Ralph TMC Newsletter March 2024

TRIBUTE

RALPH

EMPOWERING VOICES!

INSPIRING GROWTH!

DIV N D

INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST

1 ST RUNNERUP

HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST

WINNER

TABLE TOPICS CONTEST

WINNER

SPEAK, LEAD, SUCCEED!

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION

We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders

DISTRICT MISSION

We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence

CLUB MISSION

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

MEETING

DETAILS

First and third Wednesday of every month at 06:00pm - 08:00pm at Royal College Skill Center

JOURNEY OF GROWTH: REFLECTIONS AS YOUR AREA DIRECTOR

Dear Ralphies

As your Area Director, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've embarked on together. It has been a period of growth, learning, and shared triumphs that have enriched our Toastmasters experience

I took up this post with a little bit of reluctance, but it was definitely the massive confidence that TM Suranga Wijjerathne (Immediate Past Area Director - Area D1| D82) gave me from the very beginning and the complete support that you, Ralphies, have provided me that made me get through these 7 months. It definitely gave me the urge to want to serve the members of this community back with my fullest heart! I was struck by the passion and dedication displayed by each member in our diverse clubs. Your commitment to personal and professional development through effective communication and leadership is truly commendable. Witnessing your growth during meetings, club contests, and division events has been a source of inspiration for me.

One of the highlights of my tenure so far has been the Humorous Speech Contest at the Division level when TM Shaaruba Asokan from The Area that I serve in bagged the title. It makes it more special for the fact that she is also from our home club, Ralph Toastmasters Club. It's moments like these that remind us of the incredible talent within our community and the supportive network we've built.

This journey has opened a new horizon for me in understanding how each club has its unique set of culture and practices that have worked for them over the years to keep them running successfully through thick and thin.

JOURNEY OF GROWTH: REFLECTIONS AS YOUR AREA DIRECTOR..

As a Division, we have a few workshops and events lined up in the coming months to bring in the collective wisdom of all our clubs to learn more from each other and explore effective leadership strategies. I truly believe that the willingness to share insights and experiences is what makes our Toastmasters family truly special.

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the club officers of Ralph Toastmasters Club. Your tireless efforts in ensuring the smooth running of the club meetings and fostering a positive environment while achieving educational goals have not gone unnoticed.

As I continue to serve as your Area Director, I look forward to more moments of growth, collaboration, and shared success. Here's to more milestones, speeches, and camaraderie in the coming months. Thank you for making my experience as your Area Director truly memorable.

Warm regards,

TM SAJAN PUSHPANATHAN Area Director, Area D1- D82

2023/2024

NAIL IT ! : PREPARING FOR A SPEECH CONTEST

As aspiring contestants, if you want to Nail it during your contest this articl will help you to find main steps and phases .

First of all there are two distinct phases: the learning and unlearning period, followed by the on-season preparations. Each phase is essential for honing our skills and crafting a compelling speech that captivates our audience.

(A) LEARNING AND UNLEARNING PERIOD:

During this phase, immerse yourself in a plethora of resources. Read extensively, study renowned speakers, and assimilate their traits and tips to enhance your speaking prowess. Daily application of these learnings is key. Additionally, delve into the unlearning process, where you introspect and identify your strengths and weaknesses, often overlooked previously.

(B) ON-SEASON PREPARATIONS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Now, as the contest season approaches, devote time to crafting your speech. Remember the adage, "Greatest speeches are not written; they are rewritten." Refine your content through multiple iterations, recognizing that mastery lies in discerning what not to use You don't have to incorporate every technique learned; instead, focus on leveraging your strengths effectively.

(C) TESTING AND SIMULATION:

Just as cars and planes undergo rigorous test drives before release, so too must your speech. Present it to a diverse and trusted audience, providing them with a guided feedback sheet This structured approach ensures valuable insights, as opposed to seeking feedback without specific guidance. Collect and filter feedback diligently, as hidden gems may lie within.

NAIL IT ! : PREPARING FOR A SPEECH CONTEST...

(D) LOCKING THE SPEECH:

With learning, writing, and practicing complete, it's time to finalize your speech. Aim to lock it at least five days before your contest. Avoid lastminute changes, as they pose significant risks. Trust in your process and craft, knowing that thorough preparation breeds confidence and excellence.

