Serandib breeze 14th year anniversary by salman shaikh

SERENDIB BREEZE

Editorial

Serendib standing tall!

Looking at the number of ribbons in the Serendib’s Club Banner, one wonders how would it

be possible to win so many awards. No doubt it proves the commitment and progressive attitude of the past and current Toastmasters. In this era of Social Networking, where both the young and the old are engrossed with their penchant smart devices, it is a mammoth of a task to bring them to meeting rooms. Serendib had overcome this, sometime called menace. It’s meetings are moments of joy. That is one of the ingredients identified at Serendib. Dr. Ralph Smedley rightfully said ‘We learn best in moments of enjoyment’. Naturally from this environment, the members have produced better and brought laurels and accolades to the club. Yes Serendib stands tall. We bring you this colourful, yet an informative magazine which is ample testimony, talking volumes of success about Serendib Toastmasters Club, Riyadh.

Project Chair Anver Mohd. Rizan

Deputy Project Chair Mohammed Hilmy

Program Coordination Nirone Dissanayake (Chief) Ferasath Cassim Kolitha Panditharatne

Cultural Program

Kolitha Panditharatne

Toastmasters

CONTENTS INSIDE

International Mission

Masters of Ceremony

Messages

Farhan Abdulgafoor Devnie Waragoda Zakraf Shafee Sasirinda Waragoda

We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

Awards & Certificates

District Mission

P.5

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

Int’l President

P.7

District 79 Director

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.

Souvenir Committee

P.3

HE. The Ambassador

P.9

Division B Director

P.11

Area 6 Director

About Serendib Toastmasters Club

The Mission of Serendib Toastmasters club is to provide to all Sri Lankans a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn fosters self-confidence and personal growth.

Invitations Budgeting & Finance Gayan Karunaratne Niroze Ahmed Nizamdeen

P.13

Registration & Reception Gayan Karunaratne Sampath De Silva Niroze Ahmed Nizamdeen

Incoming President

Toastmasters International Envisioned Future

To be the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development.

Thangasamy (Chair) Ifthiquar (Chief Editor) Kolitha Panditharantne Gihan Tissera Fazmy Safvan Jawhar Jaan M.I.M. Zubair

Toastmasters International Values • Integrity • Respect • Service • Excellence

Ferasath Cassim (Chair) Nirone Dissanayake Kolitha Panditharatne Riyaz Yoosuff

Advertisements

P.15

Charter President

Last Year Activities

P.17-26

Past Presidents

P.14

Outgoing President

Mohammed Hilmy (Chair) Fazmy Safvan Zakraf Shafee

Logistics Committee Abdul Munaf Azees (Chair) Samsudeen Imran Khan Farhan Abdul Gafoor SampathDe Silva Mohammed Fais

Gavel Program

P.27

Thangasamy Riyaz Yoosuff Ferasath Cassim Fazmy Safvan Afdhal Saheer Nirone Dissanayake

13th Annivesary

Venue & Food

P.30

Last Year Activities

SERENDIB BREEZE

P.30

Last Year Activities

Anver Mohd. Rizan Mohammed Hilmy M.I.M. Zubair

Mohamed Azmi Thassim The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Message from his Excellency I

am glad of the opportunity to write this message to you, the leaders and

members of the Serendib Toastmasters Club, and although I have just recently arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I am aware of the high reputation your club has earned over the past fourteen years. I am also aware that your annual Awards Night is a significant event in your calendar and I am happy to celebrate with you, your achievements over the last year. With the dominance of modern communication technologies such as e-mail and social media, it is easy to forget the importance of direct personal communication and presentation skills and their ability to inspire, stimulate emotions, influence behavior and achieve results.

Toastmasters clubs are

dedicated to preserving and developing those key skills and to providing their members with the opportunity to hone those skills within a supportive but constructively critical environment. The Serendib Club has emerged as one which other Clubs look up to; it is vibrant and active and is developing leadership potential amongst Sri Lankans living in the Kingdom. In my professional life both in business, and also in organizations which support businesses, I have learned the value of good communication skills, and also that the confidence to use those skills effectively comes with practice and with feedback from others. We must all consider feedback as a gift. As Bill Gates once said, ”We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.” Toastmasters gives it’s members the opportunity both for practice and also for feedback; that is one of the most important benefits of the organization. I congratulate the Toastmasters Serendib Club, its leadership and members on the achievements of the past year and wish it well for the coming year. In particular may this Awards night be a fitting celebration of the past and an inspiration for the future.

SERENDIB BREEZE

Jim Kokocki, DTM International President

ovember 2015

Dear Club President Zubair and members of Serendib Toastmasters Club, Congratulations on your 14th anniversary. This calls for a celebration! Take pride in knowing that your club continues to help more and more people become confident communicators and leaders. A typical club finishes the year with 20 members, although some clubs may see 30 members progress through the program during the year. While some members stay for many years, others meet their goals much faster. All members use their improved skills and confidence to make a difference in their organizations and communities. This is quite an accomplishment. I hope you share your club’s anniversary and success broadly with your current and past members, as well as with local media. I am always happy to see clubs and members be recognized for their efforts. Such recognition means that more people will learn about the benefits of Toastmasters and our program. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz mentions in his book, Onward, that each Starbucks store is unique, as it has different customers and employees. Likewise, each Toastmasters club is unique, because of the members who shape the club culture and work through the program. Again, congratulations on your anniversary and your success. Best wishes as you continue providing a nurturing environment for the development of our members.

P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, CA 92690-9052 • USA • TEL: 949-858-8255 • FAX: 949-858-1207 • www.toastmasters.org

SERENDIB BREEZE

KANDY

DTM Abdullah Al-Sharif District 79 Director

i SerendibToastmasters Club Leaders and Members!

A great feeling comes to my mind, at this honor that makes me feel proud to be part of Serendib Toastmasters Club’s 14th Annual Day. Since the Serendib Toastmasters Club was chartered in October 3, 2001, it performs well and helps members to sharpen their skills. I salute your continuous efforts and dedication towards the growth of the club and the support to the community to add more members, as well as more new Clubs. I would like to appreciate Division B, Area-6 and Serendib Toastmasters Club for the enthusiasm, efforts and commitment. Best of luck and Let’s together make this District, the President’s Distinguished District. Regards

SERENDIB BREEZE

Syed Zia ur Rahman, ACS/ALB Division B Director (PY 2015-2016)

o My Fellow Toastmasters in Serendib

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Serendib TMC. It is an honor for having your club as a part of Division B. It is my pleasure and proud moment to be part of 14th Annual day celebrations of your club as Division B Director. Looking at Serendibâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich history as one of the strongest club in Riyadh, I am not just pleased, but amazed at your outstanding performance. Your club had been very consistent in delivering quality programs not only to its members but also to our Young Generation through not One but Two Gavel Clubs (Male and Female) to achieve their educational goals. Your consistent performance can only mean that your club leaders are very passionate, committed and possess the knowledge and skills in leading the club to such great accomplishments. Mentorship and Leadership are very important in every clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. The direct beneficiaries are the members. They not only experience firsthand benefits of being toastmasters, but they also earn respect and dignity in the society. In return, they reciprocate by delivering the DCP points needed to achieve club commitment to Toastmasters International. As you continue your journey, further hone your skills and broaden your experience by sharing it with new members and especially our Kids in Gavel Clubs, you create more eloquent communicators and great leaders by offering your services as mentors. You can change and transform their lives not only as Toastmasters but to become better human beings. Be proud of your accomplishments. Be proud of yourselves. Most of all, be proud you are Toastmasters. Excellent performance and marvelous teamwork. Congratulations!

SERENDIB BREEZE

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Magesh Prabhakara ACB, ALB Area 6 Director, Division B (PY 2015-16)

erendibians,

It’s an honor to write to Serendib on the eve of it’s 14th Anniversary! Serendib as a club has always been exemplary in its achievements and disciplined in its contribution towards the Area, Division and the District, they serve. The natural hospitality, honesty, punctuality and discipline imbibed in your Nation’s culture, the hardworking and mutual help-in-progress attitude, which is standard trademark of Srilankans, are all evident from this great club of yours. All these also reflect the

Toastmasters International’s wholesome attributes.

Serendib has now a culture of its own to preserve and practice. You have a reputation to maintain and relish from. All this would not be there all of a sudden. It’s through years of toil of your Senior Toastmasters that Serendib is in this enviable position today. This needs RECOGNITION. As a club Serendib has taken pride in recognizing and honoring the Seniors and deserving Toastmasters and Gavels every year through their ‘Awards night’. Through this practice, they had upheld the tradition of recognition, one of the pillars of this toastmasters program. Celebrate your achievements and Serendib has many reasons to celebrate. Great leaders and stars have always studded the Serendib sky. TM.Mohamed I.M. Zubair as President and TM.Gihan Surej Tissera as V.P. Education are in the helm of the affairs for this year. With the able support of the Ex-com and the Past President Anver Mohamed Rizan, I have no doubt that Serendib will reach new heights. I wish Good Luck to Serendib this year and in the future to come as a club and to all Serendibians- as fellow Toastmasters and Gavels. I once again borrow the words from Ralph Smedley to conclude: ‘People more willingly follow a leader who knows where he is going. I am sure Serendib is one such leader among other Toastmasters clubs! March ahead with pride!

SERENDIB BREEZE

MOHAMED I.M. ZUBAIR President (PY 2015-2016)

To maintain quality we need commitment. Commitment for self development, commitment for progress and commitment for satisfaction. Also commitment for quality is a must. Therefore our theme for this year is “Committed to Quality”.

Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders!

t gives me immense pleasure writing this message to Serendib Breeze on the occasion of its 14th

Annual Awards Night celebrations, today 13th November 2015. My Toastmaster’s journey started in 2009 with Serendib. I joined the club at the invitation of my colleague TM Arunagirinathan. From an ordinary member to treasurer (2009/10), Vice President Public Relations (2010/11), Treasurer (2011/12), Vice President Membership (2012/13), then the most exciting and learning opportunity as Vice President Education (2013/14), and Parliamentarian at Club level and Area 6 Governor (2014/15) reflects my steady and progressive march up the leadership ladder. This year the district recognition award “Select Distinguished Area Governor” created my thirst for learning to reach different heights. This journey of many years made me a different person as well. I thank and appreciate my predecessors, senior Toastmasters, members and especially TM Arunagirinathan for giving me all these opportunities. I had been elected as the 15th President of our prestigious Serendib Toastmasters Club for the year 2015/16, with greater responsibilities and specific goals to achieve. I thank TM Anver Rizan, our Immediate Past President, and his able Executive Committee for all the hard work and achievements during the year 2014/15 and to have kept Serendib’s spirit high. Well done team! Indeed, I am happy and privileged to take this leadership of Serendib this year. It gives me a great feeling to have young and energetic officers with me in the EXCOM. At the same time I am lucky to have past presidents and senior Toastmasters enriched with experience to help us align with our goals. The goal is to focus on members’ development and activating their desire to become competent leaders. Serendib, in addition to its main club, has two Gavel Clubs, for boys and girls separately. One of my prime objectives is to focus on our young leaders’ developments. In view to support our gaveliers in their journey to become the future leaders, the club has appointed two able counsellors; TM Riyaz and TM Thangasamy. They will provide an invaluable service to uplift our young talent. Discipline and quality output are attributes of good leaders. Our goal is to create good human beings. To maintain quality we need commitment. Commitment for self-development, commitment for progress, commitment for satisfaction. Also commitment for quality is a must. Therefore our theme for this year is “Committed to Quality”. I hope to maintain and continue Serendib’s much needed services to fellow citizen as it served for the past 14 successful years. My EXCOM and I know the ship called “Serenidib”, which will have to sail through many challenges throughout its journey and it is only possible with proper planning and team work, executing and achieving its tasks by all members, both from the Excom and the general membership. Finally, I wish all the very best to the Project Chairs, Sub-committee Chairs, Executive Committee members, the general members, gaveliers, sponsors/well-wishers and the, rest of the leaders who are behind staging this gala event in a grand manner and having learned something with the slogan “we learnby doing”. Long live Serendib! Long live our understanding and unity!

