Toaster's Digest | IIT Toastmasters Newsletter - November '23

IIT TOASTMASTERS CLUB

WHY FIT IN? When you were born to stand out

DISTINGUISHED IN EVERY SENSE

DAILY SELF-ENHANCEMENT Nurturing Well Being

IIT TOASTMASTERS WINS QUALITY CLUB AWARD 2022/23

IIT TOASTMASTERS CLUB PRESENTS THE FIRST EDITION OF THE

Within these pages, we encapsulate the vibrant journey of our club members, celebrate our collective achievements, and share insights that spark inspiration. As we turn the page to another chapter of our story, we invite you to delve into the experiences, triumphs, and wisdom that make the IIT Toastmasters Club not just a platform for growth but a community of leaders shaping the future.

We meet alternatively on Fridays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM and on Saturdays from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Meeting Venue: IIT School of Computing, Trelawney Place, Colombo 04, Sri Lanka.

EDITORIAL TEAM

IIT Toastmasters Club | 385845 | Area 02 | Division C | District 82

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Haseeb Althaf

Fathima Ansar

Lvl 5, Computer Science Undergraduate

Lvl 5, Computer Science Undergraduate

TM Yumeth Weerasekara Lvl 5,Computer Science Undergraduate

ABOUT TOASTMASTERS

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders.

INTERNATIONAL CENSUS

270,000+ members

countries

We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

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.

Integrity

Service

Respect

Excellence

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1414,200+ clubs

Toastmasters Pathways is a modernized learning experience designed to be flexible and supportive for every member's personal and professional development. It's a multi-language online learning tool, that allows you to leverage over 300 practical workplace skills, including:

The club aims to cultivate a diverse and inclusive atmosphere where every member, regardless of their background or experience, can thrive and achieve their personal and professional goals.

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MEMBER OFTHE THE MEMBER OF

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Message from the Editor

Message from the President

Meet the Exco

Unleash your Inner Speaker

Club Achievements

Member of the Quarter

Distinguished in Every Sense

Contest Winners Daily Self Enhancement

Pathway Completions

Freshers’ Corner

Member Achievements Why Fit In When You Were Born to Stand Out 05

MESSAGE FROM As we unveil the latest edition of our newsletter for the period of June-November 2023, I am filled with a sense of pride and excitement. In this edition of "Toaster’s Digest," we not only celebrate the achievements and milestones of our club but also the personal victories and growth of each member. From the timid novice to the seasoned speaker taking the stage, each story is a thread in the rich tapestry of our club's narrative.

My journey in Toastmasters has been more than just about overcoming the fear of public speaking.

This platform has allowed

-TM Sheruni Fernando VP Public Relations 2023/24

me to meet people from diverse walks of life.

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Each story shared and each perspective offered has been a learning experience, contributing significantly to my growth as a communicator and a leader. It taught me the importance of clear communication, the power that resides in our voice, and how we can use it to make a meaningful impact in society.

This issue is a reflection of who we are and what we stand for- a group committed to growth, not just as communicators and leaders but as individuals contributing positively to our communities and beyond. I am also grateful for the invaluable contributions of my fellow Toastmasters Yumeth, Haseeb and Fathima; who have worked alongside me to bring this publication into reality. Their creativity and commitment have been pivotal in crafting a newsletter that inspires.

As you turn these pages, I invite you to reflect on your journey with Toastmasters. Where have you started, and how far have you come? What heights do you aspire to reach?

Let the shared stories here inspire you, reminding us all that the journey of selfimprovement is perpetual and filled with boundless opportunities.

Here's to another quarter of learning, growth, and excellence at IIT Toastmasters!

THE EDITOR

MESSAGE FROM As a club set sailed nearly a decade ago, it has cruised an extraordinary journey thanks to the stewardship of all the past leaders. With this robust foundation, it is time for us to reach new heights. But before I shed light on our plans for the year, I’d like to thank my executive committee, without whom none of these would've been possible, for their dedication and hard work.

