Virtusa CMB TMC - Elegance

VIRTUSA COLOMBO TOASTMASTERS

NOVEMBER 2024 What’s Inside?

My Path From Member To VP Membership

Frames Of Mind

Stepping In To The Unknown

This question sparked a whirlwind of thoughts. Was I truly suited for this role?...

Depending on what skills a society values most, "intelligence" is defined accordingly...

Growth begins at the edge of our comfort zone...

-TM Fasmina Musammil-

-TM Sajini Lankadari-

-TM Shashini Wijesinghe-

Page 07

Page 10

Find Us on Social Media | Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters

Page 13

Unleashing The Power Of Communication The Speechcraft Program is a transformative shortterm workshop designed to enhance ...

Page 16

And More...

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE

Toastmasters International Mission

District Mission

We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.

Toastmasters International Core Values

INTEGRITY

RESPECT

SERVICE

PAGE | 01

EXCELLENCE

Note From The Editor

05

Message From The Area Director

07

My Path from Member to VP Membership

09

13th Club Officer Installation Ceremony

11

Educational Pathways

13

Stepping In To The Unknown

15

Legacy Of Laughter

17

Testimonial From Guest Toastmasters

What Is Toastmasters?

C O N T E N T S

03

01

04

Message From The Club President

06

Executive Committee 2024/25

08

Contest Summary, Leadership Enrollments

10

Frames of Mind

12

How’s That?

14

Club Distinctions

16

Unleashing The Power Of Communication

18

Upcoming

NOTE FROM THE

EDITOR Introducing “Elegance” - Term 1, 2024/25 Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters Newsletter

Welcome to “Elegance,” where sophistication meets collaboration, and every story reflects the grace of our collective achievements.

Just as elegance lies in the perfect balance of elements, our club thrives on the seamless harmony of diverse talents, united by a shared purpose.

This edition embodies the essence of our club’s journey—a celebration of refinement, teamwork, and accomplishment. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our contributors, the Club President,

the

Executive

Committee,

and

the

dedicated

subcommittee for their invaluable efforts. A special acknowledgment goes to our members, whose dedication to PR activities has been instrumental in showcasing the brilliance of Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters.

As you immerse yourself in the pages of “Elegance,” may it inspire you to align with growth, poise, and the transformative power of

Toastmaster Pavan Bogoda Vice President - PR 2024/25 POLISHED PAGES TEAM TM ASINSHANI MUTHUNAYAKE TM SAJINI LANKADARI

mentorship and feedback. This newsletter is more than a chronicle— it is a reflection of our commitment to continual self-improvement, celebrating the remarkable progress of every member.

Let “Elegance” resonate as a testament to the refinement and grace that define Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters. Here’s to another chapter of excellence and unity.

Enjoy the read!

PAGE | 03

Message

From

The

CLUB PRESIDENT As the president of Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters Club, I am proud to represent each one of you. Each of us, whether introverted or extroverted, is unique in our own way. But we share one common goal: the desire to grow and improve.

Let me draw your attention to one of our core values: integrity. True growth comes from maintaining integrity in everything we do. Integrity is about holding ourselves to a high standard, not for recognition, but because it is the right thing to do.

I also want to remind you of one of our promises as Toastmasters: to perform to the best of our ability. Every speech (or role), whether delivered at a regular meeting or a contest, deserves your fullest commitment. Treat every chance as an opportunity, push yourself, and witness how far you can go when real challenges arise.

It brings me immense joy to see each of you achieve your communication goals, because your success is the greatest reward of my leadership.

Let’s support one another in this journey of growth and transformation!

PAGE | 04

Toastmaster Asinshani Muthunayake Club President 2024/25

Message From The

AREA DIRECTOR Dear Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters,

It’s a privilege, as your Area Director, to witness the dedication and positive spirit that define Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters.

Each of you brings unique talents and passion, making this club a place where members truly feel empowered to grow and support one another.

Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters stands out not only for the quality of its meetings but also for its continued support of Area, Division, and District initiatives. Your willingness to contribute sets a remarkable example and reinforces the sense of unity that makes our Toastmasters community thrive.

Let’s continue fostering an environment that welcomes all who seek personal and professional growth, where each member feels encouraged to challenge themselves, support others, and celebrate achievements. Together, we can make Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters a place of inspiration and excellence for years to come.