SERENDIB BREEZE

Anver Mohamed Rizan Immediate Past President

Did we Challenge our limits…

s we come together to celebrate another remarkable year of success, I sit to reckon the accomplishments

achieved through a cohesive team work and perseverance by each and every member of our club. Our theme was “Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits”. True to the words, my Executive Committee and I encouraged most of the members to get out of their comfort zone and challenge their limits.There by achieving accolades and laurels for the members and Serendib as well. We were successful in grooming the future leaders of our Gavel clubs in developing their leadership and communication skills. It was a very rewarding year for Serendib as we added 13 new members and achieved two ribbons, Beat the Clock and Smedley Award, while facilitating most of the members to enhance and improve each and every member’s leadership and communication skills. We were able to achieve 3 Competent Communicators, 3 Competent Leaders, 2 Advance Leaders Bronze, 2 Advance Communicator Bronze and 1 Leadership Excellence award. This brought us the Presidents’ Distinguished status for the 12th consecutive year to keep with the trend of Serendib and, a special recognition from Toastmasters International,for the all round performance for the year 2014-2015. We had also witnessed the eagerness and enthusiasm among the members when it came to the contests. We have produced many contests winners at the Area and Division Level speech contests, brining out their best. This year was very gratifying for our promising leaders of Gavel club too. While the members of the main club contributed immensely to the Area and Division contests. Since Serendib was the home club for Area 06 Governor TM Zubair and Division B Governor TM Thangasamy, members showed double enthusiasm by taking up various leadership roles and providing functional assistance. Gavelliers stunned the Toastmasters community by their exceptional and outstanding performance at Table Topics contests,until Division level and International speech contests until the District level. All these great achievements could not have been possible if not for the efforts and hard work of the Executive Committee and the General members. I also take pride in taking the award during my term from the District 79 for the 3rd place for the Club’s News letter, this was achieved by our Publisher TM Samantha De Silva, Chief editor TM Sameena Mahmood, and the editorial board TM Samantha De Silva and TM Ifthiquar Noohu. We also achieved the award for the Best Article in Internal media and this was an individual achievement by our VPPR TM Samantha De Silva, who came 2nd place. Yet again as our webmaster TM Samantha De Silva helped us to grab the 3rd place for the Best Club website. My sincere thanks to the able Executive Committee members, Past Presidents, seniors and the general membership for extending your fullest support during my tenure in office. My thanks goes to the Gavel Club Coordinators TM Nirone Dissanayake, TM Ferasath Cassim, TM Afdhal Saheer and TM GihanTissera for their assistance and the Gavel Club presidents Gav. Firas Cassim, Gav. Nuha Rizan and their EXCOM for their extraordinary efforts in taking the Gavel Club to new heights. My best wishes to the incoming Gavel counselors TM S. Thangasamy & TM Riyaz Yoosuf Gavel Club Presidents Gav. Naveeth Riyaz and Gav Stephanie Christine and their Executive Committees for a rewarding year. May I wish the incoming President TM M.IM Zubair and his Executive Committee every success for yet another year. There is no doubt he and his able team will lead Serendib to further heights. I request you all to extend your fullest cooperation and support to our new and vibrant leader and his Excom. All the best! SERENDIB BREEZE

Xavier Arulandoo Charter President

“

he climb is tough; but the view from the top is worth it” – This is the sincere feeling of a

Leader who has given the best to the Club. Today is yet another proud moment for all of us celebrating Serendib’s 14th Anniversary. Reflecting upon the year 2014/2015, the club has grown beyond leaps and bounds. Congratulations President Anver Mohamed Rizan, VP Education Ferasath Cassim and the Executive Committee for the impressive Educational Achievements of several Competent Communicators, Competent Leaders, Advanced Communicators, Advanced Leaders and the achievement of the Leadership Excellence award. The Kingdom level (District 79) achievements for Public Relations, Best Website and Best Editorial, show the caliber of our members and their quality contribution towards the overall success of the Saudi District Toastmasters. Thank you Webmaster/VPPR TM Samantha, Editor in Chief Madam Sameena, Editors TM Rizan and TM Ifthiquar for bringing laurels to Serendib. Going across the Atlantic, Serendib has been able to achieve the Distinguished All-Rounder title, the Smedley award and the Beat the Clock award from the headquarters. These awards not only indicate club growth, but also the excellent leadership qualities and club dynamics engaged within the club. Our sincere thanks for a job well executed by TM Rizan and his dedicated team. The two key positions in the District Council being a Division Governor and an Area Governor, both from Serendib is indeed a praiseworthy achievement. Thank you for the remarkable accomplishments TM S. Thangasamy and TM M.I.M. Zubair. Dear Incoming President M.I.M. Zubair and the new team, congratulations on your fresh challenge to lead one of the most prestigious organizations in the Kingdom. We are confident that the wealth of experience, proven records and the exposure in the Area Directorate will enable you to steer Serendib into different dimensions. Our best wishes for a rewarding year! Dear Gavel Club Presidents Nuha Rizan and Firas Cassim, the Leadership experience you’ve gained will always follow you to inspire and motivate you. Please seize every opportunity to apply the superior skills acquired. Many thanks to both the Presidents and the Counselors for your commitment and hard work. Congratulations Stefani Kulathunga and Naweeth Riyaz. You have just stepped into a very responsible endeavor. Exercise the power and authority with caution and exploit every occasion to demonstrate excellence in leadership. Stand by your principles and be an example of an exemplary leader. Our best wishes to you both and the Counselors. Dear Members of the Main and Gavel Clubs, setting new standards and surpassing them is an inherent quality that radiates throughout Serendib. You are so fortunate to be a part of one of the most disciplined organizations that grooms you to face the ever demanding world today. “Stay committed”, “Give Your Best” and see if you will not count the numerous achievements when the year swings by. Long Live Serendib!

SERENDIB BREEZE

Nishtar Moomin

Past President (PY 2004-2005)

“

ithout Continual Growth and Progress, such words as Improvement, Achievement, and

Success have no meaning” wrote the Co-Founding Father of The United States of America, Benjamin Franklin ( 1706-1790 ). Dear outgoing President Toastmaster Anver M. Rizan & Gavel Club Presidents, Gaveliers Nuha Rizan & Firas Cassim, congratulations on your successful achievements during the preceding year and for making Serendib & its Gavel Clubs stand out above many others in the region. There is a Chinese proverb that.... “A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials”. We can imagine the troubles and hardships at the helm you must have undergone in unraveling many unexpected issues at times. Your Executive Teams have also revived Thomas Alva Edison’s famous quote “There is no substitute for hard work’’ and laid out paths for such Continuous Growth. As a result, collectively you made Serendib and its Gavel Clubs become polished and its members perfected. This is Commendable ! It is also heartening to note that 14 years have passed and year after year, consecutive teams making every little effort to keep pace and achieve arduous goals. That is Continual Progress indeed ! Taking up challenges at District level in International speeches by Gaveliers: Raghavi Thangasamy & Zamil Zameek are praiseworthy achievements. The Club has further participated in leadership contributions by Toastmasters: S.Thangasamy, Mohamed Zubair & Nirone Dissanayake by becoming District and Division leaders ! These are augmented improvements! Mahatma Gandhi rightly said “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. You leaders have done that too. Therefore, dear newly inducted President, Toastmaster Mohamed Zubair and Gavel Presidents, Steffanie & Naweeth, your progress too depends on yesterday’s plan, so that you may achieve the above. Setting your goals early & fittingly is the first step in turning the invisible into visible targets. All three of you have come up this ladder of success with commendable hard work and impressive leadership characteristics. I am pretty sure you have the ability to steer both the Mother ship and its baby to a smooth sailing along the same path your predecessors have traversed. In the process, if you may find difficulties in changing the direction of some unexpected winds; then try adjusting your sails and move forward with full force to complete yet another successful year. That way you will be able to keep up the Continual Growth! Dear members of Serendib, today you are just the readers of these words of wisdom. Tomorrow when you realize the power of those words, probably you will all be leaders! Whilst wishing everyone of you all the very best for today’s celebrations and a year full to come, let me inspire you with a brainy little quote of the American New Thought Author Napoleon Hill “ Patience, Persistence and Perspiration all make an unbeatable combination for Success ”. I am confident you leaders have it and will do likewise ! Long Live Serendib!

SERENDIB BREEZE

Sellacuddy Murugadas Past President (PY 2005-2006)

“Leaders are the ones who keep faith with the past, keep step with the present and keep the promise to posterity” – Harold J Seymour (1894-1968)

ear Outgoing President Toastmaster Anver Mohamed Rizan, Outgoing Girl’s Gavel

Club President Nuha Rizan, Outgoing Boy’s Gavel Club President Firaz Cassim, Club Officers of Serendib as well as Gavel Clubs and the members of the Serendib Family, At the outset let me first congratulate you all for the untiring efforts taken in maintaining the Serendib Flag flying high during the Year 2014/2015. My Heartiest congratulations to the Young and Dynamic Gaveliers Raghavi Thangasamy and Zamil Zameek representing Serendib at the District International speech competition. Taking up challenges at the District level is by no means an easy task and I can imagine the effort both of you have put in. Keep up the Good work! My Dear newly inducted President Toastmaster Mohamed Zubair and Gavel club Presidents Steffanie and Naweeth, congratulations to all of you on being elected as Presidents. As all of you had enough experience I feel that you have the ability to take the club to new heights in the coming year. The quote by Harold J Seymour says – Keep faith with the past, set your goals early taking into account the current conditions and take up the commitments seriously to deliver the goods for future prosperity. It is often said “ Blessed is the Leader who considers Leadership as an Opportunity for Service”. So grab this opportunity not only to unveil your talents and climbing up the ladder, but to serve our community. I am glad to see that the District 79 is well represented by Serendib’s leadership participation with Toastmasters S. Thangasamy, Mohamed Zubair and Nirone Dissanayake taking up District and Division roles. My heartiest congratulations to all of them. I also want to felicitate Toastmaster Anver Mohamed Rizan on being elected as the District’79 Toastmaster of the Year. I understand that this is the 14th Gala Annual Awards Ceremony and I take this opportunity to wish everyone at Serendib a Great Enjoyable night. Long Live Serendib!

SERENDIB BREEZE

Sisira Kularatne

Past President (PY 2006-2007)

t is with great pleasure that I send my best wishes to the SERENDIB

TOASTMASTERS CLUB on its 14th anniversary. Having won â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Select Distinguished Status in the year SERENDIB was chartered, and having won President Distinguished status for all 13 subsequent years, has proven the consistency and continual growth of the club. However, these achievements are no co-incidences. Setting the bar possibly at highest level for a young club at the very inception, with a very strong foundation, and with some strong pillars those could hold on to help one another in any difficult situation has made what is SERENDIB TOASTOMASTERS CLUB today.

