Newsletter by Ragama Toastmasters Club, Issue No 06, November 2024
INSTALLATION 2024 06
JOURNEY IN A NUTSHELL: TRANSFORMING COMMUNICATION THROUGH TOASTMASTERS
ECHO OF LUCY
FRIENDSHIP AND THE STRUCTURE OF TRUST
PLAY TO WIN: EMBRACING A MINDSET OF SUCCESS
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL
MISSION
“We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders”
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL ENVISIONED FUTURE
“To be the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development.”
DISTRICT 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 selfconfidence and personal growth.”
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity Respect Service Excellence
CLUB MEETING DETAILS
IIHS Premises, Welisara
2nd and 4th Saturdays
4.00 P M. - 6.30 P.M.
EDITORIAL NOTE
Effective communication is the cornerstone of understanding and connection It encompasses the ability to articulate ideas, actively listen, provide constructive feedback, and speak confidently in public. Toastmasters is a platform that not only nurtures these essential skills but also hones leadership abilities, fostering personal and professional growth.
As we reflect on the remarkable journey of the Ragama Toastmasters Club, which began in 2021, it's truly inspiring to see how far we have come From humble beginnings to the thriving, dynamic community we are today, our story is a testament to the power of commitment and collaboration
It is with immense pride and joy that I step into the role of Editor for the Ragama Toastmasters Club newsletter. This edition is a celebration of our shared achievements, showcasing our club’s events, milestones, and the spirit of teamwork that unites us It also features knowledge-sharing articles that I hope will provide you with valuable insights and inspiration
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this endeavor possible our dedicated club members, the editorial panel, and especially our visionary President, TM Shalini Samarasinghe. A special thanks to the contributors whose efforts have enriched this publication Your support and collaboration have turned this dream into reality
I invite you to dive into this newsletter and immerse yourself in the wealth of learning, inspiration, and camaraderie it offers Here's to continuing our journey of growth and excellence together!
Priya Widanagamachchi Editor : Transcend
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
What an incredible honour is to lead this ever so vibrant Ragama Toastmasters Club for the year 2024-2025. From the very first day stepping into the doors of that very first demo meeting the energy was outstanding and welcoming. We call ourselves “RTMC Fam” for a reason. Yes we are a family in every possible way. We take care of each other. We help each other grow and when needed we are there for each other even miles apart.
Dear Readers of Transcend, The moment someone decides to become a part of this community called toastmasters, a whole world of opportunities open their doors. Toastmasters is a platform “Where leaders are made”. Where ordinary people are transferred to exceptional leaders who lead with values such as integrity, respect, service and excellence instilled to their systems.
As we move forward, I’m reminded of the incredible journey we’re all on as members of this club. Whether you’ve just joined or have been a part of this Toastmasters family for years, we all share the same goal: growth through communication and leadership. This year, I encourage each of you to “Bloom”. The beauty of our club is that it provides a safe space to test our limits, explore new ideas, and take risks. It’s in these moments of trial that we often discover the full extent of our capabilities. Think about how will your next speech, your next leadership role, or even that moment of feedback you’ll offer a fellow member. Each is an opportunity to be better and push yourself just a bit further.
Our club’s strength comes from the diversity of thought, experience, and backgrounds that each of you brings to the table. Every story shared, every role taken, and every evaluation given helps build a stronger, more dynamic community.
As we grow individually, we also elevate each other. This is what makes Toastmasters more than just a meeting— it’s a shared experience of development and connection.
I invite you to embrace each meeting with enthusiasm and dedication. Together, we can inspire one another to reach new heights and transform.