Toastmaster Shashini Wijesinghe Area Director–Area G3 - 2024/25

As we look to the future, may each bold choice you make shape a powerful voice within you—one that resonates with purpose, confidence, and impact. Thank you for all that you do. Let’s keep reaching new heights together!

PAGE | 05

Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters Club no.: 02541805 | Area 3 | Division G | District 82

25 / 4 02 2 E TE T I M M O C

E V I T ht U to rig C t f E e l EX from faces ANI | y lovel r u o See

Meet

O C X E RMS Our

SCAN ME

N TM A T

HA URA D

M IR M AA

um

SA MM

adin

S A L IE

|

virtu

ie@ asal

A|

m

a.co

s virtu

ge@ gala m

o sa.c

e shap

dine

.com

tusa

@vir rera

om

sa.c

virtu

ke@ naya uthu

ER am AT A A PE R E| T K H S A N E Y E A m IN sa.co SERG TM D TH UN U virtu @ M l i I R m sam H AN SURE pmu SIN S A | TREA M L T MI .com ION USAM T tusa r M i A v A C @ U oda m S M IN cbog VP ED sa.co M FA T | virtu A @ i D d T wan OGO IDEN wsew VAN B A om | PRES P sa.c TM HIP HANI virtu S S @ R R w A i E n AH ashi EMB S TA SH | sh A N E VP M W O H I T TM NG RELA IJ E S I C W I I L N B ASHI VP PU nka, M SH T er Sri La t Y n s i T R a b N A u l e E st m EAT ate c do. W ESID - Toa R orpor hie Salga P M c SECR ies in T c t i T i , l S A nt abi nam ant e i y P p r i d d S i h E a s s re 0, is d DTM nd leader DIAT ice P in 201 ra an a d e w IMME ills a d VP - V w foun una on sk

CONTACT OUR SOCIAL MEDIAS

i , ul M sters nicat Noor stma mmu M tial. a o T c o D e r T , i t he po n bo ors t t l l m n e u v e o f l o r thei sa Co our Club M ts to impr Virtu reach n y o a b t w d r e e o E ord guid ne wh M RNAT E anyo T e R2P L m A O o c l N M e w 10 A ET O RIUM

| E O WE M UDIT DAYS A S R A U S TH TU AND T VIR S A Y R A O SUND EAMS T S M / OOM VIA Z

PAGE | 06

"ELEGANCE IS WHEN THE INSIDE IS AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE OUTSIDE." – COCO CHANEL

EDUCATIONAL ARTICLE FROM OUR MEMBERS’

My Path from Member to VP Membership

By Toastmaster Fasmina Musammil

As May arrived, excitement filled the air in our Toastmasters club.

Nominations for leadership roles were in full swing, and I found myself reflecting on my previous role as Sergeant at Arms.

Initially, I planned to step back this year and simply enjoy being a member. But then, an unexpected message changed everything: "I’d like to nominate you for the VP Membership position. Are you okay with that?"

This question sparked a whirlwind of thoughts. Was I truly suited for this role? What responsibilities awaited me? After some reflection, I decided to accept the nomination, convincing myself that I probably wouldn’t be selected anyway—there were so many talented candidates.

On June 1st, 2024, election day arrived. I was amazed at the passionate individuals vying for the position. Feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, I focused on enjoying the moment, all the while praying for guidance. If I was meant for this role, I hoped to be chosen; if not, I wished my fellow nominees well.

When the results were announced, I was stunned. The vote count was incredibly close—just a one vote difference between me and another candidate! We moved to a second round of voting, and to my surprise, I emerged victorious with the highest number of votes. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to honor the trust my fellow members placed in me.

The official installation ceremony took place on July 27th, marking the beginning of our journey together. However, my team and I didn’t wait until then to start our work. Right after the election, we dove into our roles, collaborating with our previous VP Membership, immediate past president, and the current president to identify the challenges we needed to address.

With their invaluable insights, I crafted a comprehensive plan outlining our goals for the year. The core responsibilities of the VP Membership role—tracking attendance, organizing membership building programs, updating the club roster, and ensuring seamless onboarding for new members—were essential. But I wanted to go further.