I would like to pay tribute to our Charter

president and Charter Members who had laid this foundation, which eventually became a huge challenge to all the successors and club officials to maintain the same strength year after year. However, I as one of the past presidents believe, that challenge by itself was our motivation. I extend my warmest congratulations in this special occasion to the outgoing President and the Club officials, members and Gavelliers as well, for the great job well done and my very best wishes for the incoming president and officials for another prosperous and successful year ahead. SERENDIB TOASTMASTERS CLUB Lt Governor Maketing - Division A (2008-2009)

SERENDIB BREEZE

Saravanaraj Nadaraja, DTM Past President (PY 2007-2008)

ear President and the members of the Serendib Toastmasters Family,

It is with great honor I congratulate you all on the occasion of 14th annual awards nights which surely will be again a glamorous event same as it used to be. I still can remember the person who I was, when I joined Serendib Toastmasters club, I was a rough stone, a back bencher, a nervous person, always exeperiencing fear to face the audience. Today, I am standing tall as a confident leader and good trainer. The Serendib Toastmasters family watered me and converted this rough stone in to a pebble. Same as me, I have witnessed for amazing transformation of several fellow Toastmasters to excellent leaders by effectively utilizing the Serendib podium. Dear Members of our distinguished club since the inception, attend meetings, grab any speaking opportunity, participate actively for any competition and say ‘YES’ for any sort of leadership role at any given time. This will definitely change you to an exceptional human being. Furthermore, let me take this great opportunity to appreciate all the past and present leaders for their tireless effort in developing hundreds of leaders, who maintained the status of President Distinguished club for 13 consecutive years. In addition, I may fail in my duty if I don’t recognize our future leaders,‘ The Serendib Gaveliers. Gav Raghavi Thangasamy shined at annual district contest and Gav. Zamil Zamik and Naweeth Riyaz at Division Contest which proved that the Parent club had rightly invested in developing future leaders. Also I’d like to congratulate TM MIM Zubair who served as Area Governor while TM Thangasamy and TM Nirone Dissanayake who served as Division Governor and Assistant Division Governor respectively. Also, let me congratulate outgoing President Rizan Anver and his able team for a remarkable job they performed throughout the year and many wishes for

the existing

Toastmasters and in-coming President M.I.M . Zubair and his team for a successful year ahead… Long Live Serendib Family !

SERENDIB BREEZE

Deshamaniya A.S.M. Illiyas JP Past President (PY 2009/2010)

ndeed it is a great pleasure and am privileged to inscribe a few words to this reputed

‘Serendib Breeze’ of Serendib Toastmasters Club, Riyadh. It is a known fact that Serendib Club today flourishes as one of the best clubs in the Division, a very challenging club, during the contests highly spoken and a coerce to many contestants. This happened due to hard-work and unity of our members who strived over a period of time and gradually uplifted this club. The dedication and hard-work put to establish this club for the sake of our community cannot be just appreciated by mere words, neither was it a magic. It is the commitment of all our members, past and present to meet this standard. Today our community is fortunate enough to have such a highly organized club like Serendib to help them improve their skills, learn to be a competent leader and sharpen the public speaking talents. This is a wider platform where you can practice. This is a great opportunity to improve ourselves and expose the talents of our children. Many gaveliers who joined have become best performers and confident public speakers. Who have even brought many accolades to the club. It is quite sad to understand that many of our community members have still not realized the value of this club and not joined. This is a great facility available in Riyadh, no doubt, there are many clubs as well. But it is not always convenient. It may be difficult and may not suit as per our logistics. This is what I have experienced in Sri Lanka. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters this is a great opportunity, please take advantage of this to its maximum. No doubt you will learn and you will also help others benefit to improve their skills. Last year this club was under the leadership of Toastmaster Rizan. We all know how dedicated he is when it comes to serving Serendib, He never hesitated to support and co-operate. He is a source of strength to our club at any given time. He was there for me every time I needed him. Today we have a prestigious club because of the continuous support and service of members like TM Rizan. I take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to th outgoing president Toastmaster Rizan and his team for tirelessly working hard towards the success of our club during the tenure. Also the incumbent President Toastmaster Zubair, whom I know is very methodical and courteous. He has wider experience in the field of Toastmasters as he had served the club holding many different positions. I am sure with his excellent qualities and with the help of his team, will make the Serendib flag, fly much more higher than anticipated. Inshaa Allah. I wish TM Zubair and his team all the best. Long Live Serendib !

SERENDIB BREEZE

Sameena Mahmood

Past President (PY 2010/2011)

Empowering leadership

eing a toastmaster is a great privilege and being a Serendibian is a greater privilege and honor.

It gives me immense pleasure in congratulating the elite Serendib Toastmasters Club for celebrating their 14th successful year. When Dr. Ralph C. Smedley was asked why he started the Toastmasters organization, he replied “Men (and women) in the community where I lived needed to learn how to talk, how to conduct meetings, how to plan programs, how to work on committees”. That vision is just true today, as it was a century ago If not more so, considering the complexity and interrelatedness of modern society. It takes an incredible amount of time and planning to put on such kind of events as Serendib does year after year. Leaders honed by Serendib make not only the organization successful; but also can be counted on to ensure the highest level of excellence in their club. I had been a part of such Gala events for numerous years and witnessed members accepting leadership roles in various categories and emerging out as a very confident personalities. Leadership is all about relationships. As the captain of the ship, maintaining harmony with essential open communication, while embracing change.Living up with every challenge is also equally important. There is no argument that it’s difficult to advance your leadership skills without actually taking on leadership roles yourself. That’s where Toastmasters comes in. In Toastmasters, members advance in the leadership activities. To take up a leadership role in a club, you do not have to be experienced or have the necessary skills already. But you do need to have the willingness to learn what you do not know. This means that you will be often asked to do things outside of your comfort zone, and that is the only place where you can start learning. And yes, that is what Toastmasters’ aim all about: challenge your comfort zones. Accepting a leadership role in your Toastmasters club’s committee can be a rewarding and enriching experience, if you approach it with the right mindset and the right tool. I believe Serendib is going an extra mile to groom their members into better communicators and leaders and as a result the members are organizing and celebrating such events which become the talk of the town. While congratulating the Immediate past President TM Anver Mohamed Rizan and his sturdy team for a job welldone, I wish the incoming President TM MIM Zubair and his energetic band of EXCOM, newly inducted Gavel Counsellors and Gavel Presidents every success in carrying the baton towards the victory line.

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KolithaPanditharatne Past President (PY 2011/2012)

Where Leaders blossom…..

ew years ago when the Gavel Club was formed under Serendib TM Club, I was only able to visit the

meetings occasionally. Although I wanted to be there more often, my work timing didn’t allow me to do so. But during the past year I was fortunate to visit the Gavel club more often. Awarding a charter and forming the gavel clubs was no easy task..I remember how the Founder President first started the Youth Leadership Program for the young students and then formed the gavel club along with a few Past Presidents and some enthusiastic members. The growth in both standards and the numbers over the years has been phenomenal. Eventually two separate clubs had to be formed to bring the size to a manageable level. Whenever I get the chance to witness a speech or a table topic in the gavel club, my mind goes down memory lane. Remembering how timid I was in my school days. Although we had to recite poems on stage those days, there was neither a structured training nor an opportunity for us to develop our Public speaking skills. Those who excelled had the inborn talent, but children like me just faded away. The young Serendib Gaveliers in Riyadh should consider themselves really lucky. Many of them may take it for granted, not knowing what the far sighted elders have done for them. I have seen enormous potential in many of the Gaveliers, who I am sure will go on to become great speakers and leaders. Age 10 to 15 is the time when a child could be groomed well. By attending club meetings and assuming leadership roles, completing speech projects and taking part in competitions have honed beginners into seasoned speakers. Communication & Leadership skills are considered essential in the present day world to rise up the corporate ladder in whatever field; be it Medical, Engineering or Finance. The Gavel Club paves the way for a generation of new leaders not only with the ability to express themselves clearly, sincerely, and convincingly, but the Gaveliers’ experience also gives our future leaders the power to communicate effectively. Another area is developing their thinking faculties, be open to new ideas, listen actively to others, acquire a vast store of general knowledge, develop an interest in current affairs, further enhance their vocabulary, inspire an active imagination, connect with any audience, and build self-confidence and poise. In short, the Gavel Club provides the ‘ingredients of success’ to our future leaders. Serendib Gavel clubs have come a long way from it’s humble beginnings, inspite of all the difficulties faced over the years. I firmly believe that every minute Toastmasters spend and every Riyal the Parents spend is highly worth. The hard work done today will bring in valuable results in the years to come. When young Leaders are honed they start to blossom into great Leaders. This had been proved before our own eyes and within our own community. So let’s continue our indulgence for a worthy cause..!!

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Subramaniam Thangasamy President (PY 2012/2013)

t has been another successful year for the Serendib toastmasters Club which is celebrating it’s14th

Anniversary today. I am very much honored to be part of a club which achieved the Select Distinguished Club in the charter year and the “President Distinguished Club” status for the past 12 consecutive years. Our club is full of enthusiastic and fun loving members. Our meetings are always lively, where everyone, even visitors, are encouraged to participate.This is the first quality needed for a club to succeed and to attract new members. This is why the founder of Toastmasters International Ralph C. Smedly said “We learn best in moments of enjoyment” Another two most important factors in Toastmasters is Mentoring and Evaluations. These help us to develop ourselves and help many new members to achieve their goals. We always see our past presidents and senior Toastmasters around to help and guide. I believe this is one of the reasons, why our club is performing better year after year. I have always believed that God created every human being with the same potential. The only problem is that, we are not aware of the extent of our potential, due to fears and lack of self-confidence. At Serendib, I have seen members grow in fabulous ways, especially with the mentoring and evaluation support. I am proud to say that I am one among them, from nowhere to somewhere. As the Toastmasters tag line says, the Toastmasters club is the place where Leaders are made. It is true. It is also the place where self-confidence and self-esteem is built. I always tell my Gaveliers and new members to use this opportunity to gain self-esteem which is required to face this world. I like to thank the Immediate past President TM Anver Mohammed Rizan and the whole team for helping me during my tenure as Division B Governor. While congratulating incoming president TM M.I.M. Zubair and his team I would like to remind them that Toastmasters is an inverted pyramid where each of us is a service leader at the bottom and the general membership on top. Service to the member and respect for the individual. Once again, I wish the newly elected President TM M I M Zubair and his team, yet another successful year 2015/16. Long live Serendib!

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Nirone Dissanayake

Past President (PY 2013/2014)

wards night always reminds us of the end of a yet another successful Toastmaster year and

helps to sit and reflect all the blissful and fun filled moments we have spent together as members of one family. Amongst those similar moments last year we had a few exceptions. We challenged our usual limits last year. We set stringent targets. As a result we had many leaders serving beyond the club level including that of our area and division governors and few other lieutenant governors. We have broken quite a few records and amongst them the most important was reaching the club quality target of becoming the President’s Distinguished Club well before the year end. Among the first time achievements, we have had three of our club members crowned for achieving Triple Educational Awards in one program year. Another member raised the bar to greater heights by winning three district special awards for our newsletter, articles and website. I’m happy to be part of this huge success story of the club lead by our able President Anver Mohamed Rizan and his dedicated team of ex-com members. The Ex-com lived in by the theme of the year that was “Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits”. You all did not just live in the club’s theme but also the Toastmasters Internationals theme by demonstrating that this is the place ‘Where leaders are made’. Congratulations to the team once again for the memorable year. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish the successive team lead by our able leader M I M Zubair who had held various positions in the club and successfully steered our Area last year to be the “Select Distinguish Area”. Leadership positions are not just opportunities but challenging responsibilities as well. I’m more than certain that I can write another joyful message of this type next year as well to our annual magazine. All the best! Long live Serendib!