Aside from continuing all the splendid work we’ve been doing forever, our plans for the year can succinctly be condensed into two words, “expansion” and “growth”. Honing our members’ public speaking skills and equipping their arsenal with the best tools and techniques is paramount to us. This is why we gratefully invite luminary Toastmasters to grace us with their presence and sprinkle their stardust. But being equipped without a challenge is futile, don’t you think?

All good things must come to an end; planning a proper handover is equally crucial because those last strides make all the difference.

Training the successors is one of the duties of the incumbent committee. Our goal is not only to carry out a shipshape and bristol fashion handover but also to make it second nature to the club. The potential is limitless when we support one another through fellowship and teamwork. With a fantastic executive committee by my side, this will be a terrific year of success and growth.

Join us on a journey seeking success.

The best is yet to unfold…

-TM Savinu Hasalanka President 2023/24

Hello there, IIT Toastmasters is the place where I grew as an individual in a multitude of ways. It’s my absolute honour to serve as the President of that same club and cruise my fellow members through a journey seeking success.

Challenging our jolly bunch to escape their comfort zones while providing them massive networking opportunities remains a primary goal. We are pulling out all the stops to arrange more joint meetings this year than ever to achieve this. These endeavours will help us fortify our club’s spirit and lay the foundation for the next item on our checklist: content creation.

Expanding our horizons through the art of content creation and spreading our message far and wide is something I’m excitedly waiting for.

After all, it’s the era of content creators. As Gary Vaynerchuk says, “Every Business is a Media Company”.

THE PRESIDENT

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PRESIDENT

VP EDUCATION

VP MEMBERSHIP

TM Savinu Hasalanka

TM Sarah Rahim

TM Hashim Kalam

SECRETARY

VP PUBLIC RELATIONS

TM Jason Anthony

TM Sheruni Fernando

TREASURER

TM Nabeelah Faumi

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SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

TM Jason Carvalho

TM Asiri Ekanayake

MEMBER OFTHE THE MEMBER OF THE MEMBER OF -TM SARAH RAHIM

TM SARAH RA TM SARAH RAHIM TM SARAH RAHI TM SARAH R TM SARAH RAHIM TM SARAH RAH TM SARAH RAHIM TM SA TM SARAH RAHIM TM SARAH RAHIM TM SA TM SARAH RAHIM TM S TM SARAH RA TM SARAH RAHIM TM S TM SARAH RAHI TM SARAH RAH TM SARAH This quarter, we are thrilled to spotlight our very own Vice President of Education, TM Sarah Rahim, as the member of the quarter!

Sarah has recently achieved an admirable milestone, completing Level 3 in her Persuasive Influence pathway. Her journey through Toastmasters has been marked by consistent growth, passion for learning, and a deep commitment to the club's educational goals.

Last month, Sarah added a sparkling feather to her cap, securing the 1st place in our club's humorous speech contest. With her innate talent for weaving humor into her oratory, she captured the audience's attention and hearts, leaving us not only laughing but reflecting on the profound messages skillfully tucked into her narratives.

Sarah's contributions to our club go beyond her official role and contest victories. She is an active member whose speeches resonate with experience and insight. Her ability to craft and deliver powerful messages has made her a model Toastmaster and an inspiration to both new and seasoned members alike.

She also contributed her insights to our newsletter with an article featured on page 20.

On behalf of the IIT Toastmasters Club, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to TM Sarah Rahim. We eagerly anticipate your future accomplishments and the vibrant energy you will continue to bring to our club.

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UNLEASH YOUR INNER SPEAKER

S

TOASTMASTERS CLUB WELCOMES YOU WITH WIT AND WARMTH!

o, you’ve decided it’s time to polish your speaking habits, conquer stage fright, and turn those sweaty palms into applause-worthy presentations? Enter the magical world of Toastmasters, a place where nerves meet nurture, where stumbling over words is the first step towards eloquence, and where laughter echoes alongside learning.

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- TM YUMETH WEERASEKERA

The Birth of Brilliance Imagine a club that’s a cocktail mix of improv comedy and a TED talk. That’s exactly what the IIT Toastmasters is for you. Born from the simple yet profound idea of helping folks ace public speaking, this club is a haven for those seeking to master the art of communication, create lasting bonds with

fellow Toastmasters, and maybe even a safe space for us IIT students to vent about our University life (*wink wink*).