We identified specific challenges, particularly around attendance and engagement. Our meetings often saw only role players present, and our membership-building programs were limited to a few open houses throughout the year. To tackle these issues, we devised three key strategies:

1. Flexible Meeting Scheduling: At the beginning of each month, we now survey members to determine their preferred meeting dates. This way, we can accommodate as many members as possible.

2. Recognition Programs: We’re excited to introduce awards for categories such as "Most Engaged Toastmaster" and "Best Attendance." Celebrating our members' contributions will foster a more vibrant club culture.

3. Suggestion Box: At each physical meeting, we’ll have a suggestion box to gather feedback. This will help us continuously improve our offerings based on member input.

To further enhance our membership-building efforts, we decided to host competitions each term, open to all. These events will encourage guests to participate and consider joining Toastmasters.

Additionally, we created a subcommittee of engaged members to support the VP Membership role. By dividing tasks among this enthusiastic team, we’re fostering a collaborative environment. Each member will take on responsibilities like welcoming new members and facilitating interactive activities, allowing us to create a supportive community.

PAGE | 07

"SIMPLICITY IS THE KEYNOTE OF ALL TRUE ELEGANCE." – COCO CHANEL

With these initiatives in place, we’re optimistic about achieving our goal of earning the Smedley Award by welcoming 12 new members and reinitiating one. Together, as a unified executive committee, we are committed to making this vision a reality.

CONTEST SUMMARY

Reflecting on this journey, I’m filled with gratitude for the faith my peers have shown in me. A special thank you to Aqeel Aarif for nominating me; your support has been instrumental in this adventure.

As I look back on my experiences, I can’t help but think about the transformative power of sharing our stories. Each of us has unique insights and lessons from our own journeys. Whether you’ve taken on a leadership role or faced challenges in another context, those experiences can inspire and motivate others.

CLUB CONTEST WINNERS Winner 1st Runner Up 2nd Runner Up

TM Malinda Perera TM Aamir Salie TM Sajini Lankadari

Winner 1st Runner Up 2nd Runner Up

TM Nadeesha Fernando TM Malinda Perera TM Ruvinda Madapatha

SA LIE RY STO IN EVERY

RE OT HE RS TOSH INE!

Let’s remember that every experience shapes us and offers invaluable lessons. Embrace challenges, celebrate victories, and share your stories, for they have the power to uplift those around you. Together, we can create a vibrant community where everyone thrives.

As we continue to learn from one another, here’s to our collective journey!

I SP SP AR N I K— ND IGN A Y E ITE YO UR JOURN

MEMBER DISTINCTIONS LEADERSHIP ENROLLMENTS AREA DIRECTOR, AREA G3 TM SHASHINI WIJESINGHE PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER, DIVISION G TM AQEEL AARIF CONFERENCE CHAIR, DIVISION G DTM CHETHANA DARSHANAMALI PAGE | 08

DIVISION G | DISTRICT 82 | 2024/25

13th CLUB OFFICER INSTALLATION CEREMONY

On July 24, 2024, the Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters Club held a beautiful Installation Ceremony with the theme “ELEGANCE” at the Virtusa Auditorium. The event celebrated “Bold Choices, Golden Voices” and marked the beginning of a new chapter for the club.

We were honored to have distinguished guests, including Shehan Warusavithana, Country Head of Virtusa Sri Lanka, and Inoka Dias, Head of HR for Virtusa Sri Lanka. Other notable guests included DTM Ganga Fernando, District Director of D82, and DTM Kasun Illangarathne, Division Director of Division G, who joined us to celebrate the occasion.

The evening started with an inspiring keynote address by Alagan Mahalingam, who shared valuable insights on leadership and growth, encouraging everyone to work together and strive for success.

The ceremony also featured smooth leadership transitions. TM Nadeeka Chathurani, Immediate Past President, led the induction of new members, while TM Shashini Wijesinghe, Area Director of Area G3, guided the installation of the new club officers.

The event was filled with entertaining performances from TM Aamir, TM Dinesha, TM Shashini, TM Pavan, TM Nadeesha, TM Asinshani, and TM Watasha, adding fun and energy to the celebration.

To end the ceremony, we recognized the hard work and achievements of members from the past year. TM Chethana Darshanamali was honored with the Distinguished Toastmaster Award, while TM Aqeel Aarif was named Creative Toastmaster of the Year, and TM Aamir Salie received the Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year award for 2023/24. These awards highlighted the club’s commitment to excellence and the remarkable contributions of its members.