Above all, this journey demands patience, discipline, and meticulous planning. Remember, our speech is a product launched to our audience, who invests their most valuable currency attention. Let us strive to make their time worthwhile.

TM

RAVINDU AMENDRA

Division D

International Speech Contest

1st Runner Up

2023/2024

CONNECTING WITH YOUR AUDIENCE

In this article I have extracted a few important points from an old Toastmaster Magazine, which I think would be helpful to a speaker, when prepping up for a speech project.A good speech making is like a good conversation, says Bryant Pergerson, a Finalist at the World Champion of Public Speaking.

“A GOOD SPEECH MAKING IS LIKE A GOOD CONVERSATION“

If you think a great speech is mainly a performance, think again.

Effective delivery to even a large audience has to be intimate and conversational. And as you become a better speaker, one becomes more skilled in conversation, and at the same time when you become a better conversationalist, obviously you become a better speaker, and that’s because one skill reinforces the other

The power of a conversational style speaker is that the speaker will be more likeable and believable to the audience. Think of your audience as a friend sitting across the table. I am sure you wouldn’t preach to him, delivering some memorized words. But instead, Be in the moment, Be Authentic and Be conversational.

Some of the best speeches are unplanned and in the moment, as the speaker had put aside the notes and spoken from the heart.

As such it is imperative that you make your speech more casual and light hearted inorder to connect with the audience.

THE VALUE OF EYE- CONTACT

Obviously when you are engaged in a conversation with a person, you are focused on that person, that you do not let your eyes wander around. Dedicated eye contact makes a connection more intimate.Similarly in public speaking, dedicated eye-contact, like the one we use in a one to one conversation, creates a connection. This can be done by making eye contact with one person in the audience at a time. This technique of locking in eye-contact with one individual, connect the speaker with every member of the audience. It makes the audience members feel included

CONNECTING WITH YOUR AUDIENCE...

When speaking before a group, avoid the trap of thinking you’re speaking to several people at once, and resist the temptation to ‘spray the audience’ with eye contact. The key is to focus on one person while completing a thought. That way an active listener sends non-verbal signals to the speaker through facial expressions, smiles, nods of agreement or questioning looks. The listener may not be speaking, but he or she is still communicating. Therefore effective eye contact gives the speaker the feeling of having a conversation rather than the feeling of ‘giving a speech’.

THE SMILE

EThe founder of Toastmasters Ralph Smedley’s well-known quote “ We learn in moments of Enjoyment” speaks regarding the conversational delivery. Body language and Facial expression are key elements of turning a speech into a conversation. When you watch two people having a conversation from a distance, if they are smiling they are having a good conversation. When we move the conversation to the stage, our nervousness often causes us to lose the smile. And with that when we are faced with the challenge of remembering our words, while still connecting with your audience, smiling does not come automatically. It does come with practice however. It is all about using stage time over and over again The training and development of confidence, which is achieved by speaking often in front of an audience is what makes the speech a conversational one.

THE AUTHENTICITY

Listeners of conversers and audiences of speakers share a common desire, and that is they seek authenticity from these messengers. They want speakers to be real, people who speak from the heart, people who they can admire and emulate.As in conversation, when speaking in public, authenticity of character is important if your words are to have impact.

Becoming a better speaker means becoming a better conversationalist. Public speaking and conversation are partners and collaborators, two somewhat different but always complementary modes of human communication.

TM CHITHRA VEERABAHU Past President Ralph TMC

MY TOASTMASTER JOURNEY

When the V.P/Institute of Personnel Management and Charter President of IPM Toastmasters Club invited me to the IPM club meeting as a Guest, I imagined it to be a kind of coaching session, where a tutor would be instructing us on how to speak. To my surprise, it was not. I observed every aspect of the meeting with awe. I liked the idea that it’s a peer-to-peer learning Everyone strived to improve others while improving themselves. I was flattered. That day I realized the difference between Talking and Speaking.