The Enthralling Atmosphere Let me paint you a picture, a room buzzing with energy, diverse minds intermingling, all eager to learn and grow. At a Toastmasters gathering, you’ll find a spectrum of personalities, from the shy wallflower looking to break free to the seasoned speaker honing their craft. The air is electric with anticipation, and the camaraderie at IIT Toastmasters Club is as warm as a freshly buttered toast.

The Rituals of Revelation Ah, but the true beauty of the Toastmasters meetings lies in the rituals! The meeting kicks off with enthusiastic greetings, then segues into prepared speeches where members showcase their evolving prowess. Then, brace yourself for the impromptu speeches think of it as a mental gymnastics session, but with words, where you learn that some of your fellow Toastmasters are not what they seemed at first. Constructive feedback follows, wrapped in encouraging smiles and supportive gestures.

The Art of Feedback

The Unspoken Bond If anything, we at IIT Toastmasters don’t really think of ourselves as “just a club”, it’s a community, a quirky, supportive, and inspiring group of people coming together. You’ll forge connections that transcend the realm of speeches and presentations. You’ll find mentors, friends, and maybe even a future coconspirator for your next speech.

Conclusion Toastmasters, in general, is a place where nervousness meets nurture, where stumbling over words is celebrated as the first step towards eloquence, and where laughter echoes alongside learning. Join this vibrant club, and watch as your inner orator emerges, polished and ready to conquer the world one speech at a time!

Remember, at IIT Toastmasters Club, the journey is as enriching as the destination. So, take the stage, embrace the nerves, and let your words weave magic!

Welcome to the Toastmasters Club of IIT, the stage is all yours.

Cheers to the adventure that awaits!

Now, let’s talk a bit more about the last part, shall we? At IIT Toastmasters, critique is your best friend. Constructive criticism is doled out like candy at Halloween—not to scare, but to sweeten the deal. It’s a nurturing environment where every stumble is a step toward perfection, and every stumble is met with applause.

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DISTINGUISHED IN EVERY SENSE

By TM Asiri Ekanayake

Dilumi De Silva is a lot of things. A foodie. A workaholic. A HUGE K-pop stan. The kind of person whose schedule makes you wonder, “When do they find the time to get some sleep?” and the kind of person who sets goals and works tirelessly to reach them despite all odds. Dilumi has achieved many milestones in life, but today, let’s get into her shoes and walk through her Toastmasters journey.

DTM DILUMI 12

Dilumi joined Toastmasters in 2016, hoping to improve her public speaking and practice her English, like many of us. This was so far back that Toastmasters was following the legacy system. But like all of us, Dilumi too started her journey with an Icebreaker.

She then poured over the Competent Communicator and Competent Leader manuals, completing up to Advanced Communicator Gold and Advanced Leader Bronze before the Pathways programme rolled out. Undaunted in the face of the challenge of starting over in a completely new system with unfamiliar projects, she completed first Strategic Relationships and then, Visionary Communication, thus cementing herself as an accomplished and experienced public speaker while also taking part and placing at many speech contests, at club level and beyond.

Toastmasters is not only about selfimprovement, leadership is also a core aspect. The best technique to get the most out of Toastmasters is to apply all you learn about communication and leadership in real-world situations.

Dilumi did exactly that, starting by serving the IIT Toastmasters Club as their secretary in 2016. In 2018/2019, she took on the mantle of Club President, leading the club to the President’s Distinguished status for the first time in its history. Since then, she has served in the Division C Extended Team for several consecutive years, most notably supporting the clubs of Area C2 as their Area Director for the tenure 2021/2022, even amidst difficult times brought about by COVID and Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.

Dilumi also played a key role in building and chartering two clubs in District 82 – Elicit TMC in 2022 as a club sponsor and DirectFN TMC in 2023 as a club mentor. Chartering a new club is a timeconsuming and difficult process, even with a support system. DirectFN TMC has been a work in progress since 2019, but progress was interrupted due to the pandemic. Back to square one, Dilumi persevered and restarted the process in 2021. She soon had a group of enthusiastic potential members as well as a dependable Executive Committee to keep the momentum going. Financial constraints were the biggest challenge to overcome for DirectFN TMC, but until the club was chartered, the members continued having meetings, learning new things, and laying a strong foundation, all under Dilumi’s constant, unrelenting guidance.