Shalini Samarasinghe President
INSTALLATION 2024
The Club Installation of Ragama Toastmasters Club was held on 31st August, 2024 at the Kanaayan Banquet Hall, Kandana It was a ceremonious evening of splendor and awe with the graceful presence of the Director Director Ganga Fernando , the Division Director Division F Shivaharan Arumugam, the Area Director of Area F2 Hemakantha Balasooriya and other distinguished guests
The event was a blend of tradition and inspiration, as the new executive committee was formally inducted, taking up the mantle of leadership with enthusiasm and a vision for excellence Distinguished guests, members, and well-wishers came together to share in the joy of this momentous occasion, fostering camaraderie and a renewed commitment to personal growth and effective communication. The ceremony set the stage for a promising year ahead, filled with opportunities to empower and uplift one another
JOURNEY IN A NUTSHELL: TRANSFORMING COMMUNICATION THROUGH TOASTMASTERS
In a world where effective communication is often the key to success, Toastmasters International provides an invaluable platform for individuals to develop and refine their public speaking and leadership skills. But what does the journey through Toastmasters truly look like? Let’s distill this transformative experience into a nutshell, capturing the essence of growth, challenges, and triumphs through my own Toastmasters journey.
The Beginning: Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
My journey with Toastmasters began in June 2021, amid the global upheaval of COVID-19 which had significantly impacted Sri Lanka. Inspired by a seasoned Toastmaster who radiated passion for personal development, I decided to join. Initially, I was a quiet observer, absorbing the environment and learning from those around me. Despite my silence, I seized every opportunity and responsibility, determined to make the most of this new chapter.
The Learning Curve: Embracing the Structured Path
Under the mentorship of my Toastmasters guide, I delivered my Ice-Breaker speech—a significant milestone that marked the start of my journey. This first experience set the stage for a year of learning and growth. The structured Pathways learning experience was instrumental in helping me understand the value of deliberate practice and clear goal-setting. Each project and role was a stepping stone towards enhancing my communication and leadership skills.
The Practice: Overcoming Challenges
In the following year, I was honored to be selected as the club secretary for the Executive Committee. This role, while challenging, provided me with the chance to develop organizational skills and contribute to the club’s success. I embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm and a commitment to improvement. The role of Vice President Education came next, allowing me to organize speech contests, special events, and connect with a highly motivated group of individuals. These experiences pushed my limits and helped me become better at time management, leadership, and effective communication.
The Feedback: Growing Through Constructive Criticism
Throughout my Toastmasters journey, the feedback I received was invaluable. Constructive criticism from peers and mentors helped me refine my skills and build resilience. Learning to accept and act on this feedback transformed my approach to public speaking and leadership, turning each challenge into an opportunity for growth.
The Achievement: Celebrating Milestones
Celebrating milestones, such as successfully delivering speeches and taking on leadership roles, was a highlight of my Toastmasters experience. These achievements were not just personal victories but also reflections of the collective support and encouragement from my Toastmasters family. Each milestone represented progress and a step closer to my goals.
The Leadership: Inspiring Others
The role of Vice President Education allowed me to inspire and guide others in their own Toastmasters journeys. Networking with driven individuals and organizing impactful events helped me develop leadership skills that extended beyond the club. It was incredibly rewarding to contribute to the growth of others while continuing my own development.
The Legacy: Making a Difference
Although my current circumstances prevent me from attending meetings physically, the impact of my Toastmasters journey remains profound. The skills, memories, and experiences have left an indelible mark on my personal and professional life. I will always be a Toastmaster at heart, grateful for the lively and supportive club that became my second family on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.
The Continuation: Lifelong Learning
Toastmasters has taught me that personal and professional growth is a lifelong journey. The lessons learned and the skills developed are not confined to the club but are applicable in every aspect of life. My Toastmasters experience has shaped my approach to challenges, and I remain committed to continuous learning and development.