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An Enchanting Evening 13th Anniversary and Annual Awards Night

Serendib Awards Night is the pinnacle of its event calendar. It is the show piece

and an event packed evening dedicated to celebrate the achievements of its members covering a year that has just concluded. Serendib Toastmasters Club which is affiliated to toastmasters international comprise of three clubs. They are the main club which is Serendib Toastmasters Club and two Serendib Gavel Clubs. Despite busy professional schedules, members of Serendib Toastmasters Club are a bunch of highly energetic, committed group of individuals who work together for common goals. At the conclusion of the 2012 – 2013 awards night, at the post mortem meeting I was unanimously elected as the Project Chair for the 2013 – 2014event. I was excited with this opportunity. Like in many projects the club has implemented previously, the senior leaders of the club were the backbone and the consultative group for the project. We had a fantastic blend of experienced and new toastmasters to work with. The enthusiasm was too great and it was a difficult task to form the project steering committee and to assign roles. Yet, with the guidance of Past Presidents and input from the experienced executive

Samantha De Silva

Project Chair 13th Annual Awards Night

committee members I was fortunate to assemble a great team. We kick started the project sometime late July 2014. 2014 Project team leads were the following Toastmasters:

• Project Chair

Samantha De Silva

• Chief Program Officer

Sameena Mahmood

• Awards & Certificates

Nirone Dissanayake

• Director Public Relations

M.I.M Zubair

• Chief Editor

Afdhal Saheer

• Project CFO

FerasathCassim

• Head of Logistics

Farhan Abdulgafoor

The leads appointed other toastmasters to various roles within their areas then formed sub groups. Once the ball is set rolling the toastmasters sprung in to action. It was a matter of coordination, information sharing via mail, Whatsapp and meeting up regularly to discuss. What is so great about this project is that it brings us together and we are able to exercise out free spirit to formulate and execute an entertaining event. Preparing the scripts, inviting guests, collecting advertisements, producing a high quality magazine and a DVD, Choreographing, stage preparation and making the financial bottom line are important activities that did take place at the back ground. Finally the project result is not only a great team effort but it is also a fantastic learning experience. On the event day………the Chief Guest was Distinguished Toastmaster Saud Al Omair, guest of honorswere Mr Uttuma Lebbe Niyaz representing the Sri Lankan community of the Kingdom and Distinguished Toastmaster Joey Villanueva. We also had in presence our own products who were holding high esteemed positions within the Riyadh toastmasters community, Division B Governor Toastmaster Subramaniam Thangasamy and Area 6 Governor Toastmaster M. I. M Zubair. Dr. Ms Durrathul Kifaya Ifthikar a well known Sri Lankan social worker graced the occasion. Amongst the other attendees were well known toastmasters of the community Toastmaster Syed Waqas and Toastmaster Tahir Nalg. SERENDIB BREEZE

13th Anniversary and Annual Awards Night

The event commenced on time with the Sergeant at arms Farhan calling the event to order. Ferasath welcomed the attendees and called upon the Masters of Ceremony Gihan and Gayan to take over the show. Then the Chief Guest, Guests of honor and the Executive Committee of the club lighted the traditional oil lamp to commence event. Annual awards night also had the club installation process at the top of the order. First the outgoing Gavel Councilors and the Presidents respectively for Girls and Boys clubs spoke about the outstanding year that just concluded. Then Area Governor Toastmaster Zubair discharged the gavel clubs followed by the installation of the incoming executive committees. Whilst the Masters of ceremonies change a hands with Hilmy and Indika, Toastmaster Thangasamy discharged the main club and installed the incoming executive committee members. Both outgoing and incoming Presidents spoke about the year that concluded and mission for the forthcoming year respectively. The event was packed with brilliant speeches that certainly had great messages to take home for the attendees; for sure it inspired us. International Speeches were delivered by Gavelliers Zahra Shyawoos and Ishtiaq Imthiyas and Toastmaster Afdhal. Subsequently the attendees had great fun with the humorous speeches which was delivered by Munaf and Haseef Uwais. Sri Lankan Gaveliers are a talented lot, not only in Education, communication and leadership but also in other many diverse skills. This was amply evident when Gaveliers Sanghavi and Raghavi entertained us with their excellent Singing and Guitar skills. Furthermore, the Gavelliers entertained us with some great stage skills in their Gavel Showcase event which was one of the highlight of the event. This event was organized by Afdhal.

SERENDIB BREEZE

13th Anniversary and Annual Awards Night

After the break TM Mohammed Afdhal together with Nirone released the Serendib Breeze Magazine to the chief guest DTM Saud. Serendib Breeze, the award winning high quality annual magazine gives great insights into clubs activities.

Finally the show piece of the event was handing over of the awards in recognition of the member’s achievements during the concluded year. These awards have been finalized by the club recorded in line with the Toastmasters International Guidelines. Recording each and every achievement of the members of the club and tabulating overall scores which has been ably reviewed and signed off by the Awards Committee that was headed by Nirone. Chief Guest and Guests of Honor spoke towards the end of the program giving very positive remarks about the event and Serendib Toastmasters. Finally the Big Three Awards were announced, handed over plaques and celebrated. The winners were Gav. Nuha Rizan, Gav. Firas Cassim and TM Vijitha Fernando. Indeed it was a great pleasure to be the Project Chair. The event concluded with project chair delivering the vote of thanks followed by the national anthem. It marked the end of yet another highly successful Serendib event. “Congratulations to Serendib Members”

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13th Annual Awards Night

The Chief Guest, Guests of honor and the district officers with the Presidents at the welcome ceremony

Lighting of the “Traditional Oil Lamp”

Exit and Installation of Clubs was a diligent process conducted by Division B Governor TM Thangasamy and Area 6 Governor TM Zubair

Club Activities 2014-15 SERENDIB GAVELIERS JOIN HANDS TO WIN WORD WAR II

SERENDIB MOVES TO A PRESTIGIOUS VENUE The Sri Lankan Embassy premises

SERENDIB TAKES LEAD IN DISTRICT TRAINING PROGRAM – Club Officers Training

Toastmaster Samantha conducting a session on Club Secretary

Madam Toastmaster Sameena conducting a session on VP Membership

Gaveliers of division B (TEAM INVINCIBLE) at the Word War II

SERENDIB SPONSORS GRAND SERENDIB TOASTMASTERS CLUB, Colombo, Sri Lanka

First meeting to form Grand Serendib Toastmasters Club took place on 28th November 2014 in Borella, Colombo, Sri Lanka

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THE RISING STAR TOASTMASTER IFTHIQUAR NOOHU at Area 1 Annual Contests

THE SERENDIB TOASTMASTERS CLUB, FAMILY DAY-OUT organized By Toastmaster Afdhal Saheer

TM Ifthiquar performing as the Target speaker

TM Ifthiquar being honored by DTM Saif Ali Sheikh, former District 79 Governor

The event took place on 29th November 2014, at a spacious Istiraha located in Sulei area. Our Toastmasters and Gaveliers in action

Club Contest held in February 2015

Area 6 Contest Area 6 Contest was held at the SABIC in North Riyadh. It was a brilliant venue. Vibrant President Rizan and Asst. VP Education Gihan participated in the banner parade at the commencement of the event. Once again Serendib made a significant contribution to the event by taking part in the organization and execution of many event activities. Toastmaster Ifthiquar Noohu was the contest chair for TT. Chief Tally counters, Chief Timers and Roles of Judges were also held by our able members

TM Gayan being awarded certificate for Table Topics

Division B Conference â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Held on March 13th at Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Riyadh

The Winners at the Table Topics contests

The SERENDIB Family at the Division B conference The winners of the Evaluation contests

Winners of Gavel contests at the Division B conference

TM Gihan performing at the Evaluation contest

Gavel contestants at the Division B conference

The winners of the International Speech contests

Gavel particpants at Division B conference

The Banner parade at the Division B conference

Gavelier Raghavi 1st place in International speech

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Gavelier Aarah performing as a Contest Master

TM Samantha performing as the Contest Master

Gavelier Tachitri 1st place at Table Topics

Serendib Toastmasters Installation Ceremony 2015-16

erendib Toastmasters and its Gavel Clubs

The floor was then given to TM Thangasamy, who

officers Installation Ceremony was held in a grand

mesmerized the entire crowd with his presentation

style on 31 October 2015 at Al-Mas Family Restaurant’s

on “How to Become the Toastmaster of the Year.” The

Banquet Hall. This was the first time in the history of

parents, new Toastmasters and Gaveliers were very

Serendib Toastmasters Club that it was held separately

eager to see how the calculation of the overall year

outside the annual awards night.

performance of each individual is done. Many questions

Our Project Chair TM Fazmy Safvan and his team spend sleepless nights to draft, practice the Mc’s and make pre-arrangements such as food, venue, a stylish

on the presentation were asked on the floor, and TM Thanga answered them delightfully. Soon

after

resuming

from

prayer

break,

Invitation was sent to all members & parents and the

TM Subramaniam Thangasamy was invited to discharge

backdrop for the stage was finalized and printed within

the outgoing Gavel executive committee members of

short period of time for the ceremony. Our Sargent at

the both Serendib Boys and Girls gavel Clubs. Gavel

arms TM Imran and Mr. Kader his neighbor came all the

Counselors TM Nirone Dissanayake and TM Afdhal

way to the venue to help us fix the backdrop and make

presented the certificate to the Boys and girls respectively.

stage arrangements.

The outgoing Gavel club Presidents Gavelier Firas Cassim

Sharp at 10:10 AM, the grand ceremony started

and Gavelier Nuha Rizan gave their massages, thanking

with a thundering opening of the Sargent at arms

everyone who supported them during their tenure. TM

followed by our Gorgeous and dedicated MC’s Madam TM

Nirone and TM Afdhal, the outgoing Gavel Counselors

Devni Waragoda and TM Zakraf Shafy.

also delivered their messages.

TM Rizan started the Ceremony with his welcome speech and then Our Area 6 Director TM Prabakara Magesh was invited to the stage to discharge the current Executive Committee and appreciate them with Certificate of recognition for the successful completion of their tenure. TM Rizan, the outgoing President was called again to the stage to give his message as Outgoing President. He thanked all his members one by one, who supported him to accomplish a successful year and to make the club yet another “Presidents distinguished Club”. TM Magesh was invited again to the stage to install the incoming elected Executive Committee members to take Oath and Install them officially to the year 2015/16. TM Zubair, the incoming President was invited to the stage to deliver his message, and he requested all members, Executive Committee members and past presidents to support him, take responsibilities, and devote time to produce great Leaders towards our community.

TM Thangasamy was invited again to the stage to install the new elected officers of both boys and girls Clubs and he officially installed the officers for the year 2015/16. The elected incoming Gavel Presidents Gavelier Naveeth Riyaz and Gavelier Steffani Christine gave their incoming messages, followed by the speeches by TM Riyaz Yoosuff and TM Thangasamy, the incoming Gavel Counselors. Area director TM Magesh and Mr. Uthuman Lebbe Niyas, Head of Chancery at Sri Lankan Embassy-Riyadh, who was there as a Parent of a Gavelier were invited to speak they spoke by appreciating the organisers for a good job done and welcome the incoming excom members of the three clubs. Then the two MC’s thanked everyone who supported them, and departed the stage inviting TM Fazmy Safvan to the stage to deliver the vote of thanks Parents, Guest, invitees and Members enjoyed the entire Ceremony which ended with scrumptious Lunch and plenty of new information.