PAGE | 09

"ELEGANCE IS THE ONLY BEAUTY THAT NEVER FADES." – AUDREY HEPBURN

EDUCATIONAL REVIEW FROM OUR MEMBERS’

Frames of Mind!

Multiple intelligences theory (MI) by Howard Gardner

Review By Toastmaster Sajini Lankadari 1. Historical Evolution of Intelligence

Depending on what skills a society values most, "intelligence" is defined accordingly. In the history of humanity in Sri Lanka, there was a time when the knowledge of religious philosophy and human existence was far more valuable than what society values today. In addition to that, astrology, painting, poetry, and singing were far more noble endeavours, and people respected and valued those skills. Evidence of this can be found in ancient monuments, folktales, literature, heritage sites, and artifacts. Today we value skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects since they help to develop the world around us and can generate wealth as a career.

The globalization of the 21st century has caused the evolution of concepts of intelligence and made it a broader subject [1].

Multiple Intelligences theory (MI) was first introduced by Howard Gardner, an American psychologist in 1983 through his book, ‘Frames of Mind’. He argued that individuals have eight different intelligence types. (Existence was added later)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Verbal - Linguistic Intelligence Logical-Mathematical Intelligence Spatial Intelligence Musical Intelligence Interpersonal Intelligence Naturalistic Bodily-Kinaesthetic Intelligence Intrapersonal Intelligence

According to Gardner, these different intelligences are constructed through participation in cultural activities over time and it will develop unique patterns in children’s minds [2].

2. Does Intelligence is the same as talent?

Multiple Intelligence has more value than the word we call ‘talents’ since intelligence means human’s learning strengths.

According to Gardner, children can learn curriculum in their own way, and they don't need to learn in a standard manner.

Thus, multiple intelligence requires multiple teaching strategies.

Most children, however, do not learn easily through a method of teaching, until they figure things out with their minds and hands.

I have seen some children learn ‘Addition’ (the mathematical process) by telling the teacher how to do it, while others learn by using tangible objects or fingers. If teachers could apply associated teaching strategies for individual children with dominant intelligence, then it would motivate children to learn and enhance memory in accelerating the learning process [3].

3. But ….

Some opponents argue that the idea “Everyone is a genius” is wrong, everyone has some talent or skill that they are good at, but everyone is not a genius. As a result, there is a disagreement regarding Gardner's theory of several types of intelligence, since it is not based on scientific evidence. They argue that, the theory was just built on profitability reasons, targeting children of wealthy families. According to the critics, children who are not smart enough and not demonstrating traditional intelligence, can select other intelligence, so children are not labelled as ‘dumb’. Some people view Gardner MI theory is nothing more than a participation award for people who are not geniuses, thus it making them feel happy and included. They believe that true Genius can only identified by IQ tests.

However, that cannot be agreed upon; for instance, if we compare Albert Einstein to Shakespeare, both are geniuses, but we can't believe Shakespeare would pass the IQ test with a best score. It doesn’t mean that Shakespeare is not intelligent enough. There is absolutely no way that those figures can be compared based on IQ tests. Shakespeare is one of the most exceptional minds ever, while Eisenstein was the most influential scientist of the 20th century. The key fact here is that the Intelligence test (IQ) designed to measures only pattern recognition and problem-solving abilities. Thus, IQ test only touch the surface of human capabilities. There are no tests yet to measure other intelligence types and it is not possible to measure in a single and standard test. For instant, some skills such as generating memories and recalling them on demand, are complex mental processes in human mind. Therefore, the skill is difficult to measure objectively.

PAGE | 10

"ELEGANCE IS THE ONLY BEAUTY THAT IS TIMELESS." – UNKNOWN

4. As a summary In summary, we cannot measure intelligence based on IQ tests or with a narrow-minded. Likewise, children, themselves should not narrow in their evaluation of their intelligence based on other people. Each child has specific dominant strengths that are unique to the individual child to child. Having a solid understanding of a theory of multiple intelligence can contribute to a child’s personal growth by providing a framework for social recognition and valuing different strengths and abilities [4]. If parents, educators, and policymakers are aware that every child is unique and they have distinct strengths, as a society we can takes steps to cultivate those strengths. Meanwhile, a personalised curriculum to tailoring education to each and every individual needs and talents, children will reach their full potential. This will allow children to excel in areas where they are naturally strong, while developing initial skills on other areas.