In summary, my Toastmasters journey, in a nutshell, has been a remarkable voyage of self-discovery and growth. It’s about stepping out of comfort zones, embracing structured learning, overcoming challenges, growing through feedback, celebrating achievements, inspiring others, and making a lasting impact. For those who embark on this journey, Toastmasters offers not just a platform for improvement but a community of support and a lifetime of growth
TM Madushika Gamage
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Echo of Lucy
The luxurious civilisation of the 21st century is an outcome of humans' non-tiring efforts and inventions of the past. As Historian states, around 2 million years ago, our ancestors Homo Erected discovered how to make fire. Also, humans started farming about 11000 years ago. Then, the Wheel was invented by Sumerians in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) around 3500 BC. Those primary inventions were the stepping stones for man to continue their innovative discoveries to improve human conditions. Incidentally, all those precious inventions would not have been possible if a man could not talk because, without proper communication, all verbal exchange of data transfer, exchange of information and proper cooperative working environment would have diminished. There was no way for humans to carry on complicated work just by gestures and some unintelligible sounds. Therefore, unlike other species, humans' ability to talk paved the way for most of their developments.
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While a present-day baby learns to talk within one year or two, our ancestors have taken millions of years to do that. Examining fossils of our early ancestors confirmed their lack of some physical features required to make speech sounds like modern-day humans. Their positioning of the vocal tract, the structure of the brain, and the spinal cord were not favourable conditions for them to produce speech sounds. An examination of the remains of our earliest female ancestor, Lucy, who lived in eastern Africa from 2.8 to 3.9 million ago, was found not to have speech abilities. She was found only to have some vocal skills to make a sound like modern-day Chimpanzees.
Fortunately, neither the man stayed idle nor became extinct, but he evolved. So, within millions of years, most of his internal organs, so-called articulators required to make human speech sounds, such as lungs, vocal cords, tongue, teeth, lips, and nasal track, with much-needed coordination links such as brain and spinal cord, had evolved. That made him able to produce speech sounds as a modern-day human. Then, he made speech sounds, manipulating the articulators to modify the outflow of the air stream from his lungs. Then, gradually, he learnt how to manipulate sounds to syllables, syllables to words, words to phrases, phrases to sentences, and sentences to a language where he could comfortably communicate with each other. It is worth noting that the word LANGUAGE was derived from the Latin word LINGUA, which means the tongue. Humans are the only creatures that use tongues to create various speech sounds.
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Words leave no traces of history. Therefore, archaeologists, anthropologists, and linguists have difficulty predicting when humans started to speak. Still, they estimate that humans could talk from the late 50,000 years to 2 million years ago. Once humans could communicate, there was no turning back; civilisation progressed quickly by exchanging knowledge, information, news, and maybe gossip. With the progress of civilisation, humans started to travel far distances and settle. In their new environment, more and more new words associated with new speech sounds emerged, which were unknown to people who lived in their motherland. Thus, new languages were formed, and with new languages, so-called new races were created.
The storage of words and their associated information in the mind is called the mental lexicon. It is said that native adult English speakers have 20,000 to 35,000 words in their mental lexicon, and it can be much less with young children. Therefore, whenever a speaker gives a speech, his mental lexicon keeps supplying the words he seeks. Nowadays, speaking looks like something even a toddler can do easily. Still, the human ability to communicate has evolved for millions of years. Delivering a few words undergoes a very complicated physical and mental process. Speech is a precious tool for mankind. It is invisible, and it can be used to make or break the world the same as an atom. That was why ancient Greek historian Dionysius of Halicarnassus said, “Let thy speech be better than silence or be silent.”
TM Chandrasena De Silva
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Friendship is one of those incredible things in life that can bring us endless joy, laughter, and support. It’s like this warm, cozy blanket that wraps around us during the chilly winters of life. But what truly makes a friendship special? At the heart of it lies a powerful foundation: trust. When we think about the relationships we cherish most, we often realize that our connection is built on this intricate structure of trust. So let’s dive into the nuances of friendship and explore how trust shapes our bonds.
First off, let’s paint a picture of what friendship looks like. You probably have that one friend—the kind you can call at midnight, knowing they’ll pick up even if they’ve been asleep for hours. You share inside jokes, binge-watch your favourite shows together, and confide in each other about your deepest fears and wildest dreams. This connection is rich and complex, but it’s trust that really holds it all together, like the mortar in a brick wall. Without those bricks of trust, that wall would crumble.
