Siyane Speaks | Volume 16 | Issue 1

SIYANE SIYANE TOASTMASTERS CLUB

SPEAKS

OFFCIAL NEWSLETTER

01 Message from the area director 02 Message from the division director 03 Aling the DTM memory lane 04 The sky is falling

VOLUME 16

05 Few words from our new members 06 Mid year division conference 07 Be a Mentor - coach, 08 Tips & tools for impromtu speaking

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ISSUE 01

ABOUT THE CLUB SIYANE TOASTMASTERS CLUB Siyane Toastmasters Club is affiliated to Toastmasters International. The club was charted on 27th September 2010. Club number is 1553096 and it belongs to Area 1 of Division F District 82.

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

DISTRICT 82 MISSION We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.

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

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL ENVISIONED FUTURE To be the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leader- ship skills development. publicrelations.siyanetmc@gmail.com Meeting Location - District Secretariat Office - Gampaha

2023/2024 EXCECUTIVE COMMITTEE President TM Apsara Ranasinghe

EDITORIAL TEAM Chief editors TM Ravindu Mirihana TM Dilanka Bandara

Vice President Education TM Gamunu Jayasundara

Other Editors TM Sandunika Ilangasinghe TM Hansi Deheragoda TM Isuru Ehelepola

Vice President Membership TM Himantha Thennakoon

For more information

Vice President Public Relations TM Ravindu Mirihana Secretary - TM Kasuni Randeniya Treasurer - TM Madhumali Mudalige Sergeant-at-Arms - TM Praveen Kumarasinghe Immediate Past President - TM Chandima Gayan

TM Apsara Ranasinghe 0773490228 TM Ravindu Mirihana 0703641603 mirihanar@gmail.com

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A MESSAGE

FROM THE PRESIDENT It is with great pleasure that I convey my heartiest wishes for the 1st issue of “Siyane Speaks” , the club newsletter for the Toastmaster Year 2023 / 2024. As we have already stepped into a new phase of growth and learning, I’m privileged to serve as the President of our dynamic club.

Our journey transitions from ‘grooming’ ourselves in communication and leadership skills to ‘blooming’ into confident speakers and adept leaders. This embodies the essence of our Toastmasters journey. The “Groom to Bloom” concept encapsulates our transformation, where we nurture our skills, refine our talents, and eventually flourish into our full potential. Let’s water the seeds of our aspirations with enthusiasm and dedication, fostering an environment that encourages everyone to thrive.

Siyane Toastmasters always focus on nurturing each other’s growth. Let’s celebrate each other’s successes, support during challenges, and embrace the diversity of ideas that make our club a thriving community.

Together, let’s cultivate an atmosphere that fosters growth, confidence and camaraderie enabling each member to bloom intio their full potential.

TM APSARA RANASINGHE President Siyane Toastmasters Club 2023/2024

SIYANE SPEAKS

I wish the public relations team success in creating a club newsletter filled with articles that inspire and guide readers in their journey of ‘Grooming’.

Thank you.

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TM APSARA RANASINGHE As the president of Siyane Toastmasters Club, I am embarking on a new leadership journey with members who are extremely dedicated and committed.

Our club moves ahead, celebrating many victories while continuing its legacy and nurturing each other’s growth in terms of “Grooming” simultaneously.

PRESIDENT

Thank you very much to the Executive Committee and to every member of the club for your unmatched cooperation towards an awesome journey of communication & leadership enriched with sustainability.

TM GAMUNU JAYASUNDARA In the role of Vice President Education, my commitment is to cultivate an environment where each member embarks on a journey of selfdiscovery and continuous improvement.

Our shared mission is to foster a community where the seeds of confidence and eloquence are sown, and the fruits of leadership and mastery are harvested. I am honoured to contribute to our family members as a needlepoint to create a platform that encapsulates the spirit of learning, growth, and camaraderie. I encourage you to actively engage with the magazine, sharing your experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Let us create a space where we celebrate not only our individual achievements but also the collective success of our Toastmasters family.

Together, we can elevate our communication and leadership skills to new heights.

VP EDUCATION

TM HIMANTHA TENNAKOON

VP MEMBERSHIP 4

It has been a wonderful experience serving as the Vice President of Membership at the Siyane Toastmasters Club. It was really a great pleasure to join in and witness the enthusiasm and togetherness of this group of people moving forward to become great leaders and speakers. Working in the executive committee was so amazing, as the team collaborated in a great manner to take the club to the next level.

When I see the achievements gained throughout the year, it makes me so proud. Siyane Toastmasters Club has always been at the best level in terms of Toastmasters. The member engagement and enthusiasm are the main elements behind its success. I hope it will continue with more improvements in the years to come. Once again, it has been a privilege and an honor to serve on the Executive Committee and as a member of the Siyane Toastmasters Club.