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The book that Changed My Life I

had many dreams in my life. When I was in grade 7, I wanted to be a scientist. But when I chose my subjects to commerce stream, I wanted to be an entrepreneur. When I came to know my father’s struggle in his business, I wanted to be only his son, to help him in all means. One of the greatest feelings in this world is to help our parents, knowing how much they struggled to make us, whom we are today. I was expecting to get into a good university in the UK ,and complete my studies. I thought my father was doing good in his business, being an industrialist, I was never worried of my future and was a fun-loving teenager who moved from Cherokee parties to night clubs seeking joy in life. One day, I happened to wake up early morning, and saw my dad in deep thinking and desperate. I asked him “ dad, what’s wrong, why are you thinking deeply, I have been observing you for a couple of weeks, and you seems to be in pain”. My dad replied, “ son, all these properties are pawned to the bank, and the business is going from bad to worse, I am really afraid, we may have to move from here, if the bank auctions the entire properties. That was the day I stepped out from my dream world. Being the eldest of two brothers and two sisters, I had to take their responsibilities on my shoulder, and I felt that I have to help my father in his business obstacles. The newspapers I bought to check for Universities, helped me seeking job vacancies. Shortly afterward I got the opportunity to face my first interview to work in Saudi Arabia. As soon as the interview

l TM Fazmy

was over, my dad asked me, son how do you feel? I replied, Dad, I am selected even when I never knew the results. I landed In Riyadh on the 3rd of March 2003, and was very proud, that I have got a job in my early 20s in a reputed firm, Jarir Bookstore. Being a salesman was not low profile for me, as my only aim was to help my dad pay the loans. The first day in my job, I was given a cloth and cleaning liquid to tidy the shelves. I was thinking to myself “what?, am I here as a cleaner, wearing a tie and long sleeved shirt. All my fun and expectations were blown away. I cried inside my room, for months, thinking where I would be heading and will I have to be alone my entire life, like in hostels during my school days. I had carried on my shoulder, my parent’s dreams and my sibling’s future. I had no other plans and all my future hopes were sacrificed for my family. For three consecutive years I sweated to help my dad recover from his loans. Compared to my father’s life time sacrifice, the three years, I spent are like the dust underneath my father’s foot. But I was always thankful to the almighty for giving me an opportunity to help my father come out of the difficulties. The fourth year in Saudi Arabia was a very decisive year for me as my parents wanted me to marry. I was very nervous during this time thinking of my unseen life partner. I knew that my profession will never allow me to bring my wife and my salary will never be sufficient for a family life in Riyadh city. The time came for my marriage, and during my 4th vacation, I got married to Sameera Ariff. My life here in Jarir Bookstore was the same. Nothing changed much, and I was simply a counter salesman. I thought for a while. Now there is someone thinking always about me, and I have taken the responsibility of her

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future .I no longer was content with what I had, and direly wanted a change. I wanted to bring my wife here to live with me, and I wanted a promotion to work in our head office. As I was surrounded with books, I used to read them when I had time, one day a particular book caught my eye. I read it, and re-read it over and over again. Yes, Yes I found the secret to achieve my dreams. I had already practiced it to get my job I was doing, but never knew I had the key. The book “ SECRET by Rhonda Byrne changed my life. I soon practiced the “LAW OF ATTRACTION” and attracted my boss towards my performance. I had the possibility of bringing my wife to Riyadh to live with me. I got promoted to work in the head-office, whereby changed myself. I used the law of attraction to buy a Brand New Car, and achieved it with zero mileage. I wanted to move from the corporate sales department to the purchasing department, and I could achieve it successfully. And it was a magic for me, that secret was really working, as I could win the heart of my parents and My Wife. Let me show you how it works. If you desire to achieve your goal, and then believe in yourself, acquire optimistic thoughts and associate with friends or family members who would be a boost to your goal. Believe in yourself, and visualize it in your mind. Take a printout about your goal and paste it in your bedroom or make it your computer’s wallpaper. Always work towards achieving that goal, and eventually you will be attracted in achieving it. My next goal is to become an entrepreneur, the dream I had first during my schooldays. I have already laid a foundation for it by telling it to you all. I know that if I really follow the law of attraction, and work towards it, I will be there one day, owning a business of my own. Therefore dear readers, I urge you all to read the Book SECRET find out what Secret is all about, and practice the “LAW OF ATTRACTION” which will lead to SUCCESS!! Shall we?

The disadvantages of being a perfectionist

l TM Gihan Tissera

f you believe you have to be the best at everything, your perfectionist attitude could be setting you up for a fall in Toastmasters. I am kind of a person who believes in near perfection. In everything I do or say I try to make sure that there are no mistakes and errors. During my official work, I would review a report many times before submitting. I would spend hours trying to prepare a presentation to make it perfect. During work sometimes my perfectionism has paid off. I have built a brand that in whatever I do; I do a quality job. When I joined Toastmasters I tried to incorporate perfectionism in my project speeches as well. I would spend weeks trying to find the right topic for my speech. Even when I finalize the topic and start building the speech, if I see a better perfect topic I will switch to the new topic and will start to develop the speech from scratch. Even during developing the speech, I would try to develop a perfect speech. I will spend months trying to fine tune the contents of the speech and make it perfect. This way of developing perfect speeches has led to severe delays in my project delivery. This has also led to stress in developing prepared speeches. But last month,I decided to deliver a speech even though it was not perfect. The speech went on smoothly and even though it was not a perfect speech, I completed a project that was pending for many months. But more importantly I learned several improvements I could have made to the speech. Toastmasters, being perfect may be desirable in some instances, but perfectionism in Toastmaster project delivery is not desirable. It will lead to project delivery delays, stresses and you may not enjoy Toastmasters as much as you would like to enjoy. So if you are a perfectionist, set it aside when you are in Toastmasters, enjoy delivering your speeches

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ake a list of the 5 leaders you most admire.

Now ask yourself why you admire them. Chances are that your admiration is based on more than their accomplishments, impressive as those may be. I’ll bet that everyone on your list reaches you on an emotional level. This ability to reach people in a way that transcends

l TM Munaf

the intellectual and rational is the mark of a great

leader. They all have it. They inspire us. It’s a simple

Honesty. Not a week goes by that we don’t

as that. And when we’re inspired we tap into our best

hear about a so-called leader losing credibility

selves and deliver amazing work.

because he or she was dishonest. We live in an age of

Let’s Take A Look At Tools That Allow For Talent To Shine:

extraordinary transparency, which is reason enough to always be true to your core – your mission will be

Emotional intelligence. Great leaders understand empathy, and have the ability to read

revealed and your motivations will shown by your behaviour. But it goes way beyond this.

people’s needs and desires. This allows them to

Kindness and respect. Nice people don’t finish

speak to these needs and, when at all possible, to

last. They finish first again and again. Ignorance and

fulfil them. When people feel they are understood and

arrogance are leadership killers. They’re also a mark

empathized with, they respond and a bond is formed.

of insecurity. Treating everyone with a basic level of

Continuous learning. Show me a know-it-all

respect is an absolute must trait of leadership. And

and I’ll show you someone who doesn’t have a clue

kindness is the gift that keeps on giving back.

about being human. Curiosity and an insatiable

Collaboration. People’s jobs and careers are

desire to improve is the mark of a great leader. They

integral to their lives. The more your organization

are rarely satisfied with the status quo, and welcome

can make them a partner, the more they will deliver

new knowledge and fresh input. It’s all about investing

amazing results.

in yourself

Partner with your people. People’s careers are

Contextualize. Great leaders respond to each

a big part of their lives. As leaders find out what your

challenge with a fresh eye. They know that what

employees’ career goals are and then do everything

worked in one situation may be useless in another. Before you act, make sure you understand the specifics of the situation and tailor your actions accordingly. Let Go. Too many people think leadership is about

you can to help them reach them. This will result in productive employees who will work with passion and commitment. Leadership is both an art and a science. These tools are guidelines, not rigid rules. Everyone has to develop his or her own individual leadership style.

control. In fact, great leaders inspire and then get out

Make these tools a part of your arsenal and use them

of the way. They know that talented people don’t need

well as you strive to reach people on an emotional

or want hovering managers.

level.

Be Human.This Matters. SERENDIB BREEZE

Members Achievements beyond the club District Awards 2014-2015

Subramaniam Thangasamy, ACS,ALS, LEDEX

Mohammed I.M. Zubair, CC,ALB

Division B Governor (PY 2014-2015) President Distingushed Division Award

Area 6 Governor (PY 2014-2015) Selecrt Distingushed Area Award

Educational Acheivements (Triple Crown)

Abdul Munaf Azees, CC,ALB (CC,CL,ALB)

Samantha De Silva, ACB,ALB (CC,ALB,ACB)

Subramaniam Thangasamy (LDREXC, ACB, ACS, CL)

The Synergy District PR Awards

Synergy Web Byte Award – Best Club website 3rd Place Webmaster : TM Samantha De Silva, ACB,ALB

Talk of the Town Award – Best Article in External Media 2nd Place Writer: TM Samantha De Silva, ACB,ALB – “Shifting Trends in Parenting”

Captivating Communique Award Best Club Newsletter (3 Releases) 3rd Places

Publisher : TM Samanatha De Silva, ACB,ALB Chief Editor : TM Mme. Sameena Mahmood, ACB.ALB Editor: TM Ifthiquar Nooh

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Club Award winners 2013-2014 Toastmaster of the Year P.V.N. Fernandon CC, CL

Most Enthusiastic Toastmaster

Most Improved Toastmaster

Outstanding Club Officer

Most Dedicated Toastmaster

Most Committed Toastmaster

Most supportive Toastmaster

Afdhal Mohamed Saheer, CC, ALB

Hettiarachchige Gihan Surej Tissera

Kolitha Panditharatne, CC,ALB

Farhan Abdul Gafoor

Anver Mohammed Rizan, CL

Samantha De Silva, ACB,ALB

Educational Achievements 2014-2015 Advance Communicator Bronze

Subramaniam Thangasamy ACS, ALS, LEDEX

Samantha De Silva, ACB, ALB

Advance Leader Bronze

Leadership Excellence Award Subramaniam Thangasamy, ACS, ALS, LEDEX

Competent Communicator

Abdul Munaf Azees, CC, ALB

Fazmy Mohammed Safvan, CC

Abdul Munaf Azees, CC, ALB

Samantha De Silva, ACB, ALB

Competent Leader

Hatim Mohammed Thasleem, CC

Abdul Munaf Azees CC, ALB

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Samantha De Silva, ACB, ALB

Anver Mohammed Rizan, CL

Area Contest Winners 2014-2015

2nd Place - Speech Evaluation Hettiarachchige Gihan Surej Tissera

2nd Place Humorous Speech Abdul Munaf Azees, CC, ALB

3rd Place â&#x20AC;&#x201C; International Speech Mohammad Afdhal Saheer, CC,ALB

3rd Place Humorous Speech Hatim Mohammed Thasleem, CC

Club Contest Winners 2014-2015 International Speech

1st Place

2nd Place

Mohammad Afdhal Saheer, CC,ALB

Hatim Mohammed Thasleem, CC

3rd Place

Samantha De Silva, ACB, ALB

Table Topics

1st Place

2nd Place

Imamuddeen Mohammadu Ismail

3rd Place

Samantha De Silva, ACB, ALB

Gayan Karunarathna

Speech Evaluation

1st Place

2nd Place

Hettiarachchige Gihan Surej Tissera

Hatim Mohammed Thasleem, CC

3rd Place

Samantha De Silva, ACB,ALB

Humorous Speech

1st Place

Abdul Munaf Azees, CC,ALB

2nd Place

Hatim Mohammed Thasleem, CC

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Serendib Toastmasters Excom

Seated(From left): Ferasath Cassim (Parliamentarian), Sampath De Silva (Secretary), Gihan Tissera (Vp Education), M.I.M. Zubair (President), Mohammed Hilmy (VP Membership), Abdul Munaf Azees (VP PR), Gayan Karunaratne (Treasurer) Standing: S. Thangasamy (PP), Samsudeen Imran (Asst. SAA), Niroze Ahmed (Asst. treasurer), Riyaz Yoosuff (PP), Indika Gunaratne (Asst. VPPR), Farhan Abdul Gafoor (Asst. VPED), Nirone Dissanayake (PP), Ifthiquar Noohu (Asst. VPM), Kolitha Panditharatne (PP), Rizan Anver (IPP), Sameena Mahmood (PP) Not in the Picture: Sunil Bhat (Asst. Secretary), Imamudeen Ismail (Sgt@Arms),