But here’s the kicker: building trust takes time. It’s not something that just appears overnight like that spontaneous road trip you took one weekend. Trust grows through shared experiences, whether they’re good or bad. It’s in those moments of vulnerability, where you lean on each other and let your guard down, that the foundations strengthen. Have you ever shared something personal and, instead of feeling judged, received empathy and understanding? That’s a trust-building moment, my friend. It helps establish that “you’ve got my back” vibe.
So, what does trust mean in the context of friendship? It’s more than just a feeling; it’s a series of actions and behaviors that reinforce our belief in each other's fidelity, honesty, and reliability. For instance, think about those times you’ve turned to your friends during life’s ups and downs. Whether you just had your heart broken or landed that dream job, you depend on your friends to be there, to listen, and to support you without judgment. That’s trust in action! You trust that they will respect your feelings and keep your secrets close to their hearts.
Of course, trust can also be delicate. It’s like a glass sculpture—beautiful, mesmerizing, but ultimately fragile. Once trust is broken, it can be hard to piece it back together. Maybe you experienced a falling out with a friend because of a misunderstanding or a betrayal. This is where trust's structure becomes evident. Did they gossip about you? Did they break a promise? These actions can create cracks in the beautiful sculpture that is your friendship, leaving both parties questioning the integrity of the bond they once shared.
But here's where it gets interesting—trust can be rebuilt. It often entails an open dialogue, where both friends express their feelings and acknowledge what went wrong. It requires effort and sincerity, much like a couple trying to rekindle their romance after a rough patch. Remember that trust isn't just about the absence of conflict; it’s about how you resolve it. It’s about accountability and showing that you’re willing to change and grow.
At the end of the day, friendship is one of life's greatest gifts, and trust is the underlying structure that keeps it robust and enduring. It’s essential to cultivate that trust through mutual understanding, open communication, and shared experiences. Sure, there will be bumps along the way, but with some patience and effort, those bumps can turn into stepping stones that lead to even stronger bonds.
One of the most touching aspects of friendship is the way we navigate misunderstandings together. This process can teach us a lot about our own selves, too. For instance, sometimes, we might have insecure moments where we question whether our friends really care about us. That’s when trust becomes crucial. When you can rely on your friends to reassure you without making you feel silly for your doubts, it solidifies the bond you share.
Moreover, loyalty is intricately tied to trust. We all have that one friend who sticks by us through thick and thin. Their loyalty strengthens the trust you have in one another. It’s those moments when a friend stands up for you, defends you, or simply chooses to be present when you need them that solidifies that trust. This loyalty creates a sense of security, making you feel like you’re part of a team, ready to tackle whatever comes your way together.
Another essential aspect to consider is the cyclical nature of trust and friendship. The more you trust your friends, the more they are likely to trust you in return. Trust begets trust, creating an empowering feedback loop that invigorates the friendship. It’s almost like planting a seed: with a bit of water, sunlight, and care, it grows into a beautiful tree that offers shade and strength for both of you.
So, the next time you call up a friend just to chat or lean on them during a tough time, take a moment to appreciate the incredible structure of trust that holds your friendship together. Life would be a rather dull place without those vibrant connections, and it’s the texture of trust weaves through our friendships, making each one uniquely beautiful. After all, friendship isn’t just about having someone to share a laugh with; it’s about building a fortress of trust that stands strong against life’s storms— together.
TM Umeirah Fareed
PLAY TO WIN: EMBRACING A MINDSET OF SUCCESS
In today’s competitive landscape, whether in business, sports, or personal endeavors, the concept of “playing to win” carries significant weight. It is not merely about the desire to succeed; it encapsulates a mindset that drives people to optimize their performance, push boundaries, and strive for excellence.
In my personal life I always take up a task in a mindset of winning, not just merely performing to be in among the average where most of the people would like to settle in. If someone has this mindset, they can easily be seen as standouts of the crowd which will elevate them towards excellence.