MEMBER DISTINCTIONS EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS Level 01 Mastering Fundaments TM Sajini Lankadari TM Dinesha Perera TM Isira Seneviratne TM Tharindu Hirimuthugodage NEARING THE FINISH LINE!

References [1] W. Niu, “Intelligence in Worldwide Perspective: A Twenty-First-Century Update,” in The Cambridge Handbook of Intelligence, 2nd ed., R. J. Sternberg, Ed., in Cambridge Handbooks in Psychology. , Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2020, pp. 893–915. doi: 10.1017/9781108770422.038.

[2] B. Cavas and P. Çavaş, “Multiple Intelligences Theory—Howard Gardner,”

Level 02 Learning Your Style TM Inoka Gamage WORKING ON IT!

2020, pp. 405–418. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-43620-9_27.

[3] S. Tajularipin, A. Abdurahman, and S. S. Abdul Rahim, “Teaching Strategies Based on Multiple Intelligences Theory among Science and Mathematics Secondary School Teachers,” Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 8, pp. 512–518, Dec. 2010, doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.12.070.

[4] M. Marenus, “Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences.” Accessed: Sep. 26,

Level 03 Increasing Knowledge TM Pavan Bogoda TM Shashini Wijesinghe

2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.simplypsychology.org/multipleintelligences.html

TM Fasmina Musammil COMPLETED

Level 04 Building Skills TM Shashini Wijesinghe TM Fasmina Musammil TM Aqeel Aarif NEARING THE FINISH LINE!

Level 05 Demonstrating Expertise TM Imesha Grero WORKING ON IT! PAGE | 11

"ELEGANCE IS THE BALANCE BETWEEN PROPORTION, EMOTION, AND SURPRISE." – VALENTINO GARAVANI

WATTALA TOASTMASTERS CLUB & VIRTUSA COLOMBO TOASTMASTERS CLUB

How's That?

A Cricket-Themed Toastmasters Gathering!

On November 3rd, 2024, Wattala Toastmasters Club and Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters Club came together for an exciting "How’s That?" joint meeting at the C S A Indoor Stadium, Hendala Road, Wattala. The cricket-themed event set the stage for an evening filled with fun, engagement, and the perfect blend of Toastmasters spirit and cricket camaraderie.

The meeting, hosted by TM Aminda Nakkawita (Wattala TMC), kicked off with a high-energy atmosphere, where members from both clubs gathered to participate in a variety of speeches and evaluations. The event featured dynamic impromptu Table Topics that had participants swinging for the fences, just like batsmen facing a fast ball! The impromptu speeches brought out creativity, wit, and quick thinking, embodying the essence of a cricket match where every ball is an opportunity.

The event was filled with inspiring speeches and impactful evaluations that kept the energy buzzing throughout. Participants were encouraged to think on their feet, share their insights, and connect with each other in the spirit of friendly competition and personal growth.

To add to the excitement, the meeting culminated in a friendly cricket match between members of both clubs, where the energy from the Toastmasters session was carried onto the field. The match was filled with laughter, sportsmanship, and a true sense of camaraderie, as both teams played with enthusiasm and enjoyed every moment of the friendly competition.

The evening was a perfect reminder that, like in cricket, success in Toastmasters comes from teamwork, preparation, and the willingness to take a swing—whether it's at the podium or on the field. With laughter, learning, and a shared love of the game, both clubs left the event inspired and united in their journey toward personal and collective growth.

PAGE | 12

"ELEGANCE IS NOT BEING NOTICED, IT'S ABOUT BEING REMEMBERED." – GIORGIO ARMANI

EDUCATIONAL ARTICLE FROM OUR MEMBERS’

Stepping Into the Unknown

By Toastmaster Shashini Wijesinghe

Growth begins at the edge of our comfort zone. I learned this the hard way, though I had no idea what lay ahead when I first walked into a Toastmasters meeting as a guest. I remember the club president looking my way, smiling, and saying, “Would you like to introduce yourself?” It seemed like such a simple request, yet I felt hesitation welling up inside me. I mumbled a few words about who I was, but then the round-robin session arrived. I panicked, slipped out, and missed my first unscripted speech. Fear had taken over.

