel fulfillment was always just out of my sight It felt like I was missing some secret ingredient that others seemed to have. But over time, I realized that growth isn’t about having all the answers but about being willing to unlearn, relearn, and push forward.
And, to my realization, the secret ingredient was community. It is something you can rest on, when you need to take a break, from your shortcomings and pauses in life. And when you are surrounded by a Good Community (Because there could be otherwise) you will be able to surpass those undeterred moments, and move to be the best person you want to be.
What has been your most rewarding moment with Speechcrafters?
The most rewarding moment in Speechcraft was witnessing eager participants transform One student said, “Speechcraft is the session I look forward to the most!” Their enthusiasm was infectious Beyond organizing, I built invaluable connections and saw confidence bloom. Helping others grow through Marketers TMC fulfilled my passion for service Seeing them step up, speak, and shine reminded me why I love what I do, empowering others to find their voice.
TOASTMASTER
TOASTMASTER ARTHY MOORTHY
What strategies have you found most effective in engaging and motivating Speechcraft participants?
The best method is to let the audience know we respect them showing up every week And appreciate it as you notice And always connect their general aspiration whether it's a Viva, Promotion, or Presentation Whichever it is when you assure them that the SpeechCraft Programme is the best solution to elevate their Personal Image Always remind them about whom they will become when they have the power of their voice.
TOASTMASTER ASHANE WADASINGHE
As a former Speechcrafter turned coordinator, what’s your top tip for making the most of Speechcraft?
My life was completely changed by the CA Speechcraft adventure where I discovered things that helped me to become a better communicator
How has being a coordinator helped you grow as a leader?
When I said yes to the role, I never imagined it would be a learning curve for me as well At first, I was nervous it was my first time managing a batch of students with diverse mindsets Adjusting was tough, but through trial and error, I discovered my leadership style. Over time, I became an empathetic leader, understanding the students in my batch better In the end, I learned to coordinate, organize, plan, and lead with confidence, making the experience rewarding for all
TOASTMASTER JAYANI HIRIPITIYAGE
What’s the most memorable or funny moment you’ve experienced during a Speechcraft session?
Today as a toastmaster, and a speechcraft coordinator, I would suggest each and every speechcrafter to grab the best out of this programme, understand the essence of public speaking, communication and leadership through the sessions with the help of expert knowledge sharing sessions.
You will shine in front of an audience with pride once you have conquered your fear of public speaking
During last year’s CA Speechcraft, I witnessed a moment that left me speechless. A student stepped onto the stage to present his very first project, visibly nervous, sweating, and overwhelmed. He hesitated, then abruptly left, whispering that he needed two minutes
Murmurs filled the room was he backing out? My heart sank. But within seconds, he returned, smiling, exuding confidence His speech? Titled “Fear ” What I initially mistook for stage fright turned into one of the most brilliant openings I’d ever seen Th di was hooked, engaged from sta finish. That day, he taught us a lesson in storytelling
TOASTMASTER
"For me, it's all about planning, practicing, and executing.
Confidence comes with the practice"
TM LAHIRU THALAGALAGE
"When I feel nervous in club meetings, I remind myself that these people are not here to judge me They are here to support me, to help me grow, and to encourage me I don’t need to worry because I know they will look out for me.
When I think about all your support I don’t feel afraid "
TM PUBUDITHA RATHNAYAKE
“Every time I step onto the stage, I have a pep talk with myself, I remind myself of the effort I have already put in to get there for the speech, remind myself of my best moments on the stage, and then walk to the stage without any other thoughts."
TM INDOOSAN SHANTHAKUMARAN
“Before a speech, take deep breaths This will help you avoid shallow breathing while speaking! Relax and relax to the fullest!"
DTM OSHAN LIYANAGE
O A S T T I P S B Y M A R K E T E R S
"Before I get on stage, I remind myself that it’s okay to embarrass myself because it’s not about me anyway. I’m not that important to begin with. I try to focus instead on giving as much value to the audience as I can, in that moment " TM AYESHA RATNAYAKE
"A pause is the most powerful element in a speech. However, when we are nervous when speaking, it often makes us uncomfortable, leading to filling the sentence with filler and nonword words.