“That day I realized the difference between Talking and Speaking”

The second meeting I attended was the Club Humorous Speech contest. Four speakers had been listed, but only two were present. I was pushed to take up a speaking slot to have 3 speakers to select from. Hesitantly, I came forward, and I remember saying something about Citizen Silva. I remember the audience laughed. The results came in announcing that I was the Best. I couldn’t be the winner. I had not yet received Membership in the Club. But I received a special award for my speech That was the Moment of Truth for me I promised myself that no matter what, I would continue to speak. At the next meeting, I raised my hand during the Table Topics session. I didn’t give myself the time to withdraw the promise I made to myself. I walked up to the stage and was given a topic. Looking into the eyes of the Toastmasters sitting in front of me, I saw something precious Their encouraging eyes were eagerly waiting to hear from me. They wanted me to succeed at my attempt to speak. I spoke for 120 seconds on the given topic. I had just spoken my mind out.

Thereafter, I attended the club meetings regularly and actively participated. I received Membership in August 2009. I loved completing projects. The Competent Communication Manual and the Leadership Manuel gave me explicit guidance on how to complete Speech Projects and prepare to perform Meeting Roles. I prepared for speech after speech, role after role consciously. I kept improving with the feedback I got.

MY TOASTMASTER JOURNEY ...

The Club suggested I enter the International Speech Contest in February 2010. To be eligible, TMI required completion of 6 project speeches from the Competent Communicator manual. It was not possible in my home club in such a short time. TM Nuwan Gamage/Area Governor and DTM Sudash Liyanage/Division Governor went out of their way to find speaking slots for me in other clubs, and I entered the contest. Their constant interest in me to make me a winner motivated me to do my best. I won the International Speech Contest at Club Level, at Area Level, and finally walked up to the stage as a Division contestant in 2011.

“THEIR CONSTANT INTEREST IN ME TO MAKE ME A WINNER MOTIVATED ME TO DO MY BEST”

The club had been chartered in May 2009 as a Corporate Club. When I was elected Club VP Education for 2010/2011, the Club was struggling to retain Membership. I was able to influence IPM students to visit the Club Meetings as guests. Many of them did, and some joined the club. With the support of the Charter President, who was the President of the Institute then we transformed the Club to a Community Club, attracting s increased the Membership to 36 paid-up m

During my Presidency in 2011/2012, we grabbed all 3 Membership Building Awards – The Smedley Award/Talk up Toastmasters Award and Beat the Clock Award. The Club became Presidents Distinguished and received the Golden Gavel Award too. In the same year, under the leadership of the District Governor/District 82 – DTM Zameen M Saleem, I received the ‘Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year’ Award – Division A, and was elected the Area Governor Area A3 for 2012/20

MY TOASTMASTER JOURNEY...

Within a span of 5 years from 2009 to the end of 2014, I had achieved 90% of the requirements to become a DTM. The final requirement was the HighPerformance Leadership (The HPL) – a five-project program. In 2015, on the invitation of DTM Niroshan Nadaraja, I joined Ralph, and immediately found the opportunity to embark on the HPL project. It was organizing the Ralph Beach Party in 2015. I received the DTM Award in May 2016. I have a passion to deliver speeches and therefore embarked on the TMI Pathways Program. Thus far, I have completed Level 3 on Presentation Mastery and am currently working on the second Project on Level 4 I believe that learning is multidimensional h l fl i of lif l d

“ I BELIEVE THAT LEARNING IS MULTIDIMENSIONAL”

take up the leadership of the IPM Toastmasters Club. The Club Members voted for me to be the VP Education of the Club for 2010/2011. It was chartered as a Corporate Club, but the Members had to pay their own subscriptions, while the IPM made available the venue free of charge for us to have the meetings. For one year, we struggled with the Membership. We had a challenge to retain the membership of the club. As a solution, at every lecture I took up at IPM, I took 10 minutes to speak about how Toastmasters can help in one’s career. Together with the VP Membership, we launched a ‘Membership Campaign’ I managed to influence my students at IPM to visit the Club Meetings as guests, and just as it happened to me, many of them joined as Members thereafter. Thus, I was gradually able to increase the Membership of the Club.

MY TOASTMASTER JOURNEY...