The next time, something shifted. “Are you going to leave again?” a voice echoed in my mind. I decided to stay, even though I was nervous. When my turn came, I delivered a 20second speech—awkward, but real. It felt like a small victory.

But when Table Topics came around, a session that terrified me, I once again felt uncomfortable and found myself skipping sessions.

From there, I began to engage more deeply. I joined subcommittees within the club. Little by little, I started seeing myself in a new light. Each meeting, each role, and each piece of feedback chipped away at my self-doubt and built my confidence.

Then, I took even bigger steps. I began as club secretary, and soon found myself entrusted with even more responsibility.

Serving as club president taught me invaluable lessons in leadership. And from there, I stepped into the role of Area Director, where I now have the privilege of guiding and supporting other clubs in their growth.

Then one day, Chethana, the club president at the time, gently nudged me, saying, “You’re paying for this. Why not get the full benefit of being here?” Her words struck a deep chord.

Why was I holding back?

“Fear is the gatekeeper to our greatest potential,” I once heard, and it couldn’t be more accurate. Every role I took, every moment of discomfort, opened a door to a version of myself I hadn’t yet met.

That’s when I decided to take the plunge. I signed up for my first role: the Ah-Counter. It’s one of the simplest roles, but even then, my heart raced. The feedback I received was incredibly encouraging, and that’s when I realized I was part of a supportive community—one that celebrated each small step I took, no matter how insignificant it seemed.

The path outside our comfort zones is rarely easy. It’s often uncertain, challenging, and sometimes even daunting. But it is also the path that leads to profound transformation. So, my dear friends, don’t let fear hold you back. Step forward, even if it’s just one small step. Because, as I’ve learned through my own journey, every leap into the unknown is a step toward becoming a stronger, more capable version of yourself.

So, are you ready to step outside your comfort zone?

The growth you seek is waiting for you on the other side.

PAGE | 13

"TRUE ELEGANCE IS NOT ABOUT BEING PERFECT, BUT ABOUT BEING REAL." – UNKNOWN

CLUB DISTINCTIONS

YOU PLUS ONE ACHIEVERS We are proud to be one of the clubs that successfully conducted the ‘You Plus One’ meeting with guests, presented by District 82.

SMEDLEY AWARD We have added five new, dual, or reinstated members between august 1 and september 30.

EXCELLENCE IN CLUB OFFICER TRAINING All seven of our dedicated club officers attended the club officer Training program Term 1- Year 24/25 organized by Division G.

D82 CHAMPION FLYER - OCTOBER The Best Flyer of October 2024/25, Presented by District 82 D82 TOP VIDEOS - OCTOBER One of the Top Video of October 2024/25, Presented by District 82

PAGE | 14

"ELEGANCE IS THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF SIMPLICITY AND SOPHISTICATION." – UNKNOWN

JULY

06th Jul - Inizio 24th Jul - 13th Club Officer Installation Ceremony

AUGUST

10th Aug - Seduction in the Bottle 22nd Aug - You Plus One

SEPTEMBER

07th Sept - Prepared Speech Marathon 18th Sept - D82 Quiz 22nd Sept - 37 Strangers & Moments of Truth 28th Sept - Humorous Speech & Evaluation Club Contests

OCTOBER

06th Oct - New Member Orientation 12th Oct - Noodlers 19th Oct - Area G3 Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contests 24th Oct - 100 Year Celebration

NOVEMBER

03rd Nov - Joint Meeting With Wattala Toastmasters Club 10th Nov - Division B&G Conference 13th Nov - Impromptu Speech Marathon

PAGE | 15

"ELEGANCE COMES FROM THE MIND, THE HEART, AND THE WAY WE LIVE." – UNKNOWN

Unleashing the Power of Communication The Speechcraft Program is a transformative short-term workshop designed to enhance communication and leadership skills.

Conducted internally for our corporate members, this program provides a supportive environment to develop public speaking abilities, boost confidence, and master the art of delivering impactful presentations.

Spanning 10 weeks, participants engage in hands-on activities such as impromptu speaking, prepared speeches, and constructive evaluations. Guided by experienced Toastmasters, Speechcraft fosters growth and empowers individuals to communicate with clarity and confidence.

Whether you're preparing for client presentations or team leadership, Speechcraft equips you with tools to excel in your professional journey.