Long Live Siyane!

SIYANE SPEAKS

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TM RAVINDU MIRIHANA As the Vice President of Public Relations at Siyane Toastmasters Club, I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported me in this journey. A special thanks to the Executive Committee members, DTMs, and all club members for their invaluable assistance and enthusiasm.

I am particularly grateful to the talented article writers and the Editorial team of our Newsletter, as well as the PR Subcommittee, whose dedication has been pivotal in enhancing our club’s presence.

For those outside our club, consider this an invitation to join our dynamic community. Your involvement would be a wonderful addition to Siyane Toastmasters Club.

Long Live Siyane!

VP PUBLIC RELATIONS

TM MADUMALI MUDALIGE The Siyane Toastmasters Club, fondly known as the Siyane Family, is a remarkable community that has greatly impacted my life. Members mutually support each other in honing leadership and communication skills. My journey began with a goal to improve communication, and thanks to mentors and evaluators, this goal was achieved.

Accepting the Treasurer role in 2021, inspired by my strong bond with the Siyane family, has been fulfilling. Despite the challenges of managing finances, the support from club members has been invaluable. This team is among the best I’ve encountered, and I’m confident that the Siyane family will continue to foster leadership and communication skills in the Toastmasters community for years to come.

TREASURER TM PRAWEEN KUMARASINGHE As the Sergeant-At-Arms for Siyane Toastmasters Club, I played a vital role in maintaining meeting order, welcoming members, and fostering a growth-oriented environment. This experience provided me with valuable leadership skills and a sense of pride in facilitating smooth meetings and nurturing camaraderie. Collaborating with the executive committee expanded my understanding of Toastmasters, and I am grateful for the supportive community and our shared commitment to growth.

SERGEANT AT ARMS

TM KASUNI RANDENIYA As the Secretary of this club, my primary duty is to keep records of every meeting and special occasion, a task that initially proved quite challenging. Fortunately, the EXCO team and all the club members provided invaluable support throughout this journey. This new responsibility has significantly contributed to the development of my social and interpersonal skills. The collaborative atmosphere within the team is truly remarkable. There is a genuine willingness to assist, encourage, and guide each other towards success. I am genuinely grateful for the enriching experience within this wonderful club. Here’s to a long and prosperous future for Siyane.

SECRETARY SIYANE SPEAKS

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WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE

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MESSAGE FROM THE AREA DIRECTOR

08

MESSAGE FROM THE DIVISION DIRECTOR

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ALONG THE DTM MEMORY LANE

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FEW WORDS FROM OUR NEW MEMBERS

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MID YEAR DIVISION CONFERENCE

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BE A MENTOR - COACH

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GUEST TESTIMONIALS

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TIPS & TOOLS FOR IMPROMPTU SPEAKING

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EMBRACE P.O.W.E.R

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CONVERSATIONS WITH MASTER COMMUNICATORS

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THE SKY IS FALLING

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OVATION 2023

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GROOM TO BLOOM 14TH INSTALLATION CEREMONY

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RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

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UPCOMING CLUB EVENTS

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Message from the Area Director “Goals are about the results you want to achieve; Systems are about the processes that lead to those results.”

Atomic Habits’- James Clear ‘In the book Author explains that winners and losers both have the same goals and if it is the goals that lead you to the success then there won’t be any losers. That means the process, that we lay to achieve our goals matters the most.’

When it comes to Siyane toastmasters this phrase fits well. The siyane toastmasters have created a process that it has a defined path for its members to achieve the goals they are wishing. The process that they maintain every year is solitary on achieving many goals. Not only the goals that club wants to achieve, but the foundation also that club has laid for its members and associates is astounding.

most members are having. Since the process is already up and running the new members or members who joined recently focuses on their individual achievements. As mentioned by the author if you focus more on goals, it will create stress leading to many problems. Therefore, my message to members is it might look hard bit at the beginning but if you take continuous steps within the created process with persistence you will achieve your goals. Take a production process as an example, if the process is up and running, we just need to feed the required raw materials only the result will be at the end of the process ‘the product’. Always make sure to adhere to the process that siyane has created, I’m sure that all the members will achieve their goals.

I wish Siyane to have never ending achievement years and its members’ good luck.

AREA DIRECTOR TM Niluka Dissanayake Kadawatha Toastmasters Club

I come from Kadawatha toastmasters club. Siyane being the parent club the system it created for Kadawatha led me make my own process to success. The support I and my home club have received from Siyane toastmasters is immense that after many challenges we are still able to stand strong. Our charter president and current Division Director DTM Shehara Dissanayake being a product of Siyane how we can setback from the process.

From 2017 to today I have closely associated with many members of Siyane toastmasers club who are humble and inspirational including my mentor TM Eranga Dilhan.