During the year, my Mentor was elected as the President of IPM, I served as a Member of the IPM Council Together, we were able to transform this Corporate club into a Community Club, and thus managed to attract many young students from outside IPM too. When I took up the Presidency of the Club in 2011/2012, we had reached a total Membership of 32. During my Presidency in 2011/2012, I was able to grab all 3 Membership Building Awards – The Smedley Award/Talk up Toastmasters Award and Beat the Clock Award The Club also received the Presidents Distinguished Club Award and the Golden Gavel Award. With these achievements, the IPM TM Club came into the limelight.

“THE ONLY LIMITS THAT WE HAVE ARE - THE LIMITS THAT WE SET ON OURSELVES”

Becoming a Distinguished Toastmaster is the highest recognition a member can receive. I have no intention of becoming a DTM twice. But I have a passion to deliver speeches. Therefore, I embarked on the TMI Pathways Program and thus far have completed Level 3 on Presentation Mastery and currently working on the Level 4 Hopefully, I will endure to complete Level 4 and 5 and bring credit to the club before the end of the Toastmaster year 2023/2024. I am proud of the decision I took that day in 2009, to become a Toastmaster and learn the difference between Talking and Speaking. I am proud I was able to bring the IPM TM Club to the highest elevation during my Presidency in 2011/2012 I am proud of the decision I took to join Ralph TM Club in 2014/2015 I am proud of the opportunity I got to achieve the DTM Award at Ralph TM Club in 2016 4/- I believe that learning is multi- dimensional. Whatever we learn reflects in every aspect of our life. As a toastmaster, I learnt not just how to speak or lead but how to make my day-to-day life better. Being a toastmaster made me realize that “The only limits that we have are - the limits that we set on ourselves” I am very proud of my 15 years journey as a Toastmaster

I believe that learning is multi- dimensional. Whatever we learn reflects in every aspect of our life. As a toastmaster, I learnt not just how to speak or lead but how to make my day-to-day life better. Being a toastmaster made me realize that — “The only limits that we have are - the limits that we set on ourselves”. I am very proud of my 15 years journey as a Toastmaster

DTM GENIE GUNAWARDENA

Member Since 2015

EVENT RECAP

EVENT RECAP

MOMENTS OF TRUTH

07th February 2024

JOINT MEETING - STARTUP TOASTMASTERS

06th March2023

Pathways Journey

“What nonsense!” is what came to my mind when we had to switch from our old system to Pathways. The usual unhappiness with change on something that worked After completing 5 levels of a pathway program though, I can safely say, it was a change for the better.

“WHAT NONSENSE!” IS WHAT CAME TO MY MIND!

I chose to myself the “Dynamic Leadership” pathway as I was interested in taking time to learn my own kind of leadership. However, the very first project that I was to do was the “Ice breaker”. Now, I have done my Ice breaker years ago! It felt a bit disheartening to do such a “trivial” project again… is not what I thought :-) . Most of the club already knew me, so as a Toastmaster who had already given an ice breaker, I had to look at a way to make this an opportunity The opportunity for me was to explore an alternative way to introduce myself than the typical.

My Ice breaker was titled “Stirred not Shaken”. I used an experience I had at a hotel bar, to ease into interesting facts about me, and made the Ice Breaker more about how we are the sum of different aspects of us than some solid mold.

‘MY ICE BREAKER WAS TITLED “STIRRED NOT SHAKEN”

As I completed Level 1 of the pathways, with the typical projects, I never lost an opportunity to see it as a second chance to do things differently, even though most of it has already been covered years ago as part of the old Competent Communicator manual.

“I discovered the interesting projects pathways had to offer specifically crafted to each kind of path.”

When I finally got to Level 2, I discovered the interesting projects pathways had to offer specifically crafted to each kind of path. In level 2, it was mostly about understanding leadership styles and one's own place in it. This was why I wanted to do the path. It gave me such a great opportunity to self reflect and also learn about different leadership styles and scenarios.

Pathways Journey...

O W d t W a a e

stood the fact that adopting a style for the given scenario was a ad I actually had received this ck when I was leading a team my previous workplace. However, it now that I was able to fully ate the fact.

“I RECEIVED THIS FEEDBACK WHEN I WAS LEADING A TEAM”

“I did not stick to just the serious projects. I wanted to have fun too!”

Of course, I did not stick to just the serious projects. I wanted to have fun too!