Being a Banker, Toastmaster, Father and actively engaging in few other disciplines is not an easy task to pull on a daily basis. But if you envision and work towards the same, it is not going to be an unrealistic task.
Having said that it is important to breakdown this to sub tasks to achieve the end goal.
1.Set clear and ambitious goals
Define a clear goal which is challenging and attainable. This will provide inspiration to achieve the goal with purpose.
2.Embrace a growth mindset
Belief in the ability to achieve is key. A growth mindset will give the vision to see the obstacles as challenges and the ways to overcome them rather take shortcuts or quit in setbacks.
3.Foster a culture of innovation
Innovation often comes with experiment. This can be trail and error. But opening the mind to creativity will explore new ideas without the fear of failure. This will catalyze breakthroughs that can lead to significant improvements.
4.Take calculated risks
Playing to win requires willingness to take risks. This doesn’t mean being reckless, rather it involves assessing potential outcomes and making decisions that will align with the end goal.
5.Maintain resilience
The path to winning is often dotted with challenges and setbacks. Bouncing back from failure with renewed determination and tenacity will help to study focused on the goals regardless of the obstacles.
6.Celebrate success and learn from failures
Acknowledging and celebrating achievements reinforces the "play to win" ethos. At the same time, understanding and analyzing failures fosters a culture of improvement. This dual approach builds momentum and keeps individuals and teams motivated.
Practicing the above, I was able to achieve many goals of my life in a diversified scope. If someone can stick to the above and keep themselves with a high level of discipline until the task is achieved, there’s no other secret recipe for success.
If you can practice the above, then you will get the below as a result which will gain you many things in life.
1.Enhanced performance.
2.Improved morale and engagement.
3.A competitive edge through uniqueness.
4.Development of personal life and the ones who are around you.
In conclusion, adopting a "play to win" mindset is essential in today's fast-paced and dynamic environment. By setting ambitious goals, embracing innovation, and cultivating resilience, individuals and organizations can unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards of playing to win—both personally and professionally—are invaluable. Embrace this philosophy, and watch as it transforms your approach to challenges and opportunities alike, leading you toward extraordinary accomplishments.
DTM Mario De Silva
Club Extension Chair - District
NEW MEMBERS
Beyond Ragama's reach, Upholding the tradition of toastmasters, I too have chosen Ragama Toastmasters Club to the next monarch in my journey through Toastmasters.
The friendly faces, the vibrant pulse, and the joy of aftergatherings made me feel not a stranger, but part of the Toastmasters family, inspiring me to journey on with them
As a new member in the Ragama Toastmasters Club, I am incredibly grateful and happy to be part of such a close-knit community. t feels like being welcomed into a big family where everyone genuinely upports and encourages each other’s growth
Even as someone new, I already feel a sense of belonging and warmth that was not expecting. Each member’s dedication, kindness, and willingness o help have made it easy for me to feel at home and confident in this journey
Being part of this club is helping me develop myself, both personally and professionally, and I’m looking forward to learning and growing with such an amazing group I cannot wait to contribute and make memories together!
TM Chamari Lakshika Ragama Toastmasters Club
I had no idea what Toastmasters really did before contacting Ragama Toastmasters. I received a great introduction over a phone call, and from the first day I joined as a guest, the club gave me an exciting and welcoming feeling
TM Kasun Madurasinghe Ragama Toastmasters Clu
When I was searching for a place to grow in both communication and leadership, I was fortunate to be referred to Ragama Toastmasters. What I found was not just a club, but a dynamic community brimming with vibrant, unique personalities Ragama Toastmasters provides a supportive environment where members are constantly encouraged to challenge themselves and reach new heights Through engaging opportunities and personalized guidance, it offers a path to continuous personal growth and development. Joining this club has been an empowering journey, and I’m excited to see where it leads next!