All of them have pursuit the path for next set of members and leaders, I’m always happy to see the club taking forward its legacy.

Being the Area Director, this is the first time that I got the opportunity to closely associate with the Executive committee members of the club. Led by TM Apsara Ranasinghe the group is keeping up shoulder to shoulder with previous EXCOs to maintain the process that Siyane created long ago. I wish all the best to the executive committee to end the tenure with colourful achievements.

Getting into this position the common issue I have seen with many toastmasters’ clubs is that there is a set of seasoned toastmasters who have committed on creating a process, they might have not had the same opportunities, same facilities, or environment today the

SIYANE SPEAKS

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Message from the Division Director

these challenging times. While practicing communication and leadership skills in this safe environment let’s make use of this platform to adapt to the changing environment, stay connected and bring meaningful growth to self and each other.

“Where Leaders are made”

Here’s wishing members of Siyane all the best to maintain the SHINING SPIRIT OF SIYANE!

Siyane toastmasters club is certainly a place where leaders are made. It is my absolute pleasure to pen a few words as the Division F Director for the official newsletter of the club.

I joined Siyane TMC in the 3rd year of the club and have benefited from and witnessed its progress over the years as it continues its service to the community for the 13th year. From a bare minimum of club members to being one of the largest clubs in District 82, Siyane has managed to build a legacy in providing the best in terms of the member experience the Toastmasters program has on offer. This is evident from the fact that, over the years, the club has produced Division Champions 6 times, 7 Distinguished Toastmasters, 9 Area Directors/Governors, 5 Division Directors/Governors, 2 District top 7 positions and several District Extended team member positions.

DIVISION DIRECTOR DTM Shehara Disanayake Siyane Toastmasters Club

All this has been possible due to the platform & opportunities provided by the club to its members to enhance their communication and leadership skills. Furthermore, the selfless support given to neighboring clubs and other remote clubs is highly commendable.

Siyane Toastmasters club is not only about communication and leadership. It is a place of camaraderie, fun and growth. Thanks to the past leaders with and without titles who have created a culture of friendship and belonging, the legacy of Siyane has continued. It is common knowledge that when one member is given a responsibility outside the club, the entire club rallies around him/her to achieve results.

My admiration to all members for continuing to invest in themselves especially during

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ALONG THE DTM MEMORY LANE

“Becoming a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) is a long journey in Toastmasters.

It’s a journey filled with many experiences of fun and joy. When we asked our DTMs about their unforgettable experiences in the journey, here’s what they told us:”

70’ GLAMOUR

BY DTM RUWAN JAYASOORIYA The fun night we organized under my leadership in 2017’s Ovation at Waters Edge was an unforgettable toastmaster’s experience. We aligned all the activities to match the theme 70’ s. The entire organizing team of Siyane members dressed in specially tailored 70’ s type dresses. Decorated according to the theme and used vintage vehicles to bring invitees to the ceremony. Rain of fireworks, a live band, and a DJ and Bangara team gave unlimited fun.

The cherished moment was going to the records as the most glamorous fun night ever organized in the history of D82. I enjoyed every moment of it and memories will cherished forever.

STAGED UP

BY DTM CHANDRASIRI WANASIGHA

The best incident was when another application for the Division Director post, submitted by a fellow Toastmaster, was rejected by the District Leadership Chair with the consent of the District Leadership Committee.

There were rumors that he might be proposed from the floor during the Annual Conference. Our Siyane family members, along with my other Toastmasters friends, initiated a substantial campaign in my favor in India. However, his name was not brought forward at the conference.

Recognizing his potential and dedication, I later invited him to join the division leadership team as an Assistant Division Director. This act of collaboration and support paid off, as he eventually rose to become the Division Director of Division F in subsequent years.”

MOHINI’S GRACE BY DTM PUNSIRIMEWAN KAMBURAWALA It was my first overseas journey, Reverberation held in Hyderabad India. We Sri Lankan Toastmasters were boarded on a Kingfisher flight at Hyderabad Airport for our return journey. Kingfisher Airline was known for its graceful and beautiful air hostesses.

On that flight, there was an attractive, active, and gorgeous air hostess. Anyone would be tempted to speak to her. Being a new traveler I had to control myself.

After a few minutes, one of our senior toastmasters requested for a glass of water and asked her name. She said I’m Mohini. Our facial expressions changed.

One toastmaster couldn’t control his mouth and he said “Oh Mohini”.

The beautiful air hostess noticed our unusual reactions. She was surprised and asked him “Why? Is there anything wrong?”

Senior Toastmasters also got upset at that moment. But his practice in Table Topics helped him. He said that Mohini is a popular name in Sri Lanka. There are many folktales behind the Mohini name. And there is a film called “Vana Mohini”.