I try practicing being hyperconscious when using fillers and nonwords in a speech, and I try replacing them with intentional pauses, which gives more clarity Focus on practicing regularly to become more comfortable with your pauses "
TM AHMED FAIZAL
“First master your speech in your mind, then the stage Visualising yourself delivering a flawless speech in your mind, means you are more than half way to delivering a flawless speech on the stage"
DTM MAFAZ IFHARM
“Before I get to the stage, I try to avoid what’s happening right before my speech. For example, in a contest, I would go out of the room (if possible) to have some ME time Just to chill and relax. "
TM AHAMED AZEEM
"Dream of your speech like a journey: start, middle, and end Start stronger by grabbing the attention of your audience and the middle with some humor to keep their attention
Finally, leave them with a powerful ending and memorable takeaway "
TM NUWAN RANATHUNGA
"Getting nervous before a presentation is one thing, but the added excitement of seeing people watching you makes it even harder
My rifle shooting coach once shared a piece of advice that stuck with me: "Imagine an invisible curtain around you and clear your mind for just 3 minutes Take a deep breath, count to three, and exhale. Then, smile and give your best show." It’s a simple ritual, but it works wonders
TM CHARINDI KUMARASINGHE
FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER: GROOMING ETIQUETTE FOR SUCCESS
I always believe, that your cover, is the secret key, to winning the hearts of people And disagreeing with the phrase, "Never Judge a Book by its cover" at time times stood as a protest But, I strongly believe, how you look, conduct, and present yourself is the art of respecting the people, you are presenting yourself to Be it your Company Directors, Clients, Club Members or your family
A well-groomed appearance and polished conduct signal respect
respect for others and confidence in yourself And I believe, it directly affects the opportunities you get and the personal influence you have
1. CLOTHING & STYLE
Dress to Impress: Importantly, try to tailor your attire appropriately to your workplace culture. And within that, framework, do your best to experiment with colourizing your clothes Especially with your accessories (Gentlemen - Tie, Ladies - Colorful Earrings, Lipstick)
Fit Matters: Ill-fitting clothes undermine professionalism Work on alterations for a polished look A Slim Fit can make you look sharper than a Regular Fit might
Colours & Fabrics: Neutral tones (navy, charcoal, beige) project authority While you accessorize, stick to the more neutral colours for your main pieces Try and opt for breathable fabrics like wool or cotton for comfort. Personal Hygiene
Hair & Nails: Keep hair clean and styled neatly; trim nails short and clean And very importantly, nail biting is something that someone can over time, learn to get rid of. Your hands become the first physical contact in a hand shake
Grooming Tools: Use deodorant, mouthwash, and a lint roller to avoid distractions As a Tropical Nation, sweat is not optional, but body odour can be reduced.
Perfume/Cologne: Apply subtly strong scents can overwhelm colleagues Also, it might stand against you, if you have not worn an underlining deodorizer
Grooming for Men
Beard Care: Trim facial hair weekly for a clean, "intentional" look
Grooming for Women
Makeup & Jewellery: Opt for natural tones (light foundation, subtle eyeshadow) Keep accessories understated (e g , elegant earrings, a classic watch)
2. ETIQUETTE IN THE MODERN WORKPLACE
Verbal Etiquette: Speak clearly, reduce filler words (“you know,” “like”), and maintain eye contact.
Active Listening: Nod to show engagement and avoid interrupting
Handshakes: Firm but not crushing; avoid sweaty palms by carrying a small towel. Not a Handkerchief, but an absorbent towel
Digital Communication: Use formal email sign-offs (e g , “Best regards”) and proofread messages for typos
Punctuality: Arrive early to meetings; lateness reflects poor time management
Table Manners: Keep elbows off the table, chew slowly, and avoid checking your phone. Leaving the phone on the table during the conversation can be considered offensive in some parts of the world
Confidence: Stand tall, uncross your arms, and use open gestures to appear approachable.
Zoom Calls: Dress professionally, ensure good lighting, and mute your mic when not speaking
Final Tip: Be Mindful how you carry yourself in everyday moments (e g , holding doors, thanking colleagues) reinforces your professional brand
Remember: Grooming and etiquette are not about rigid rules but about intentional choices that align with your professionalism Small adjustments over time, can elevate your personal & professional brand over time
TOASTMASTER ASHANE WADASINGHE
ACHIEVEMENTS 2025
Excellence in Club Officer Training
Smedley Award
Talk Up Toastmasters Award
Top 10 Newsletters of Term 1 (2024)
8 Speechcraft Programs (2024-Current)
Excellence in Leadership
Division D 1 Runner Up - Evaluation Contest st
Area D3 1 Runner Up - International Speech Contest st
Area D3 1 Runner Up - Table Topic Contest st
Area D3 2 Runner Up - Table Topic Contest nd
Marketers Toastmasters Club
Marketers Toastmasters Club
Marketers Toastmasters Club
Marketers Toastmasters Club
Marketers Toastmasters Club
TM Arthy Moorthy
TM Abdul Hafeel
TM Nisal Adikari
DTM Oshan Liyanage
TM Indoosan Shanthakumaran
TM Jayani Hiripitiyage
TM Dhanushka Perera
arketers Toastmasters Club has been an enriching that has significantly boosted my communication and skills.
n public speaking and learned how to structure my cipating in the Speechcraft program and taking within meetings has improved my ability to lead and
ics Contest even before delivering my icebreaker was a k on my feet and respond creatively under pressure My rafter to a Toastmaster has truly been a transformative onal and professional growth in ways I never anticipated.
the Marketers' family and I wish I could have joined this
TM LAHIRU THALAGALAGE