TM Dinuka Niroshan Ragama Toastmasters Club
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Ragama Toastmasters Club
OUR VIBRANT EXCO
President: It’s a wonderful feeling to be the one leading this vibrant, energetic bunch of talented individuals as the president of Ragama Toastmasters Club
This role so far has given me an opportunity to learn, unlearn and relearn many things and grow as individual and along with my Exco we are dedicated to making sure the club members are given with the best club experience possible
I am eternally grateful for this role which gives me an opportunity to inspire others in their journey of public speaking and leadership
VP Education: More than anything I am blessed to be a charter member of this beautiful Ragama Toastmasters club and it is such a privilege to be able to serve this enthusiastic bunch of individuals who would put their heart and soul in accomplishing even the slightest of responsibility. Because of this unwavering team spirit we could achieve greater heights despite being a young club I cannot be thankful enough for the club Leadership that empowered me to become the stronger leader I am today. A quality club where members attain their personal goals joyously is our dream Together we vibe, together we achieve in building a legacy!
VP Membership: The seed planted by the Charter President DTM Mario De Silva has grown to its fourth year Watching how this little family bloomed with it's vibrant colours of talents from then till now has truly been a blessing and am proud of being a part of this journey right from it's charter year. To me, Ragama Toastmasters is home away from home, a platform to learn, grow and transform. Moreover, it's an amazing bunch of heartfelt, crazy, energetic and ever encouraging set of friends who push me to reach beyond To the lessons and blessings, friendships and memories, I'm proud to be a part of this little family where friends help friends to reach beyond Kavindri Alexander | 071 943 1795 | kavindrialexander@gmail.com
VP Public Relations: As a university student I am pursuing for a degree in Computer Science at Edith Cowan University, Rajagiriya where I'm passionate about exploring technology and coding. Recently, I took on the role of Vice President of Public Relations at the Ragama Toastmasters Club. I’ve been gradually learning about the principles and goals of public relations, and I’ve come to appreciate how vital a Public Relations Officer is for clubs This role provides an excellent opportunity to understand PR best practices while developing and implementing marketing strategies for our club and the organization It’s an exciting chance to grow and contribute meaningfully! The plans and strategies I’m learning in this role will be invaluable for my personal and professional growth. I’m grateful to Ragama Toastmasters Club for providing these opportunities and supporting my journey toward becoming the best version of myself. I’m excited about the opportunities to connect with new people and promote our club’s activities. Looking forward to a great journey ahead!
Secretary: I am blessed with many opportunities being a toastmaster I chose toastmasters as a platform to express my stories and to enhance my network, but joining the Toastmasters fraternity made me realize it’s not just about public speaking, but many more I am always grateful for what I have gained throughout and when I was asked to take up the responsibility of the secretary for 2024/25 I thought I battled with my own thoughts to agree to do documentation for the club. Hence being the secretary for this tenor is definitely serving the club while giving back for all that I've gained as well as challenging myself for self improvement and reaching beyond.
Jayangi Fernando | 076 864 9995 | jayangifernando@gmail.com
Treasurer: As the treasurer of the Ragama Toastmasters Club, I have gained valuable insights into financial management, budgeting, and the organizational responsibilities required to keep our club running smoothly This role has taught me the importance of accurate record-keeping, clear communication, and accountability. I’ve also learned how essential it is to work closely with other club officers to ensure that our finances align with the club’s goals Moving forward, I am committed to fulfilling my duties to the best of my ability, ensuring that our club remains financially sound and able to support its members’ growth and achievements
Pruthuvi Fernando | 077 801 7674| pruthuvi.fernando@gmail.com
Sergeant at Arms: I am truly honored to have been appointed as the new Sergeant at Arms. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our senior members for their trust and support in selecting me for this role I look forward to contributing to the growth of our club and working together to create an engaging and welcoming environment for all members. Let’s continue to inspire each other and make our Toastmasters journey an enriching experience
MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS
TM Chandrasena De Silva
Mario De Silva, DTM
TM Jayangi Fernando
TM Kavindri Alexander
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TM Vaughn Ernst Level 1
CLUB EVENTS
Joint meetings
DirectFN TMC
MOT and Organizing Your Speech Moments of Truth by TM Abhith Perera