Then she became normal and went away.

In Sri Lanka, the name Mohini is often associated with folklore and mystery, whereas in India, it represented the stunning beauty of an air hostess that captivated everyone’s attention. This amusing encounter, blending cultural perceptions and unexpected reactions, eventually became the inspiration for one of my humorous speeches. It’s these unique and unexpected moments, encountered through our Toastmasters journey, that enrich our experiences and provide us with unforgettable stories to share and cherish.

SIYANE SPEAKS

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FEW WORDS FROM OUR NEW MEMBERS TM SETHNA KODITHUWAKKU I joined the Siyane Toastmasters club about 3 months ago and became a member recently.

I’m just starting my journey with Toastmasters, focusing on motivational strategies. Right now, I’m working on Level 1 Project 1 in this pathway.

Toastmasters has been awesome experience so far! It helped me to get better at speaking in front of people and communicating effectively through round robin and table topic sessions. I also got the chance of being in the organizing committee of the emcees, for the Mid Year Conference of Division F and J which happened on 19th November 2023.

Through this, I got the opportunity to sharpen my leadership and content writing skills while networking with professionals in various clubs.

In the future, I want to keep going with Toastmasters. I’m excited to finish all the projects in my pathway and become a better version of myself.

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TM PINITHI GEEGANAGE I joined as a guest at Siyane Toastmasters Club and I observed several meetings I understood that this is the perfect pathway to improve my communication skills, public speaking abilities, how to do meeting management, confidence, and leadership skills. Now I am a Member of the Siyane Toastmasters Club. Being a Toastmaster, I have opportunities for networking with colleagues from various professional backgrounds and industries and I will be able to expand my social circle. Being part of Toastmasters connects me with a global community of like-minded people, fostering a sense of belonging and providing opportunities for cross-cultural communication.

Hence, Toastmasters is an advantage for me as I am working in an isolated area in Katunayake. The environment is comfortable, very supportive, and encouraging to learn from each other. I believe that improved communication and leadership skills acquired through Toastmasters can positively impact my professional life, leading to career advancement opportunities and personal growth.

SIYANE SPEAKS

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TM DULASHIE JAYAWARDANE Hello I am Toastmaster Dulashie Jayawardana and I joined Toastmasters out of force. But oh I am so glad I listened to my parents, because Toastmasters is full of surprises. The moment I joined, I was brought in with arms out and a huge smile which made me instantly welcomed. I got many opportunities in the small time I joined Toastmasters as well as the guidance to learn through this wonderful journey ongoing.

I hope to make my communication, leadership skills along with my confidence to a greater standard through Toastmasters so I could show the world how strong I am.

TM THISURA YAPA Embarking on my Toastmasters journey has been an exhilarating start. Embracing challenges, I’m eager to refine my communication and leadership skills. The future holds many endless possibilities, and I look forward to the growth and friendship this vibrant community offers.

TM AMA KUMARASINGHE During my early teenage years, my brother used to say to join the Toastmasters Club as soon as possible.

He observed that I struggled with internalizing my thoughts and expressing myself confidently in public speaking situations. His belief was that by becoming a part of this remarkable club, I would witness strong personal growth. I eventually made the decision to join, albeit a little later than initially suggested. What I discovered after joined siyane toastmasters club was that Toastmasters is not merely a club, but rather a warm and compassionate family, where everyone genuinely cares about one another’s progress and well-being.

SIYANE SPEAKS

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MID YEAR CONFERENCE DIVISION F & J

Journey to Flourish. The Division Conference for Division J and F As Toastmasters, Division conference is an experience we all wait for every year. Specially as Siyane Members, we eagerly wait to join with the crowd to cheer up our contestants during the contest. This time, the joint division conference of Division F and J was held on 19th November 2023 at CA Colombo. I was fortunate to be a part of the organizing team, by being a member in the food committee. Toastmaster Ishani Mirinagalla, a coconference chair, wanted me and Toastmaster Mukulanjake in the food committee. That was a great experience for me because, it gave me insights on how the organizing of such a grand event is conducted.

The conference began with registering the members. We Siyare members arrived at the venue way prior to the starting time. As usual, we had the honour of the highest number of participants. The venue has been arranged appropriately to conduct the two contests; Humorous speech contest and the Evaluation speech contest. The conference was graced by the participation of Distinguished Toastmasters, District Directors and Division Directors.

One of the main features of the event was the key note speech. The key note speaker of this mid year Division Conference was Distinguished Toastmaster Tissa Dissanayaka. His speech was based on the concept, ‘Good leaders are good negotiators’.

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During his talk, he emphasized on the skills of a good negotiator, mainly focusing on empathy. It was a fruitful session for all of us because, in Toastmasters we all become leaders from time to time.