Serendib Toastmasters Club Members

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Always be confident TM Riyaz Yoosuff CC,CL Incoming Gavel Counselor Serendib Boys Gavel Club

s my Toastmastering life started in the year 2000 with

Riyadh Toastmasters Club. I was pulled by our community’s former visionary leader Toastmaster Xavier Arulandoo to form a community club for Sri Lankans living in Riyadh which became a reality, the SERENDIB Toastmasters Club, in the year 2001. Since then I’m a member of the club and it made possible for me to wear several hats at different levels. The first leadership hat I wore in Toastmasters was the position of Charter Secretary from where I went up to leading the club as the President. Mid of my Toastmasters journey TM Xavier proposed the idea of forming a Youth Leadership Program (YLP) for the youth in our Sri Lankan community.After eight successful programs, YLP became very popular with parents and Toastmasters, which helped the

TM S. Thangasamy ACS,ALS,LEDEX Incoming Gavel Counselor Serendib Girls Gavel Club

students under the age 18 to develop communication and leadership skills so that they may become tomorrow’s leaders in business, industry and the community. The demand started to grow as lots of parents approached us to continue every year. This motivated us to form the Serendib Gavel Club in the year 2005. In 2012, the success and the rise in demand made Serendib to divide the Gavel club into two, to provide opportunities for more number of children in the community and now I gladly announce that Serendib Gavel Club is stepping into the successive tenth year in 2015/2016.A decade of growth ready to be celebrated in style. The first gavel counselor was TM Xavier Arulandoo, subsequent to him most of the past presidents served as Gavel Counselors and now here I’m appointed to that difficult and yet a

TM Nirone Dissanayake ACG,ALS Outgoing Chief Gavel Counselor Serendib Gavel Clubs

challenging task.I just took over the position and you may wonder why, I’m describing it as difficult and challenging? To groom the youth into future leaders and especially to fit into their perception

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is what I meant as difficult and challenging. Every weekly meeting is a challenge, but is a learning ground. It reminds me of a quote “You are always a student, never a master”. This wonderful feeling encourage us to serve as the Gavel Counselor for multiple year as TM Murugadas, TM Rizan & TM Thangasamy despite of our busy schedule and also to give a boost Gaveliers Naveeth Riyaz and Steffani Cristime, the current presidents of the Serendib Boys & Girls Gavel Clubs. I wish them good luck. At this juncture, I’d like to congratulate the outgoing Gavel clubs Presidents Gaveliers Firas Cassim & Gavelier Nuha Rizan and their Ex-com for the job well-done. During their tenure they produced altogether nine more Competent Communicators which is a remarkable achievement. Hats off to you guys! In the meantime, my sincere thanks to Outgoing Gavel Counselors

TM Ferasath Cassim ACS,CL Outgoing Gavel Counselor Serendib Boys Gavel Club

TM Nirone, TM Afdhal, TM Ferasath and their respective teams for taking care of the Gavel Club activities inthe past year. Very importantly, my sincere appreciation and admiration goes to outgoing President TM Rizan and the team for enthusiastically keeping the flame burning. I wish all the very best to the incoming President TM Zubair and his committed team. My motto for the Gaveliers of 2015/2016 is “Always be confident”, no matter whatI’ll be seeking the support of mother club members to develop the skills, work with Area Directors to bring outside club speakers to motivate the children by keeping workshops and trainings, Invite Past Gaveliers to share their experiences to overcome stumbling blocks and in addition to that, we’ll organize impromptu debates and round robbin

TM Afdhal Saheer CC,ALB Outgoing Gavel Counselor Serendib Girls Gavel Club

sessions. I pray to Almighty to grant me strength to conduct the next 40 plus weekly meetings regularly. Finally, I seek the parents help, in motivating their children to attend the meeting regularly. If they Gaveliers “formulate their ideas and put their thoughts together” effectively in both oral and written communication, they will be called today’s children tomorrow’s leaders.

Riyaz Yoosuff Gavel Counselor 2015/2016 Serendib Boy’s Gavel Club

TM Gihan Surej Tissera Outgoing Gavel Counselor Serendib Girls Gavel Club

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Serendib Boys Gavel Club Executive Committee 2015-16

Seated(From left): Hamdan Afdhal (Secretary), Haseef Uwais (VP Membership), Zamil Zameek-absent (VP Education), Naweeth Riyaz (President), Riyaz Yoosuff (Gavel Counselor), Firas Cassim (IPP), Sajith Nawsath(Treasurer), , Kevin Peries (VP PR), Arif Zaheer (Sgt@Arms), Standing: Jamal Bishri (Asst. VPM), Imad Ameer (Asst. VPED), Asela Kumarasinghe (Asst. Treasurer) Vishal Perera (Asst. VPPR), Not in the Picture: Saath Ameer (Asst. Secretary), Sathees Sivakumar (Asst. Sgt@Arms), Mahdi Siraj (Parliamentarian), Abdul Rahman Faiz (Editorial Committee Chair)

Serendib Boys Gavel Club Members

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Serendib incoming Boys’ Gavel Club President

Serendib outgoing boys’ Gavel Club President

“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: We did it ourselves.” - Lao Tzu

The starting point of all achievements is desire - Napoleon Hill

Gav. FirasCassim

Gav. Naweeth Riyaz

Immediate Past President (PY 2014-2015) Serendib Boys Gavel Club

President (PY2015-2016)

Determined Journey ver the past years, the Gavel Club had kept

moving towards success. This shows very clearly, how well the past presidents heartedly and vigorously tried to keep the Gavel club in full energy, and to steer the club in the right direction. I am pretty sure of the abilities and capabilities of the incoming team of officers who are surrounded by my side have neither hesitation nor reluctance to accept any challenges that affect their path towards what we want to achieve in the club level and beyond. And I also thank our immediate past president Gav. Firas, immediate past Gavel Councilors and Serendib Toastmasters for carrying a huge weight on their shoulders to keep the club standards high. As the Gavel club steps into 10th year, it is my privilege to take over the baton and toil hard to take this remarkable club to the next level with the support of my wonderful executive committee team and members. Gaveliers, the reason why you come to Gavel Club is not only to learn public speaking, but also to take up leadership roles. And once you close your eyes on your journey towards success, frightful things will come in your way. So we have to keep our eyes open and ears alert. Therefore, I am determined to conduct effective club meetings but without my fellow Gaveliers’ support, this is impossible. Sir. Ralph C.Smedly said, “Ours is the only organization I know dedicated to the individual. We work together to bring out the best in each of us and then we apply these skills to help others.” We are the tomorrow’s leaders, and leaders lead by example. The theme that I have chosen for the year 2015/2016, is “to keep trying and trying and one day you will make the impossible possible.” This just did not pop into my mind. This is my true feeling that I have towards the Gaveliers. Yes, “ keep trying and trying, no matter what, just keep trying.” Let me wish the best of luck to all the Gaveliers for our upcoming and forthcoming challenges and endeavors.

started off my year of presidency with this small but powerful quote in mind. Even after giving my incoming president’s speech last year I didn’t realize the importance I held in the club. When I took over my desires were never low. From my 3 years of experience in the club I learnt if you want to achieve something great you must aim high and eventually you will hit it even if it is low. A leader and a boss have two totally different meanings. A leader is one who practices and makes others practice however a boss is someone who only instructs. I wanted to inspire the others to achieve great thing and make their desires great so I showed them how to. The theme I had chosen for last year was: “desiring was achieving.” The inspiration the gaveliars got was in abundance. This made it possible for my remarkable achievements to come true.I gave them the fuel and they drove ahead. This year has brought a countless amount off achievements for our club. A few of the outstanding ones were, for the first time in the history of the gavel club that we have achieved six competent communicators. Furthermore we won the 2nd place in the division level of table topics. Also we had so many new guests and new members that our club was overflowing with gaveliars. My journey through the gavel club as president wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the help and motivation given by our gavel counselors TM Nirone and TM Ferasath and all the other Toastmasters who attended our meetings and gave us so many suggestions on how to improve. I would be failing my duty if I did not thank all our loving parents for their dedication and support. Last but not least I would like to wish the incoming president gaveliar Naweeth for yet another fruitful year.

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Serendib Girls Gavel Club Excom 2015-16

Seated(From left): Aarah Ahmed (VP PR), Ameera Rizni (VP Membership), Steffani Christine (President), S. Thangasamy (Gavel Counselor), Tachithri Arunagirinathan (VP Education), Aqsa Jaan (Secretary), Zainab Sujain (Sgt@Arms) Standing: Tashiya Rebera (Asst. VPM), Salma Rizni (Treasurer), Nuha Rizan (IPP), Suruti Leon (Asst. VPED), Afla Jaan (Asst. Secretary), Chamudi Wickramasinghe (Asst. Treasurer) Not in the Picture: Amnah Ahmed (Asst. VPPR), Mariam Ifthiquar (Asst Sgt@Arms), Sanchala Devmini (Parliamentarian)

Serendib Girls Gavel Club Members

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Serendib incoming Girls’ Gavel Club President

Serendib outgoing Girls’ Gavel Club President

Gav. Steffani Christine

Gav. Nuha Rizan

President (PY 2015-2016) Serendib Girls’ Gavel Club

Immediate Past President(PY 2014-2015) Serendib Girls gavel Club

t was a step in the right direction…….

Be Positive

My presidency as the 2nd Serendib Girls Gavel club president was like a long journey with a lot of

ogether we can dare to aim higher”

In toastmasters, members learn by studying the manuals, practicing & helping one & another. Learning takes place in the club environment. Club meetings are workshops where you study & practice communication & leadership skills with others who are there for the same reasons you are. We learn by doing & by watching our fellow members. During my 4 years as a gavelier, I’ve never dreamt that I’d have the opportunity to take on this position. It’s a great honor to be the president of the Serendib Girls’ Gavel

excitement, emotion, hardship, contentment and triumph. And when it finally came to an end, it leaves me with mixed emotions as my one year journey as president has now ended. However, I am elated as I look back at all the milestones achieved during this time. The theme I chose was A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. We focused on this by cultivating the Gaveliers public speaking skills and the art of communicating effectively. This goal has been achieved all because of the faith and understanding in our team. It is with great pride that I’d like to announce that our club has been able to bring out the best in the gaveliers,

helping us achieve 3 CCs this year along

with many Gaveliers going up

to the division and

district levels. I would also like to encourage all the present and future Gaveliers to always keep close ties with Toastmaster skills, as it is a superlative platform to Club. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the nomination committee for entrusting me with this resposibility. I will give my utmost dedication to have the Serendib Girls’ Gavel Club reach its goals. I would like to thank the outgoing president Gavelier Nuha& her team for taking the club to greater heights. The theme I have chosen for this year is “Be Positive”. This has always helped me in achieving my goals. Whenever you think positively in whatever you do, it will motivate your goals. I hope the new Executive committee members & Gaveliers will help me in running the meetings efficiently. I’m sure that we can accomplish the goals we have set for this year. ‘Life is about taking risks and never giving up hope, no matter how lost you are everyone eventually will find their own way’.

broaden ones communication and leadership skills. I urge all the Gaveliers not to stop attending the gavel club as you reach the 10th grade, as it is possible for one to parallelly do your academics and groom your communication skills I would be failing in my duty if I do not thank the fellow Gaveliers for their unstinted support given to me during my term as president. I am equally grateful to all the Toastmasters who attended the gavel club, especially our gavel counselor, TM Afdhal Saheer, for enlightening our meetings and righting our wrongs. Now it is time to pass the baton to Gav.Steffanie and her team to take the Gavel club to a greater height and wish her all the very best to help the Gavelliers to take yet another step in the right direction.