Strengthening a Toastmasters club from within by improving its quality and standards is not enough to build a powerful legacy. Broadening their horizons, and making connections to the rest of the fraternity is just as important, but this is easier said than done for a club still in its early years. What is truly special about Dilumi is that wherever she goes, she leaves a trail for others to follow. At IIT TMC, it was she who took the first step to reach out, sought opportunities to explore the unknown, and then extended a hand to those of us who followed so that we could join her journey.

She takes special pride in persuading (read: not taking no for an answer) her unsuspecting juniors to participate in various Toastmasters activities. Oddly enough, whoever catches her eye ends up benefiting from it. She has earned the affectionate moniker of “the grandma of the club” (a title she selfidentifies as) and is a mentor to many, though she has been attempting to retire for years now (unsuccessfully, of course), we just cannot let her go that easily. To be that kind of leader – one who has pioneered, guided, inspired, and empowered everyone around them – is one-of-a-kind. Someone who is distinguished, not just in name, but in character.

On behalf of our club, and eternally grateful for your service, it’s my absolute pleasure and pride to introduce the first Distinguished Toastmaster of IIT TMC, Distinguished Toastmaster Dilumi de Silva!

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CLUB ACHIEVEMENTS IIT TM wins

We are proud to announce that our club was honoured with the prestigious Quality Club Award for the year 2022/23, a testament to the dedication and hard work of our members and the unwavering support from the IIT management.

This remarkable achievement was presented at Ovation 2023, the annual conference of District 82, held at BMICH. In addition to our other notable accomplishments this year, IIT Toastmasters Club is honored to have received the esteemed Smedley Award for the year 2023/24. This award, named after the founder of Toastmasters International, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, is a testament to our club's dedication to growth and excellence.

We extend our gratitude to all members and leaders whose efforts have contributed to this success!

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CHIEVEM ACHIEVEM CHIEVEME HIEVEMEN MENTSAC VEMENTS NTSACHIEV ACHIEVEM ACHIEVEM TM Hashim 3rd Place

TM Nacaash 3rd Place

TM Sarah 1st Place

TM Sheruni 2nd Place

TM Shontaal TM Nabeelah 2nd Place 1st Place

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F L E S DAILYNCEMENT ENHA ring Well-Being Nurtu

Kalam

By TM Hashim Let’s start off with an interesting fact. A day in a dog’s life is the same as a week for us humans. Isn’t that surprising? Rather, I could even say sad. Although unfortunate, dogs tend to live a happier life than us. Why is that?

The answer lies within us. It’s all our fault, and no one else is to blame as we mostly tend to waste our time by procrastinating, being hung over mobile devices, having no social life, and more, which is disappointing. This needs a bit of change in our daily lives. Although at the start, it might be a lot to digest, trust me, the following advice will gradually elevate us to greater heights.

The Sublime Significance of Time Management The first and I presume one of the most important things is managing our time. Time is everything. Every second that passes shortens your lifespan in the world, so it’s time to use your time wisely.

As we are in a more tech world right now, I am not really advising you to note all in an actual notebook. You could use alternatives such as Trello, which will be a great tool not only for yourself but also an even easier way to plan wisely for a group project.

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Plan your day the night before! Spare a few minutes before you sleep to note down what needs to be done the day after. From choosing what to wear to work to completing a crucial submission, everything needs to be planned as it will have an effect you will not notice until later.

Act as planned! Do the tasks you allocated. If you do not, all the planning the night before will be of no use, and you will end up wasting time on useless stuff. Additionally, try to bring down procrastination to zero, as you never know when your last breath is, so use every second wisely.

The Art of Knowing What to Avoid!

In the world we live in today, everything seems okay to go forward. Whether it’s stabbing, alcohol, or abuse, everything seems acceptable unless it comes to giving a genuine opinion about something.

Things to avoid intake – substances like alcohol and smoking are seen as something cool. Even the teenagers who first made the decision not to take it are taking it just to cope with society, which is not good.