Further he focused on the importance of understanding what the members truly want from Toastmasters. According to him, this identification should be done individually, but not as a group, and the members should not be stereotyped as they all want to be good speakers.

All in all the day was really fruitful for all of us due to the experience and the networking opportunities we gained as Toastmasters. The day came to an end saving beautiful memories in our hearts to be cherished forever. This is the blessings that I have gained being a toastmaster, especially a member of this beautiful fraternity of Siyane. I am truly grateful for them for all these opportunities given to me to shape myself to be an effective leader and a communicator in the future.

TM HANSANEE SENEVIRATHNE Siyane Toastmasters Club

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BE A MENTOR - COACH When we aim to enrich the mentor-mentee relationship, we often think of the structured mentoring processes in Toastmasters. However, within this dynamic, the realm of coaching stands as a distinct yet equally impactful approach.

Tip 02: Engaging Multi-Sensory the mentor-mentee relationship.

Listening This combination of coaching and mentoring not only amplifies Engaging in multi-sensory outcomes but also nurtures a listening allows for a deeper more profound bond between understanding of the speaker’s mentors and mentees. emotions, intentions, and unspoken messages.

This approach helps build rapport and fosters clearer communication.

While active listening remains fundamental, incorporating a multi-sensory approach DTM NILANTHA significantly impacts of BANDARA mentorship.

Observing the Siyane Toastmasters mentee’s body language, Club Understanding small details in Here, I share actionable tips for their tone and speech patterns daily interactions with mentees., enriches the interaction. This aimed at unlocking their fullest holistic approach enhances the potential: success of the solutions offered.

The synergy between coaching and mentoring significantly empowers the mentee, fostering a more powerful and fulfilling mentorship journey. My journey within Toastmasters commenced in 2013, marking the inception of my understanding of the significance of mentoring. Over time, I embarked on mastering the art of coaching, blending both methodologies within the club and in the fraternity. This combination has been pivotal in maximizing the impact on mentees.

Tip 01: Cultivating Awareness

Tip 03: Uncovering Gaps

In many mentoring sessions, mentees often seek advice or solutions. Rather than offering immediate answers, the approach lies in guiding them towards a deeper understanding of their challenges. Initiating this process with powerful questioning enables mentees to explore their own needs.

For example, if they ask, “I want to deliver a speech with a really good message, how can I do that?” Then, you could easily ask, “What does a good message look like to you?”

This leads to self-reflection, opening doors for deeper talks and personalized advice.

It’s essential to recognize that everyone possesses innate potential and resources. When addressing mentees’ concerns, uncovering their existing knowledge or actions related to the issue is a pivotal factor. For instance, when guiding a mentee in crafting a compelling message, exploring their understanding of impactful messaging aids in identifying gaps and collaborating towards solutions. This approach ensures sustainable growth and fruitful outcomes.

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Experimenting with these tactics in forthcoming conversations with mentees promises sustainable solutions, enriching SIYANE SPEAKS

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GUEST TESTIMONIALS TM ISIRA YAPA

VICE PRESIDENT PR - RAGAMA TOASTMASTERS CLUB I‘m really excited to talk about the amazing times we’ve had working together with the Siyane Toastmasters Club.

It’s been a great journey with the members at Ragama Toastmasters, and Siyane has been a standout for their friendly and supportive nature. They truly live up to the Toastmasters spirit by lending a hand whenever we need it and helping us all grow together.

Our joint meetings with Siyane Toastmasters Club have been not only productive but also enjoyable, characterized by well-organized sessions filled with enthusiasm and encouragement. The collaborative atmosphere facilitated a free exchange of ideas, constructive feedback, and mutual learning. Siyane’s dedication to excellence in communication and leadership was evident in the engaging speeches and insightful evaluations that enriched these sessions.

Furthermore, Siyane Toastmasters Club’s warm and inclusive approach towards guests has created an inviting atmosphere, making their meetings both educational and welcoming for visitors.

Teaming up with Siyane Toastmasters Club has been a fantastic experience, both personally and professionally. We’re super excited to keep this partnership going and can’t wait to see what more we can achieve together in our Toastmasters journey.

TM NIMSHI PALIHAWADANA

PRESIDENT - MINUWANGODA TOASTMASTERS CLUB

Upon joining Toastmasters, my first engagement outside my club was with Siyane Toastmasters. I was told that Siyane TMC is one of the biggest clubs in the fraternity and having that on my mind, I expected a super tough interactions from the members. However, to my pleasant surprise, I found Siyane TMC to be incredibly helpful, supportive, and especially friendly. This welcoming atmosphere is not just limited to their executive committee; it extends to everyone, including the most senior Distinguished Toastmasters, who are the brightest stars in the fraternity. They are an amazing bunch of people who are always willing to support blooming toastmasters and specially who always spread their helping hand to neighbouring clubs in terms of knowledge and experience.

