Torrington Toastmasters Club Newsletter - Volume 01 | Issue 01

VOLUME 01 | ISSUE 01

"Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do!" AREA DIRECTOR - AREA D2 2023/24 TM Shani Goonesekera............Pg 4 “As the Charter Area Director, I can now look back and be proud of every member of the Torrington Toastmasters who is still going strong. I hope the years ahead bring you nothing but success.”

Area Director - D2 2021/22 DTM Sherin Fernando..............Pg 6

“I can still remember how Toastmasters journey took place accidentally...”

Chartered Member TM Andrew Marcus..................Pg 8

TOASTMASTERS? Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of promoting communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Established in 1924, it has grown to have a global presence, with numerous clubs in different countries and regions. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals.

with

270,000+ members

in

148 countries

adding to

14,200+ clubs

falls to

Club Number: 07980809

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

CLUB VISION Create a Toastmasters Club for tomorrows leaders through an environment where young voices confidently share their thoughts and dreams, free from inhibitions as Comfort Meets Growth.

REACH TO US ON: @ttmc_d82 @TTMCd82

Scan the QR code or use the link bit.ly/find-TTMC to find us

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Roots and Wings Editorial Division Director’s Message Area Director’s Message District 82 Public Relations Manager’s Message Charter Area Director’s Message President’s Message Chartered Member’s Message I taught them how to debate First Meeting for the Tentative year 2023/24 Themed Meetings Halloween themed Meeting Joint Meetings Contestants for Division Level As a Chief Judge: Stepping out of my Comfort Zone Mentoring a new Toastmasters Club Beyond Torrington New Member Experience Torrington Shenanigans Meet the EXCO

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orrington Toastmasters received its charter on March 1, 2022, with the leadership of President TM Helani Fonseka leading the charter executive committee with a total of 20 charted members. This milestone was made

possible through the chartering efforts of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Sherin Fernando. Torrington Toastmasters Club was originally affiliated with Area D1, Division D, within District 82.

Upon the successful completion of the first tenure, leadership transitioned seamlessly to a new cadre of young and dynamic leaders, led by President TM Thalaal Naushad. The central objective for the upcoming year is to elevate Torrington Toastmasters Club to a pinnacle of excellence by fostering engaging and high-caliber meetings while concurrently expanding our membership base. To accomplish this mission, the club has meticulously devised comprehensive strategies in the realms of public relations, membership development, and education. These strategies will be meticulously executed to realize our club's vision and aspirations.

VOLUME 01 | ISSUE 01

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“Greetings Fellow Toastmasters and Esteemed Readers, Welcome to the first edition of the Torrington Toastmasters Club Newsletter! As this year’s club Vice President Public Relations and the editor of this Newsletter, I am thrilled to present a glimpse into our vibrant community, our shared aspirations, and the remarkable journey we are on together.”

TM Geethika Perera Vice President Public Relations 2023/24 In this edition, we delve into the heart of Torrington Toastmasters. Discover our club's unique spirit, our mission to empower individuals through effective communication and leadership, and our vision to create a nurturing environment where every voice is valued.

We're delighted to share insights from those who highlight the wider impact of our club's endeavors. Their words remind us of our shared dedication and the passion that fuels our journey.

This issue spotlights our newest members, adding fresh perspectives to our tapestry, and applauds our seasoned members for their remarkable accomplishments in larger Toastmasters contests. Our gatherings are more than meetings; they're vibrant celebrations of growth and fellowship.

A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who has contributed to this newsletter and to our executive committee, whose dedication is the backbone of our success. Thank you for being a part of our collective journey. Here's to achieving more together!

EDITORIAL TEAM

TM Shenoli Gamage

TM Kasun Fernando

TM Gahana Karunananthan

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Dear Energetic Members of Torrington Toastmasters Club, Let me share an inspiring folklore tale that resonates with the dynamic spirit of your club.

In a bustling town nestled amidst rolling hills, there lived a group of artisans known for their vibrant celebrations. Legend had it that during one of these lively festivals, a shy and reserved member of the community surprised everyone by stepping onto the center stage.