In a few more years’ time, everyone will forget to drink water. Water, being the most important substance for living creatures like us, must have a habit of drinking a glass of water every morning, which will have a huge impact on one’s health even if we do not notice it.

Substituting junk food for healthy food will also have an impact, especially keeping all of us far from cardiac arrest.

Know the difference!

Respecting others can go a long way, from students getting an internship to people getting help when they are in a predicament.

Not to mention that teenagers these days do not even respect their very own parents. Out of all, it’s the parents we should respect the most as they were the ones who were with you from the very beginning and who will be with you to the very end.

The main reason for all this is the attitude we carry. Being soft at times is important. Although our lifespan might sound long, we live a short period of time. Let’s make the most of it by always wrapping a smile on our faces, as studies say almost half the time. Just by smiling, we can make others smile back.

The Importance of Respecting Everyone Society today assumes respecting is not truly necessary. People are where they are now because of how they’ve treated others. Those who’ve shown respect are in a better place, while those who haven’t find themselves in their current situation. Know the difference!

To wrap it all up, the journey we live on is not always about us; it’s also about the people we are with, the way we act and the way we manage our time wisely. As we do not really have a longer lifespan and we never know when our last breath will be, we should always try to live a happier life by always wrapping a smile on our faces.

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MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS TM PARAMIE JAYAKODY

We are thrilled to announce a remarkable achievement by one of our most talented members, TM Paramie Jayakody, who made an extraordinary journey to the District 82 Finals in the Table Topics Contest this year. TM Paramie is also the first member to reach the prestigious District stage from IIT TMC.

TM SHERUNI FERNANDO

TM Sheruni Fernando competed at the Division level in the Humorous Speech Contest, followed by a triumphant 1st place in the Area contest. Notably, this marks the third time TM Sheruni has represented the IIT Toastmasters at the division level, a testament to her consistent excellence and dedication to the craft of speech.

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TM SHONTAAL MANUELPILLAI

TM Shontaal Manuelpillai achieved a commendable 3rd place in the Evaluation Contest of Area C2, following her impressive first-place victory at the Club level. Her prowess in delivering motivating and constructive feedback is an inspiration to us all and epitomize the true spirit of Toastmasters.

TM Caucidheesan K. Level 5 - Leadership Development

TM Shontaal Manuelpillai Level 5 - Innovative Planning

TM Asiri Ekanayake Level 4 - Dynamic Leadership

TM Sarah Rahim Level 3 - Persuasive Influence

TM Sheruni Fernando Level 2 - Motivational Strategies

TM Asiri Ekanayake Level 2 - Visionary Communication

TM Hashim Kalam Level 2 - Presentation Mastery

TM Savinu Hasalanka Level 1 - Leadership Development

TM Jason Anthony Level 1 - Dynamic Leadership

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N E H W ?

N I T I F Y H W N R O B E R E W U O Out Y d n a t S TO ahim

By TM Sarah R You have different faces at home, at school, in the workplace, etc. The person you were at home would not be the person you are at your workplace. The environment in each unique place coerces you, YES, coerces you, to act differently. But which one of these personalities is your best? It may be a combination of your defensive face, your easy-going face or even none of those.

Learning how to be true to yourself is an ageold struggle. Your mind, heart and body may tell you to act one way, but society demands you to act differently. Exploring your authentic self would, in most cases, teach you to be true to yourself in relationships, be comfortable in your own skin and live the life of your dreams.

All of this would need a tremendous amount of work, which is why we see a lot of “Putting on your best face” situations nowadays. But it’s not impossible. And this effort would be the best thing ever that you made because it’s going to help you in the long run. This article is meant to provide you with 10 strategies to get to that point where you can look back and smile, saying, “Yes, I did it!” So, buckle up, put aside that bread and milk you were just having, and get ready for some shocking but simple tips.

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1. Don’t delay “Procrastination is something best put off until tomorrow”. Ever missed an important deadline or application just because you thought, “Oh, never mind, there’s still time”? Well, that’s not going to happen again. Set to work on that deadline right away, even if it’s in a month.

Who knows, you may even have extra time.