The most important quality I have noticed in the Siyane TMC is the bonding between the members. They consider club members as their family and they help each other in different aspects of life.

It has been a privilege to engage with Siyane TMC, and I wish them the very best in all their future endeavors.

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TIPS & TOOLS

FOR IMPROMPTU SPEAKING

“Dive into ‘Tips and Tools for Impromptu Speaking’ by TM Chamin Athauda, a renowned speaker and 10th Past President of Siyane Toastmasters Club. Celebrated for winning Divisionlevel contests and reaching District stages, Chamin imparts practical strategies for mastering impromptu speaking, drawn from his extensive contest experience.”

LISTEN WELL.

KEEP IT SIMPLE.

Impromptu speaking often involves responding to a given prompt or question. Effective listening allows you to fully grasp the prompt and its nuances, ensuring that your response is relevant and on-topic. By listening carefully to your own words as you speak, you can identify and correct any inconsistencies or unclear points in your speech. This helps ensure that your message is conveyed clearly and effectively. When you listen well and respond thoughtfully to the prompt and the audience, you come across as more confident and composed. This can boost your credibility and make your impromptu speech more persuasive.

Keeping it simple is important in impromptu speaking for several reasons. Simple language and straightforward explanations make it easier for your audience to understand your message. In impromptu speaking, you often have limited time to convey your ideas, so clarity is essential to ensure your message gets across.

Simplicity helps to ensure that your audience can grasp the main points of your speech quickly. This is especially important in impromptu situations, where there may be no opportunity for follow-up questions or clarification.

LEARN THE SPEECH PURPOSE.

PLAN THE STRUCTURE.

Understanding the purpose of your impromptu speech ensures that your response is directly related to the topic or question at hand. It helps you stay on track and deliver a speech that is coherent and focused. When you know the purpose of your speech, you can structure your response in a way that makes your message clear and easy to follow. This clarity is essential for effective communication, especially in situations where you have limited time to organize your thoughts.

Planning the structure is important in impromptu speaking for several key reasons. A well-structured speech is easier for both the speaker and the audience to follow. It ensures that your ideas flow logically, making it easier for listeners to understand your message.

Planning the structure helps you present your ideas in a coherent manner. Your thoughts are connected, and transitions between points are smoother, reducing the risk of confusion or misunderstandings.

USE A SLOW PACE.

PRACTICE BEFOREHAND.

Using a slow pace in impromptu speaking can be important for several reasons. Speaking slowly allows you to enunciate your words clearly. This is particularly crucial when you’re speaking spontaneously because it helps ensure that your audience can understand your message accurately. Speaking too quickly can lead to stumbling over words, making mistakes, or omitting important information. A slower pace gives you more control over your speech and reduces the likelihood of errors. Slowing down your pace allows your audience to process what you’re saying more easily. This is especially important when you’re discussing complex or unfamiliar topics in impromptu situations, as it gives your audience time to absorb the information.

Impromptu speaking requires a set of skills, such as thinking on your feet, structuring a speech quickly, and delivering it confidently. Practicing these skills beforehand helps you develop and refine them.

Practicing impromptu speaking scenarios in advance can boost your confidence. It familiarizes you with the process and helps you feel more prepared when you’re faced with an unexpected speaking situation. Through practice, you can become more efficient at organizing your thoughts and delivering them within time constraints. This is particularly important in impromptu speaking, where time is often limited.

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DON’T REPEAT.

USE A SLOW PACE.

Repetition can lead to audience disengagement. When you continually repeat the same information, your audience may lose interest or feel that their time is being wasted. Repeating yourself excessively can make you appear unprepared or lacking confidence in your speaking abilities. It’s considered more professional to deliver a concise, coherent message without unnecessary repetition. Avoiding repetition encourages you to use a variety of words and phrases to convey your message. This can make your speech more engaging and prevent it from becoming monotonous.

“Less is more” can make your message more impactful.

By highlighting a few key ideas, you allow those ideas to resonate with your audience and leave a lasting impression. In impromptu speaking, you may be asked to address a wide range of topics, some of which may be unfamiliar to you. Embracing “less is more” allows you to adapt to various subjects by concentrating on core concepts. Your audience’s time is valuable, and they appreciate speakers who get to the point. “Less is more” respects the audience’s time and can make your speech more appealing.

DON’T EXCEED THE TIME. Not exceeding the allotted time is crucial in impromptu speaking for several significant reasons. When you exceed the time limit, you risk losing the audience’s attention. People have limited attention spans, and if your speech goes on too long, they may become disengaged, making it difficult to convey your message effectively. Impromptu speaking situations often come with tight time constraints. Adhering to the allocated time demonstrates your ability to manage time effectively, an important skill in various professional and academic settings. Sticking to the allotted time enhances your credibility as a speaker. It shows that you are a professional who can deliver a message effectively and efficiently.