Join us and discover the speaker within you!

OUR SPEECHCRAFT PROGRAM

MEMBER DISTINCTIONS TM Aqeel Aarif won Division G's Excellence in Leadership Award at the Mid-Year Conference!

DTM Chethana Darshanamali was appreciated by Division G as the Conference Chair at the Mid-Year Conference!

PAGE | 16

FROM OUR HONOURED GUESTS

REFLECTIONS

Have you seen a bunch of people who enjoy what they do? Weather it is work or fun. in toastmasters for me that set of people is Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters.

I came across with Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters, getting to know DTM Hingston Lovell. He was one of the first people I met when I embarked the toastmasters and have been a mentor that I adore and appreciate for the service of excellence.

My home club Kadawatha toastmasters have worked with Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters for a speech craft programme , there only I got to know more of them. I always loved the way they put their heart and soul to achieve the success they expected. I always appreciate the support I received from Virtusa Colombo Toastmasters during our collaboration to complete the speech craft programme. There are many names behind the screen who have supported committedly. Thank you for being an encouraging set of toastmasters.

When there is a right set minded leaders, it is easy to work with them and the path is clear. I came across the club president TM Ashinshani Muthunayake during my tenure of Presidency in my club. The enthusiasm she has brought and the liveliness along with other members has always been warm whenever I attended a club meeting. It was always refreshing to see the fun filled meetings with their sweet banters. I had the privileged of attending the installation ceremony of the club this tenure, and I loved the simple yet elegant event along with how all of you handle the success and the improving situations.

Seeing the executive committee this tenure I’m sure that Virtusa Colombo will continue to be the happy and enthusiastic bunch of toastmasters they are.

I wish you all the best to continue to be the set of enthusiastic and blissful set of toastmaster.

PAGE | 17

Attending Virtusa Colombo's Spooktacular Toastmasters meeting was a delightful experience that showcased the club's exceptional quality and vibrant spirit. As a visiting Toastmaster, I was instantly welcomed into a warm and engaging atmosphere, where members were eager to share their enthusiasm for public speaking and personal development.

The theme of the meeting added an exciting twist, with participants embracing the spooky season through creative costumes and themed speeches.

This not only made the event enjoyable but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among members, as they supported each other's presentations with lively cheers and applause.

The quality of the speeches delivered during the meeting was impressive. Each speaker demonstrated a unique storytelling ability, captivating the audience with their narratives and use of humor. The evaluations provided were constructive and insightful, highlighting the strengths of each speaker while offering thoughtful suggestions for improvement. This focus on growth and development is a hallmark of Virtusa Colombo, reflecting the club's commitment to excellence.

Moreover, the impromptu speaking sessions, known as Table Topics, were particularly engaging. Members showcased their quick thinking and creativity, responding to surprise prompts with confidence. This aspect of the meeting truly emphasizes the club's role in enhancing members' spontaneity and adaptability in communication.

Overall, my experience at Virtusa Colombo's Spooktacular meeting was both enriching and enjoyable. The club's dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment and its commitment to quality made it a standout experience in my Toastmasters journey.

"IN A WORLD OF TRENDS, ELEGANCE IS FOREVER." – YVES SAINT LAURENT

UPCOMING

DECEMBEER 01

CLUB OFFICER TRAINING PROGRAM (COTP)

08

EDUCATIONAL MEETING (ONLINE)

15

DRAMA COMPETITION + EXCO MEETING (PHYSICAL)

21

EDUCATIONAL MEETING (ONLINE) CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

SPEECHCRAFT PROGRAMS

OPEN HOUSE MEETING

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

INTERNATIONAL SPEECH & TABLE TOPICS CONTEST

AVURUDU CELEBRATION

AREA JOINT MEETING

TEAM BUILDING PROGRAM

DIVISION CONFERENCE

PAGE | 18

INTEGRITY | RESPECT | SERVICE | EXCELLENCE

VIRTUSA COLOMBO TOASTMASTERS

THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF THE FAMILY AND SUPPORTING US THROUGHOUT OUR JOURNEY OF HARMONY, UNITY, AND GROWTH! Contact us: TM Taniya (President): +94 71 911 0275 | TM Fasmina (VP Membership): +94 75 556 8129 | virtusa.toastmasters@gmail.com