Imagine that lovely poem waiting to be finished.

You could finally work on it!

2. Prioritize what matters to you - not others It certainly is required to be empathetic and be kind to others, but going above that will just not work. You’ll never feel fulfilled if you live trying to meet someone else’s expectations. Instead, channel your effort and energy toward what matters to YOU. It may be spending time with your family, traveling, or even reading a good book.

3. Don’t sweat the small stuff Life is not smooth. The successful people you see today did not just appear out of thin air.

They made mistakes and learned through them. Unexpected events will undoubtedly arise as you go through life. You’ll make errors and embarrass yourself. That’s okay. Learn from your mistakes and setbacks, and be grateful for the progress you’re making.

4. Accept help from others Your pride can hold you back from accepting help and evolving. It’s best to avoid being unnecessarily independent and accept help rather than denying it. There’s no need to travel the road alone. For example, if you are facing a problem in your project, talking to your senior and identifying the bug with them would do wonders rather than you sitting in a place and staring at the same problem for hours.

6. Celebrate small victories The little things matter. Celebrating even small wins will give you the motivation to keep going until you reach the ultimate goal. Just like a challenge that is split into tiny parts with a reward at the end of each one, try splitting your goal into smaller parts and reward yourself when you achieve each portion.

7. Exercise daily

5. Take a break from social media Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and even LinkedIn are a part of our lives. Very few of us can imagine a day without them. But even as social media keeps us connected and informed, it can lead to selfdoubt and comparison. If you find that scrolling your feeds leaves you feeling down, try to establish boundaries. Try not to make your phone the first thing you touch in the morning after waking up, and you will witness wonders.

Exercising early in the morning is a great way to start your day. Chasing away all that sleep from your eyes would help you in your work as you would feel refreshed and energized. For example, during the phase of COVID-19, while everyone else had sunk into depression and became overweight, I used that time to learn some shuffle dance steps and develop my agility, resulting in me losing a considerable amount of weight. It’s not too late. Even if you are a person who doesn’t gain weight easily, daily workout sessions will do great in improving your mental health.

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10. Be willing to shed your old identity When you determine to find your ideal self, you’re essentially raising the bar for yourself and the people around you. Your old self would obviously try to resist this due to feelings of insecurity and fear of the unknown. Resist the urge to cling to the familiar- the identity that’s been holding you back- and embrace a can-do attitude.

8. Speak up for yourself Your opinion matters. Even if you feel like it may be a bit dumb, speak up and express your thoughts. It will be nerve-wracking at first, but with practice, you will have gained more confidence and will be respected by others.

Start right now by joining a Toastmasters club if you haven’t already and improve your speaking skills.

9. Amplify your strengths Focus on your strengths, and you’ll get even stronger in those areas, becoming more fully yourself along the way. A way to amplify your strength is surrounding yourself with people that you sync with. Spending time with people who have the same interests as you uplifts your confidence and motivates you to strive higher.

On a side note, your weaknesses matter as well, so strive to find effective solutions for them, too.

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Self-motivation, once cultivated, will be your greatest friend and strength. A hunger to shine and be noticed for who you are should be your drive. Ultimately, being authentic is something that you should be willing to do yourself.

So, for all my friends who just want that, see you at the top!!!

CORNER

TM Seniru I'm thrilled about my recent joining of the IIT Toastmasters Club! The atmosphere is welcoming, and everyone is friendly. The meetings are a blend of learning and fun. I feel supported as I practice public speaking and leadership skills. The diverse group creates a positive environment where I can grow confidently. The feedback is constructive, boosting my self-esteem. I look forward to each session and am excited to improve my communication abilities. Overall, joining the club has been a fantastic decision, and I'm eager to continue my journey with this supportive community.

TM Yumeth If I had to describe what Toastmasters is in a single sentence, it’d be “A fun space for people to talk their hearts out and to gain positive feedback.” Every meeting I attend, I leave happy, looking forward to when the next one is gonna be.

TM Randula Toastmasters is an amazing place to meet some talented people and improve your speaking skills, and the experience is very friendly. I highly recommend joining IIT Toastmasters to develop yourself and improve.

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