TM CHAMIN ATHAUDA Siyane Toastmasters Club

SHOWCASE CONFIDENCE. Confidence is engaging. When you speak with confidence, you capture the audience’s attention and hold their interest, making it more likely that they will listen attentively to your message. Confidence enhances your credibility as a speaker. It conveys that you are knowledgeable and well-prepared, even in impromptu situations, which can make your audience more receptive to your message. Confident speakers tend to articulate their ideas more clearly and effectively. Your audience is more likely to understand your message when it is delivered confidently, leading to a higher impact

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EMBRACE

P.O.W.E.R I was fortunate enough to be a speaker at TEDx Colombo 2023. As a Toastmaster since 2017, looking back on my public speaking journey, I realize it can be divided into four distinct stages: POWER.

P PASSION

In my school and university days, I was shy and introverted. Even when opportunities arose, I often hesitated, telling myself, ‘Maybe next year, I’ll practice more and then accept the opportunity.’ However, the day I felt ready never arrived. On one occasion, I had to deliver a presentation. I had done extensive backstage work, including hours of preparation and research. But after my talk, the Professor critiqued me, saying, ‘You spoke to the thin air, it seemed like you had just memorized your talk, it wasn’t natural at all.’ He didn’t know how to give a Toastmaster-style evaluation, where constructive criticism is sandwiched between reccommendations. This left me devastated, but it ignited a passion in me to become a better public speaker. I made it my life’s purpose.

O W OPPORTUNITY

When opportunity comes knocking, invite it in and make it stay. With passion, your home is always open to opportunity. If opportunity doesn’t come knocking, build new doors for it to knock on. I learned that Toastmasters was a great platform to enhance public speaking skills, so I joined and actively participated in contests, speeches, and various roles, continuing to do so.

E R ENJOY

Relish every step of your journey. Public speaking is about sharing your passion, gifts, and ideas with the world. If you don’t enjoy the journey, neither will your audience. Share content you’re passionate about and delight in living your life’s purpose.

REACH OUT.

Extend your reach to broader audiences, mentors, and coaches. After my TEDx Colombo talk, several audience members approached me, asking, ‘How can we be part of the work you invited us to join?’ It was at that moment I realized my years of effort in honing my public speaking skills had truly paid off.

WORK

Real, smart work is essential in mastering public speaking. Observe and learn from skilled speakers, practice delivering speeches, and use feedback to improve. Initially, I doubted my ability to mentor others.

However, as I began mentoring, albeit half-heartedly at first, I found that I improved the most when helping someone else.

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TM LAKMALI JAYAWEERA Siyane Toastmasters Club

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CONVERSARIONS

WITH MASTER COMUNICATORS I’m beyond excited to share the latest chapter in the heartwarming journey of “Conversations with Communicators,” our talk show brought to you by the incredible Siyane Toastmasters Club. The first episodes were not just a showcase of communication expertise but a testament to the warmth and support that defines our Siyane family.

Picture this: a shy kid turned host, nervously stepping into the world of “Conversations with Communicators.”

The first guests, Toastmaster Chamin Athauda and Toastmaster Waruni Perera, our Siyane family members, made sure my foray into hosting was anything but daunting. Their genuine encouragement and the smiles they brought to the set eased my nerves and set, the tone for a show fueled by camaraderie.

In the cozy setup, Toastmaster Chamin spilled the beans on the perks of being a Toastmaster. It wasn’t just about polished speeches; it was about the magical alchemy of positive feedback that transforms individuals, molding them into confident communicators. His stories were relatable, weaving a narrative that spoke to the heart of why Siyane Toastmasters Club is not just a club but a nurturing community.

Then came Toastmaster Waruni, sharing her wisdom on how to be a good Toastmaster. It was like having a chat with an old friend who imparts sage advice. Her insights on extracting the maximum benefit from Toastmasters meetings were like nuggets of gold, resonating with everyone on the journey to better communication.

Behind the scenes, Toastmaster Ravindu Mirihana, our VPPR, was the maestro orchestrating this beautiful symphony. His passion for the project mirrored the spirit of Siyane Toastmasters Club, and his guidance ensured that “Conversations with Communicators” reflected the heart of our community.

A big shoutout to Toastmaster Dilanka Bandara, the unsung hero behind the camera and editing desk.

Countless hours were spent refining each episode, a

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testament to his dedication and the collective effort we pour into every endeavor at Siyane.

Let’s not forget Toastmaster Kasuni Randeniya, the magician behind the scenes, managing makeup and other details that add that touch of magic to our show. It’s the little things that make “Conversations with Communicators” not just a talk show but a shared experience.