With trembling hands and a voice barely above a whisper, they began to share a heartfelt story. As they spoke, something magical happened—the audience leaned in, captivated by the passion and authenticity in their words. The initial timid speaker transformed into a beacon of inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the festival.

Similar to this tale, each of you brings your unique vibrancy to your Toastmasters Club. Your speeches are not merely presentations but powerful expressions that resonate with authenticity and enthusiasm. Your club is a mosaic of diverse talents and exuberance. From the seasoned speakers who electrify the room to those taking their first steps, from the leaders guiding your journey to those seeking mentorship, each member adds a special spark to your collective.

This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for Torrington TMC! Witnessing the incredible turnaround from having less than 8 members to the thriving community you are today is a testament to your dedication. Moreover, it's remarkable to note the presence of several district and division officers within your “ club, whose commitment and leadership further elevate your achievements. Let's also celebrate the members who showcased their talent and dedication by competing at the division stage—a testament to the high caliber of your members. What's more remarkable is the dedicated efforts of our Area Director, Shani Goonesekara, whose commitment, and leadership played a pivotal role in turning the club around, making your achievements truly outstanding.

As your club continues to progress, it's evident that it's emerging as a stronger entity within the district. By the end of this year, my vision is to see it stand tall as an established club, setting a shining example for other clubs through its commitment to excellence, fostering growth, camaraderie, and unwavering enthusiasm.

The spirited contributions, ideas, and stories from every member are the pulse of your club's success. Your input is not only welcomed but valued as you strive to uphold your club's tradition of encouragement and inspiration.

Together, make your Toastmasters Club a platform where each member's dynamism and enthusiasm leave an enduring impact on your meetings.

Here's to a year overflowing with dynamic speeches, boundless energy, and shared accomplishments!

DIVISION DIRECTOR - DIVISION D TM Raveen Lankanatha

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"Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do!" Toastmasters Clubs are very much like it's members - going through challenges to achieve its goal. Likewise Torrington Toastmasters have had their fair share of challanges but have come through embracing those challenges as part of the journey and a sign to find new direction and what's truly admirable is that the club is engaging in the journey through Enjoyment and learning in equal and bountiful measure.

The 2023/2024 year was a rough start for the Club having shifted from Online Meeetings to Physical Meetings and with only a member base of 8. The Club President TM Thalaal Naushard and the Club Executive Committee, aimed to face the challenge, and conducted their regular bi-weekly meetings with a keen attention to quality. Through this they injected their own creative and unique element of fun and made sure to make memorable memories within the meeting. The best example I can provide is the fact that all the meetings have a unique theme and the members take time and make sure they dress up and also add unique elements to enhance the meeting. I cannot forget the effort put in by TM Prasansa for her attires which always steals the limelight. In tandem they ensured to get as much engagement with members and outsiders through the spectacular post-meeting flyers, videos and stories on social media. TM Geethika always makes sure the club follows the newest trends and makes sure all the members get involved.

The result of this commitment and love for the club manifested by the Club Base Membership doubling within 3 months into their tenure. As AD I truly admire how TM Thalaal and his team toughened up, rolled their sleeves and decided that the show must go on.

Together with this TM Thalaal himself has led the charge of the Torrington Toastmasters Club in creating great Speakers at Contests. He has set the stage now that he has been able to compete at the Division stage - I look forward to seeing many more great speakers come forward from the Club.

Also with regard to leadership beyond the club members such as TM Nimnaka Perera as the PR Manager of District 82, TM Geethika and TM Thalaal are part of the District 82 PR team.

From a club that was on the brink, to a club that has rebuilt it's own self, creating new leaders and speakers - Torrington Toastmasters Club has come a long way just in 3 months and I look forward to seeing what they will achieve through the rest of the year! I am proud to be part of this journey both as the Club's Area Director and loyal dedicated and greatful member.

I wish TM Thalaal Naushard and his Executive Committee all the very best for the coming year...

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AREA DIRECTOR - AREA D2 2023/24 TM Shani Goonesekera

As the District 82 Public Relations Manager, I am honoured to address you all through my very own club Newsletter. It is with great pride and excitement that I share this message with you, reflecting on the remarkable journey we have embarked on. Toastmasters International has a tradition of excellence, personal growth, and leadership development. District 82 has consistently embraced these values, and together, we have demonstrated our commitment to growth and success.