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The Importance of Public Speaking

Gav. Hasheef Uwais VP Membership Serendib Boys Gavel Club

here are plenty of situations where good public speaking skills can help you advance your career and create opportunities. For example, going for an interview for the first time, or you might have to talk about your organization at a conference, make a speech after accepting an award, or take a class to new recruits in your company. Speaking to an audience also includes online presentations or talks; for instance, when training a virtual team, or when speaking to a group of customers in an online meeting. Good public speaking skills are important in other areas of your life, as well. You might be asked to deliver a speech when you are a chief guest at an important occasion, or inspire a group of volunteers at a charity event. In short, being a good public speaker can enhance your reputation, boost your self-confidence, and open up countless opportunities. However, while good skills can open doors, poor ones can close them. For example, your boss might decide against promoting you after badly delivered presentation. You might lose a

valuable new contract by failing to connect with a prospect during a sales pitch. Or you could make a poor impression with your new team, because you trip over your words and poor eye contact. So make sure that you learn how to speak well by joining a popular worldwide club, that is the Toastmasters club. Toastmasters have so many clubs as branches. One of them is Serendib Toastmasters Club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. And not only that, they have gavel clubs for the youth. That is where you can meet me, a great Gavelier.

Gav. Thachitri Arunagirinathan

Gav. Jamaal Bishri.

Experience is the teacher of all things

oastmasters is a place where people learn

to develop confidence and allay their fears while speaking to an audience. The first time I heard about Toastmasters, the name itself made me apprehensive. I thought of it as a forbidding place where I would never be able to succeed. How wrong I was! I never thought of it as a place where one gains knowledge and improves speaking abilities. Now I know the reality was quite the opposite of my perception. After a few visits to the weekly sessions, I thought it would take new Gaveliers a long time to become experienced and talented. In fact one Gavelier was to become extremely talented in Table Topics, in a very short span of time. When he first came to Toastmasters, I concluded that perhaps he would take a long time to become experienced. However, after he was inducted, he became one of the best speakers. Table

Topics

(impromptu

speeches

spontaneous topics) is not the only area in which you have to give speeches on. You also have to give prepared speeches. You have to prepare for these speeches beforehand. It is advisable to prepare these speeches at least two weeks before hand. After

you

give

your

first

speech,

‘The

Icebreaker’, you can handle many meeting roles easily. It is like a key to open a door. After you finish the Icebreaker, you unlock the main door. Overall, there are ten speeches which you have to deliver, after which, it is as if you have unlocked all the doors. Dear friends, Toastmasters has really helped me build my confidence and I know that it will help me in my future life as well. I sincerely encourage everyone to join this program. Wish you all the best!

Tips and Tricks for Terrific Table Topics

s you’ll may know, Table Topics (TT) is the impromptu part of a Toastmaster’s meeting, despised by almost all Gavelliers and half the Toastmasters. How is it that a small speech as TT is able to scare millions of people? The answer is simple: It is the fear of being embarrassed or the absence of information in our head. The saying goes, “Conquer your fear, don’t let the fears conquer you” So, how exactly can the Table Topics be tamed? All you need is this recipe : The courage to take in embarrassment, a few words in your head and the confidence to go up on stage. It sounds easy, and to be honest it is kind of easy. The key, of course, is do not panic, I know this may sound dumb, but it’s really helpful. For instance the topic is, “Lots of problems are created because people talk about each other rather than with each other.” At the first glance, a person’s first impression is bound to be, what is that supposed to mean? But if it actually registers in your head, you’re going to be like, it’s really simple. The opening could be, you gossiping with your friends, or a quote, or anything that comes to your head at that moment. You can act a scene, quote something you’ve experienced, heard or seen, the important thing is, it should be related to the topic During the time that you greet the audience, your mind must register as to what you’re going to say for the next few seconds, or some with talent are able to talk without thinking as it’s in the tip of their tongue. For the body of your speech, just take a few words from the topic and simply talk about it or entertain the audience with a personal story related to the topic. At the conclusion, say all what you said in your speech in a single sentence. A friendly tip, is to imagine your audience as a group of friends or people that you’re comfortable with talking to. Another tip would be to interact with the audience and make them feel alive by adding humor. Another trick that could be used is applicable, if the question is had or not understanble, which is very rare, in which case you can pose the question to the audience and wait for their response. I hope these few things help you and Good Luck for your future Table Topics.

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Imra Ameer Former Gavelier Serendib Girls Gavel Club

Gav. Zamil Zameek

Do they make Toast? NO! They make Leaders.

oastmasters – the very first time I heard of it, I actually thought it was a place where people mastered toasting bread! And it was later I got to know, it had lots to do with listening, thinking and speaking. Seemed interesting, but I never wanted to step into that place. I never did, until my parents pushed me in. I just saw everything that I’d call unbelievable. Every gavellier just burst out with words that combined and made everything else even more interesting. And when it was my turn at the Table Topics - imagine so many people, not just one or two - all staring in crisp silence, waiting for me to utter a single word. Pressure was building up within me acting as a barrier, the tranquil surrounding not letting me to open my mouth. What should I do, remain mute for the next 3 minutes, or let random words pop out? I’m telling you, it was plain misery. Albert Einstein’s words swam past my mind, “A person, who has never failed, has never tried anything new.” Then I shot my eyes open and decided to give the gavel club a chance. My worst fear was that I might slip up and be laughed at. But as I spoke up, I realized, even though I stammered, no one actually minded. They listened, helped and encouraged me to do more. The moment I was done speaking – even though I knew I hadn’t done it perfectly - the applause made me realize I had achieved something. Something I thought I would never be able to. Whenever people thought I couldn’t, I showed them I could, p roving what some may think is impossible. The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure, and Toastmasters helped me break that barrier. The gavel club was like my second home, everyone worked as a family, together. Toastmasters is a place where leaders are made, molded from amazed and speechless starters to become finally a leader and better communicator in a matter of months. The gavel club helped me move a step forward in every meeting I attended. The two amazing years I spent there, helped me grow immensely getting rid of my stage frights, improving my communication skills and the ability to think on the spot. I recommend everyone who isn’t a part of the Toastmaster family, to become members of the gavel club to experience an unimaginable world of speakers, in which you will be a part of. The Toastmasters’ motto will always echo in my mind, “For better listening, for better thinking, for better speaking, we learn by doing”.

The Art of Talk

our Toastmasters training has helped you

feel comfortable when speaking in front of a group and self-assured when leading a meeting or giving a speech. But what about when you are conversing

one-on-one?

Does

your

confidence level take a dive during your day today communication with others? Why is it that we receive so little training to help us hone conversation skills when we rely on this ability every day of our lives, in so many situations? You may remember your parents or grade school teachers saying “Don’t interrupt when I’m talking” or “Look at me when I’m speaking to you”. These words of advice remain valid; but for the most part, our conversational style and habits weren’t taught to us. They developed over a period of years through modeling ourselves after others and receiving peer feedback. As we’ve learned through our Toastmasters experience, feedback is a powerful tool that can be used to change poor speaking habits. This is also true when it comes to conversation skills. Most people, however, aren’t comfortable with criticizing the communication habits of others. They aren’t apt to say to a co-worker, “Hey, stop monopolizing the conversation”. Give me a chance to say something. They don’t often say, “I hate talking to you because you never respond to what I say. You go off telling your own story all the time without ever acknowledging mine”. You are not likely to be told when your communication skills need finessing. Being

good

conversationalist

isn’t

necessarily a natural trait. It can take thought and

practice.

methodologies

Toastmasters

provide

and

tools

hone

ample you

communication skills. Apply these tools and improve your ability to converse in any situation.

SERENDIB BREEZE

“Learning is a process that never ends, with every passing day you learn something new.” Over the past two years in Serendib Girls Gavel Club this is what I have learnt. I hope my learning process continues here because I know that as a 15 year old I still have greater heights to reach.

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all - in which case, you fail by default.” - J.K Rowling (1965)

Gav. Aarah Ahmed

How to lead a club meeting for the first time

fter completing my first couple of speeches, I decided it was time to take on the role of Gavelier of the Evening. My mentor and other club members were generous with their advice, and the experience gave me new insight into how the meetings work, the effort that goes on behind the scenes and the elements that lead to a successful meeting. Here are my top 5 tips for being a first-time Toastmaster of the meeting:

Gav.Amnah Ahmed

Why is J.K Rowling an inspiration to many girls?

oanne Rowling is a British novelist best known for her ‘Harry

Potter’ series. The books have gained worldwide attention, won multiple awards and sold more than 400 million copies; they have indeed become the best-selling books in history. But what is her story and what got her there? She was a normal woman who led a simple life. However, fate had different plans. She had to face difficulties in order to taste the sweetness of victory. Her inspiration to the series had come

1. Set the meeting theme at least a week in advance: It will help you hold a more coherent meeting, because those with speaking roles will have time to incorporate the theme into their speech. Encourage the Topicsmaster to tie the theme into his or her role too.

to her whilst she was in the railway station, waiting for a de-

2. Send a reminder email about the meeting the week before the event: It will help you to know who’s attending, and people appreciate an early heads-up. When you email speakers, ask them to provide the title of their speech and a short introduction.

and had become a multi-millionaire within a period of five

3. Match speaker with evaluator: Try to match people of similar levels. But if someone is giving an Ice Breaker, try to pair them with a member who has been an evaluator at least once before. They deserve a good evaluation and it will motivate them to deliver more speeches. 4. Pay close attention to time: Make sure all the starting and ending times on the agenda are listed correctly, and keep the meeting moving. You don’t want Toastmasters tapping their feet because the meeting ran over. 5. Lead the applause: People will take their cue from you, so make sure you know when to clap, and carry the rest of the room with you.

layed train. After inspiration struck her, her mother passed away, her first child was born and her husband had divorced her. Being a lady surviving only on state benefits, she wrote her first book in 1997. She has lived a life of, ‘rags to riches’ years. The inspiration in her story is her hard work and determination to give her child what her mother couldn’t afford to give her. Let alone being successful as a writer she is also a successful mother of three. In 2008 she was ranked as the 12th richest woman according to the Forbes magazine, in 2010 she was known as the ‘Most Influential Person in Britain’. Many of us make a grave mistake of giving up when we know we are less gifted compared to someone else, we tend to give up hope. But who knows, one of us could be the next J.K Rowling? So dear gaveliers, let us never give up hope, let us strive towards success, not only academically but also morally. Let us develop a positive attitude that everything happens for a reason.