Yet, our journey wasn’t without its share of hiccups.

TMI brand guidelines brought about a change, and “Conversations with Communicators” was born. It’s more than just a name; it’s a symbol of our ability to adapt, learn, and grow together.

As we navigate the winding road of “Conversations with Communicators,” let’s not forget the joy in the journey.

Laughter echoed in our filming sessions, lessons were learned, and challenges were faced with the spirit of a united family.

“Conversations with Communicators” isn’t just about conversations; it’s a reflection of the heart and soul of Siyane Toastmasters Club. Every smile, every word, and every challenge faced is a reminder that our journey is more than the sum of its parts—it’s a story we’re writing together.

Looking forward conversations!

to

many

more

heartwarming

Warm regards,

TM NIMESH KULATHUNGA Siyane Toastmasters Club

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THE SKY IS FALLING We all have heard of the story about the rabbit who wreaked havoc in the jungle by miscommunicating.

The sound caused by an apple falling on his roof was exaggerated, saying the sky was falling, and it led to a chain of actions, ultimately subjecting the rabbit to immense embarrassment.

Similar events are not uncommon in teamwork. Unfortunately, the whole scenario is carefully analysed after the damage is done. Even more unfortunate, these errors are often minute communication errors. But regardless of the simplicity of the mistake, the result is often disastrous.

It might be a project failure, a massive financial loss, a bad reputation, and embarrassment.

The following are a few of the most common errors that take place in teams.

Not sticking to the original plan

Assuming

It is important to stick to the original plan. This is what everybody knows and is often chosen through discussion. Therefore, not following the path everybody agreed to will not take the team to the expected outcome.

This is often a result of poor listening skills, lack of attention, and communication gaps. A team member should always seek confirmation when in doubt. Trying to guess and assume is a cause of false information generation.

Sudden but necessary changes that are not communicated to the team members.

Therefore, it is crucial to ensure good communication in teamwork to make a task successful. Even though it is difficult to eliminate all the errors, keeping what can go wrong in mind will help to avoid and minimise the mistakes because they are always preventable.

Changes are necessary. Any plan can be changed to ensure a better and quicker outcome. But the trick is communication. Whenever a change takes place, it is the duty of the team leader to communicate it to all the members immediately.

We cannot rely on telepathy!

TM ROSHINI PERERA Siyane Toastmasters Club

Members function separately.

A team should function as one unit, and members must have a good interconnection.

When this connection fails, the communication error rate increases.

Not following the proper communication pathway or proper channel.

This is also a very common occurrence.

Therefore, the team members must always follow the proper communication pathway.

By-passing necessary members creates a lot of chaotic situations, which puts the expected result at stake.

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OVATION 2023

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GROOM TO BLOOM 14TH INSTALLATION CEREMONY July 15, 2023, marked yet another red-letter day for Siyane Toastmasters Club with its 14th Installation Ceremony. It was a spectacular, eventful, and glamorous evening. Aligning with the great theme “Groom to Bloom” for the new Toastmasters year, the ceremony included the installation of the new executive committee, recognition of outstanding achievements and commitments, a talent showcase with entertainment, motivational speeches, and much more, making the day truly memorable. The event was graced by the participation of the district trio, many esteemed Toastmasters in the fraternity, and an uplifting keynote address from our beloved guest of honor, Mr. Riyaz Hassen.

The installation ceremony was meticulously planned by the incoming executive committee, with well-established sub-committees leading the way to a great event.

Teams for entertainment, public relations, decoration, sponsorship, master of ceremonies, coaches, mentors, and many benefactors worked really hard, giving their maximum effort to make the event grand. Preparations were made well in advance to face any challenges as the event date approached. The effort put forth by our dear Toastmasters at Siyane was truly commendable.

As we embarked on this journey together, we did not forget the core values that define us: respect, integrity, service, and excellence. These values, the pillars upon which our achievements rest, guide us as we move forward, allowing us to continue making a positive impact on the world around us. The members cherished this formal occasion as a moment of reflection, celebration, and inspiration, where our collective endeavors continue to forge a brighter future, marked by excellence, integrity, and compassion.

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The ceremony served as a platform for us to reflect on our past accomplishments, acknowledge the challenges we have overcome, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. It was a moment to appreciate the dedication, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence exhibited by each individual present.

It was a great honor to lead and serve as the installation chair at the 14th installation ceremony of Siyane Toastmasters Club. It was indeed a true example of teamwork put together to achieve a common goal. I would like to thank all Toastmasters and guests who graced the occasion, making the evening spectacular and glamorous.

LONG LIVE SIYANE

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TM HIMANTHA THENNAKOON Siyane Toastmasters Club

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