On the electives there are modules to do with using Vocal Variety and body language. I chose a project that would allow me to tell a story. I managed to make a humorous speech related to a rather uncomfortable wedding proposal setup.

Pathways Journey...

The real deal came through though when I had to do the Level 5 project. I had to plan, organize and moderate a panel discussion. I cannot emphasize enough the kind of opportunity this gives a Toastmaster. These are not opportunities that might always come your way at work or school.

“I CANNOT EMPHASIZE ENOUGH THE KIND OF OPPORTUNITY THIS GIVES A TOASTMASTER.”

In order to do this panel discussion:

“IT WOULD BE OKAY NOT TO GET 100% EVERYTHING RIGHT. THE IMPORTANT TASK IN TOASTMASTERS IS TO TRY! TRY THE BEST YOU CAN..”

Pathways Journey...

One might feel daunted when looking at the above list. However, this is Toastmasters, the idea is to use these opportunities to try and learn some of these skills. To do that in a safe setting as well. It would be okay not to get 100% everything right. The important task in Toastmasters is to try! Try the best you can. I definitely did not get 100% right when I finally did the project in the very first meeting for 2024 at Ralph.

Why you may ask? Well, Maybe next time planning an event comes up in office, you can more comfortably be part of the committee or even head it!

“FROM SIMPLY “BREAKING THE ICE” TO MODERATING A HIGH CALIBER RALPH PANELIST”

My Pathways journey has indeed surprised me. I did not think the experience would be so enriching. From simply “breaking the ice” to moderating a high caliber Ralph Panelist, I have been able to learn so much just by a single Pathway. I cannot wait to move on with my next Pathway! What excuse is stopping you?

2021/2022

TM SURANGA WIJERATHNE Past President Ralph

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Division D

INTERNATIONAL SPEECH

CONTEST

Area D1 Division D

INTERNATIONAL SPEECH

CONTEST

Ralph Toastmasters Club

TABLE TOPICS

CONTEST

Area D1 Division D

TABLE TOPICS

CONTEST

Ralph Toastmasters Club

PICTURE BOOK

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

TM CHANDANA SAMARAWEERA President

TM GAYATRI KUMARAKURAN VP Education

TM RISHI DHEENABANDTH VP Membership

TM SHAARUBA ASOKAN Treasurer

TM PASINDU TARAKA VP Public Relations

TM LAYURI JAYAWARDANA Secretary

TM RAVINDU DE SILVA Sergeant at Arms

TM JAWAHARLAL BALASUBRAMANIAM Speechcraft chair

TM SAJAN PUSHPANATHAN Immidiate Past President

EDITOR’S CORNOR

Dear Ralphies,

I am absolutely thrilled to be writing to you as the editor of our Term 2 newsletter It's an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to capture and share the wonderful moments and achievements of our club members with all of you.

Firstly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who contributed to this newsletter. The response I received when I reached out for articles was truly overwhelming. It's incredible to see how quickly and eagerly our Toastmasters rallied to share their stories and experiences. Your willingness to lend your voice at the drop of a hat is what makes our community so special.

Now, let's dive into what you can expect from this edition of our newsletter We have a fantastic lineup of member articles covering a wide range of topics, from personal growth journeys to public speaking tips and tricks. Reading through these pieces, I was struck by the depth of insight and the passion with which our members approach their Toastmasters journey.

In addition to member articles, we've also included highlights from Term 2. From memorable speeches to successful club events, it's clear that our community has been buzzing with activity over the past few months. I hope these highlights serve as a reminder of the incredible progress we've made together as a club.

Of course, no newsletter would be complete without celebrating the achievements of our club members Whether it's completing a Pathways level, winning an award, or simply stepping out of their comfort zone, each accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our members. I am continually inspired by your commitment to personal and professional growth, and I can't wait to see what you'll achieve next.

Finally, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who made this newsletter possible From our contributors to our readers, from our club officers to our mentors, each of you plays a vital role in shaping the fabric of our Toastmasters community. Thank you for your support, your enthusiasm, and your unwavering commitment to excellence.

As we look ahead to the rest of the term, let's continue to support and uplift one another on our Toastmasters journey. Together, there's no limit to what we can achieve.

Warm regards,

TM PASINDU TARAKA VP Public Relations