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Gav. Aashif Ahamed Rizwan

The Fear of Public Speaking I was a very shy child. I look at my little sister today,

who is almost four years old, and find it amazing how fearless she is of strangers. She will play with virtually any other child like they are herbest friends. She has very little fear of adults as well, having no issues talking to any random person, and involving them in games and activities. When I was my sister’s age, I stood behind my mum’s leg whenever I met anyone new and it took me a long time to be friendly with people. Even as an adult, I find that it takes a while for me to reach a comfort zone with new people, even though I have learned how to be socially “fearless”. As all people discover as they grow up, the more socially comfortable you are, the more opportunities you enjoy. Life tends to challenge you with many situations where being a more social person has advantages, which used toannoy me. I felt, as an introverted person who didn’t

want to talk much, that I should not be forced to be outgoing if I didn’t want to be. I knew that if I was relaxed and comfortable, I was capable of enjoying conversation and could possibly be a good speaker with valuable things to say. Because of my shyness I preferred to be in my own head. I didn’t like to be ignored, but I would choose to be ignored rather than face the fear of talking in front of other people. So I joined Toastmasters Gavel Club which helped me to overcome my shyness and my stage fear. I have become more socially comfortable now. I am able to converse with anyone, anywhere confidently. And I have been able to enjoy more opportunities in life. So I urge you all to join Toastmasters gavel club. “For Better Speaking, For Better listening, For Better thinking, We learn By doing’’

Gav. Saajid Naushad Gavelier, Serendib Boys Gavel Club

Your life does not get better by chance it gets better by change

Gav. Sihas Kumarasingha Serendib Boys Gavel Club member

My Toastmasters Experience

h no, I don’t wanna go to Toastmasters

again, it’s boring”. This I said after going to Toastmasters only for 4 sessions. I really hated. I always thought, in Table Topics, you go up to the lectern, be speechless and feel humiliated. Later I realized the value of attending Toastmasters.

one

the

best

was introduced to the Serendib Toastmasters Gavel club

by my Father’s friend, Toastmaster Ifthiquar Noohu. Although

opportunities,that we have got. Usually I do

I was not very keen on attending something that I did not

not participate in dramas, neither singing and

have any knowledge of, I just gave it a try because my father

never give speeches happily. Recently there

insisted. The first day I attended the gavel Club session I

wasn’t anyone volunteering to give a speech,

was happy to see one of my classmates who was already a

so I took up the challenge. The speech was

member of the club. But what I did not know was that my

about the ‘Benefits of reading’. This turned out

friend was a couple of steps ahead when he was called upon

to be a winner.

to deliver his speech.

Now I deeply understand the benefits of

I was amazed, because in the classroom he was known to be

Toastmastering. I seriously take part in Table

very quiet and shy, but at the Gavel club he was completely

Topics, speech evaluations and I am looking

a different kettle of fish. He spoke with so much confidence

forward to do my next speech happily.

and vigor that reminded me of famous TV personalities. After the meeting I caught up with him and he explained how the Serendib Gavel Club has helped him get over his fear of speaking in Public and build his confidence. From that day onwards I never missed a single session of the Gavel Club meetings. Every weekly meeting was enjoyable and we learnt many new things.

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Toastmasters Clubs has just changed my life..

Gav. Suruthi Leaon

Asst. Vice President Education (PY 2015-2016) Serendib Girls Gavel Club

When I first arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I

didn’t know how to speak in front of an audience and was always scared to talk. I can remember I was afraid to ask any questions from my subject teachers, solely because I would have to talk to her. Those days, I didn’t get much better in classes. Once my teacher said we would have to talk about our class projects in the next session. But I purposely did not show up. I was invited by one of my friends to join the Gavel Club that met once in a week. I gathered up every ounce of courage that I had and joined the club. When talking to my Dad about this decision, and telling him how nervous I was, he said, “You can talk to me, can’t you? Speaking in front of groups is no different. You’ll see.” During my early days in Toastmasters, our Gavel Counselor repeatedly requested me to give my speech. From that day, when I see my name in the weekly meeting agenda, I get a headache or stomach pain and avoid the meeting. In Toastmasters the first speech is called “the Icebreaker”, where you tell your life story in a 6 minute talk. When I attempted, I knew I was very nervous. I forgot

half of the speech. My speech ended within 4 minutes. I could feel that I am shivering. With every Toastmasters presentation you receive an oral evaluation from one other member. My evaluator that day said the speech “was the best icebreaker she had ever heard!” I also received positive comments from other members. That moment, I learnt that I had done something positive in my life. After that encouraging Toastmaster debut, my confidence slowly grew. Now I have the confidence to deliver my next speech. My dear friends if you have a fear of public speaking and you are considering joining a Gavel Club, I encourage you to take the leap. I realized that the more you speak, the easier it gets. The beauty of Toastmasters is that it requires you to give some type of talk in front of your club at EVERY meeting. You know, my Dad’s comments turned out to be right about public speaking. Giving a speech is like a conversation with a friend, but only in front of a lot more people.

Gav. Vishal Perera

best Compliment from Serendib Boys Gavel Club

The Motto: “For better listening, for better thinking, for better speaking, we learn by doing”

Toastmasters

is like a sun rising over a horizon scattering light to illuminate places enveloped by the darkness. Toastmasters is a worldwide organization that help people to stand up and voice out their inner feelings. Toastmasters educate us not solely in public speaking but also humor, pronunciations and vocabulary. The environment provides us a safe and supportive environment to become professional speakers. We learn more about the world by those encouraging and enthusiastic speeches done by our vibrant Gaviliers and Toastmasters. Toastmaster’s show us that mistakes should not be used a discouragement, but as portals for growth. They say “Leaders are born”. In that case we will have very few leaders. Naturally the right person in the right creating a big vacuum for leadership. Toastmasters where “Leaders are made”, help reduce this vacuum.

My perception of Toastmasters

best Compliment from Job with the right skills at the right time

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I felt Shockwaves passing down my spine when

I heard the news of Najla from my wife. Najla along with her sister Afra and her Father, my good Friend Sam Rasdeen visited me just seven months before. I just could’nt accept that Najla is no more. It took me days to get over the shock and grief over her untimely death! Mr. and Mrs. Sam Rasdeen are our family friends for a long time and they are living close to our house in Riyadh. We know Dr. Najla Rasdeen, since her birth. She was a promising student at Sri Lankan International School. She was very obedient, respecting others a pleasant personality and loved by everybody. When Serendib Toastmasters started the Youth Leadership Program in 2004/05 she showed a keen interest in enrolling herself. She proved her mettle in

various tasks she has undertaken in the club activities. She undertook to function as Secretary for Sessions 5 to 8 in the Leadership program. At the club contest conducted at the end of the YLP,Najla was placed 03rd in the Table Topics and was one of the finalists in the Evaluation contest.When the Gavel Club was formed in 2006-2007 Najla Rasdeen took up the Club Officer’s role as the Secretary of the club. She continued to be a member of the Gavel club during 2007-2008, until such time she departed for China to join Tianjin Medical University. She returned to Sri Lanka last year from China after qualifying as a Doctor. Her intention was to complete her internship in Sri Lanka and to proceed to Riyadh or elsewhere to take up employment in the medical profession. But the Fate prevailed over her Ambition! By her untimely death, Sri Lankan community has lost the services of an upcoming, efficient and most devoted and a lovable personality. As a Family friend and as a Gavel Co-ordinatorand her Mentor watching her progress at the YLP and the Gavel Club I feel that every one of us will miss her charming personality. Members of Serendib Toastmasters Club and Gavel Club fondly remembers her memorable time at the club and express their deepest sympathies and sadness to her Parents Sam Rasdeen, Zeena and daughter Afra. But No words, however powerful may be, can console them for her daughter’s sudden departure. They say time is a big healer and it is only the Time that may gradually heal the pain and grief of her Parents and her younger sister Afra! Let her soul rest in Peace.

lthough weeks have passed, the struggle is ongoing in accepting the untimely demise of our beloved Najla Hasna Rasdeen. The most obvious answer is that she has fondly touched many lives and left some everlasting impressions. Reflecting upon her life, none can deny her active involvement during the time when Serendib Toastmasters started the first Youth Leadership Program followed by the installation of the first Gavel Club in the Kingdom. Najla played a pivotal role during the formation stages and exceled as an outstanding orator and contributor. Her thirst for personality development and her brave Leadership attitude coupled with excellent communication skills soon became apparent when many of her friends and classmates decided to join the program. Najla maintained her punctuality and commitment to the Leadership roles assigned to her. Soon she became one of the most

dedicated and influential persons who encouraged many youngsters to join the Serendib Gavel Club. Her artistic skills of vividly expressing concepts, themes and messages through her excellent drawing and craft work still remain in the hearts of community members. Her generous attitude of imparting knowledge and skills with others extended to many facets of the Community. She contributed immensely towards the success of the Educational Program conducted by the Sri Lankan Expatriates’ Society by taking over as the Lead Instructor of Art and Craft for two consecutive years. She stole the hearts of many by her gentle and soft approach both at professional and personal level. Knowing Najla as a Student during my involvement with the Sri Lankan International School, I could vehemently endorse that Najla maintained consistently high standards where personal conduct and integrity were concerned. Najla may not be with us today, but, she is still living in forms of (a) skills and knowledge she has inculcated in many youngsters, (b) exemplary examples of her humble life and (c) her invaluable service to our Brothers and Sisters in Sri Lanka through her noble profession as a Doctor. May her soul rest in peace!

Xavier Arulandoo (Charter President)

Sellacuddy Murugadas (President 2005-2006) Dr. Najla Rasdeen, seated 3rd from right with her peers, in this file photo taken on the successful completion of the Youth Leadership Program in 2004/2005 56

SERENDIB BREEZE

Club Award winners 2013-2014

Gavelier of the Year

Serendib Boys Gavel Club

Mohammed Firas Cassim

Most Enthusiastic Gavelier

Most Improved Gavelier

Outstanding Club Officer

Most Dedicated Gavelier

Most Committed Gavelier

Most supportive Gavelier

Naweeth Riyaz

Umar Naseef Mohammed Fazeer

Ishtiaq Imthiyaz

Farhan Abdul Ghafoor

Hasheef Uwais

Mohammed Zamil Zameek

Educational Achievements 2014-2015 Competent Gaveliers

Mohammed FirasCassim

Naweeth Riyaz

Mohammed Zamil Zameek

Hasheef Uwais

Telge Kevin Maduranga Peiris

Miflal Iqbal

SERENDIB BREEZE

Contest Winners 2014-2015 Division Level Contest Table Topics - 3rd Place Naweeth Riyaz

Serendib Boys Gavel Club

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Mohammed Zamil Zameek

Naweeth Riyaz

Firas Cassim

Naweeth Riyaz

Visal Perera

Naweeth Riyaz

Firas Cassim

Mohammed Zamil Zameek

Hasheef Uwais

Naweeth Riyaz

Firas Cassim

Humorous Speech

Speech Evaluation

Table Topics

International Speech

CLUB LEVEL CONTEST

SERENDIB BREEZE

Club Award winners 2013-2014 Serendib Girls Gavel Club

Gavelier of the Year Nuha Rizan

Most Enthusiastic Gavelier

Most Improved Gavelier

Outstanding Club Officer

Most Dedicated Gavelier

Most Committed Gavelier

Most supportive Gavelier

Zahra Shiyawoos

Fathima Ameera Rizni

Raghavi Thangasamy

Sanghavi Thangasamy

Steffani Christine

Aarah Ahmed

Educational Achievements 2014-2015 Competent Gaveliers

Sarah Kamil

Thachitri Arunagirinathan

SERENDIB BREEZE

Steffani Christine

DIVISION LEVEL CONTEST

International Speech

1st Place

2nd Place

Steffani Christine

Table Topics

Raghavi Thangasamy

Contest Winners 2014-2015 Serendib Girls Gavel Club

Thachitri Arunagirinathan

Sarah Kamil

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Raghavi Thangasamy

Steffani Christine

Aarah Ahmed

Thaticthri Arunagirinathan

Sarah Kamil

Aarah Ahmed

Thaticthri Arunagirinathan

Steffani Christine

Aarah Ahmed

Thaticthri Arunagirinathan

Steffani Christine

Humorous Speech

Speech Evaluation

Table Topics

International Speech

CLUB LEVEL CONTEST

SERENDIB BREEZE