Vibrant Community: Our district is more than just a collection of clubs; it is a vibrant community of individuals dedicated to self-improvement and helping others grow. Throughout my experience, I have had the privilege of witnessing this community in action, and I must say, it is truly remarkable.

Overcoming Challenges: The past year has been filled with unprecedented challenges. Despite the hurdles we faced, District 82 remained resilient and adaptable. We successfully transitioned into the virtual world, ensuring that our members continued to benefit from the Toastmasters program. We celebrated countless successes, from dynamic club meetings to inspiring contests.

Promoting Growth: One of our key focuses has been to promote growth at all levels, from individual members to clubs and areas.

Our District Leadership Team is working tirelessly to provide resources, training, and support to our members. Our Club Officers have embraced their roles with enthusiasm, contributing to the overall health and vibrancy of their respective clubs.

As we look ahead, we must continue to uphold the values of Toastmasters International. Together, we will continue to grow, learn, and inspire one another. Our journey has just begun, and I have no doubt that the future holds even greater success for District 82.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible community. I am excited to see where the next months and days will take us. Together, we will make it a year of continued success, growth, and inspiration.

District 82 Public Relations Manager 2023/24 TM Nimnaka Perera

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Around July 2021, the Torrington Toastmasters Club had its first discussions. The club held numerous meetings, starting in August 2021.

In March 2022, the club was chartered.

There were many obstacles and uncertainties on that journey.

Numerous individuals offered guidance and encouragement.

“As the Charter Area Director, I can now look back and be proud of every member of the Torrington Toastmasters who is still going strong. I hope the years ahead bring you nothing but success.”

Area Director - D2 2021/22 DTM Sherin Fernando

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“My vision as President and goal as an Executive Committee is to provide our members with strong leadership skills with the confidence to tackle and speak your way through any challenges with a lively, fun and engaging atmosphere where you can be yourself and enjoy a meeting to its full potential. We also strive to maintain a professional and quality meeting and event standard in other words Torrington is a place where Fun & Professionalism come together and result in enjoyment.“ When I accepted the role of President for Torrington Toastmasters Club, I knew the tough challenges ahead of my path, but fortunately I was blessed with remarkable individuals who were the breaking force to these challenges. As an Executive Committee, we achieved a plethora of accomplishments such as adding 8 new members to the club at the start of the new Term alongside establishing a consistency in quality entertaining and creative meetings that assure our members they can expect something new for the weekly meetings. This as a result sets a high bar for meeting quality and expectations from a meeting which brings out many hidden talents from the members.

Torrington also produced its very first Division winners and contestants in both the humorous and evaluation categories. This signified the talent behind our members and the potential they have in the contest arena, portraying the start of many to come achievements in contests.

One of the BIGGEST factors that I take immense pride in is the Public Relations campaign where both through social media and verbal reach our PR flyers and videos have played an immense role in highlighting the creativity, Fun, and learning aspect of our club. The latest introduction of Torrington Toastmasters to the TikTok platform has a substantial effect as well portraying the lively atmosphere we bring throughout our meetings.

As a club, we are also in pursuit of heightening the level of meeting Quality and to set the milestone in bringing the first Golden Gavel Award to Torrington Toastmasters Club.

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I can still remember how Toastmasters journey took place accidentally when going through social media and it has been nothing short of transformative, and it all began with an introduction to the Torrington Toastmasters club. Little did I know that this community would have such an impact on my life. Toastmasters, I soon discovered, is not just an ordinary club; it's a supportive community where individuals can develop their communication, networking, and leadership skills through many educational programs, activities, role plays, and pathways.

My first visit to the Torrington Toastmasters Club was an eye-opening experience.

As I entered the meeting room, I was warmly welcomed by the club members, creating an instant sense of belonging. The meeting kicked off with prepared speeches, where members showcased their speaking abilities and shared their personal stories. In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, the ability to embrace diversity and learn from different perspectives has never been more crucial, and this club demonstrated that beautifully.

My journey in Toastmasters took a significant turn when I was assigned an experienced mentor, who guided me through the Toastmasters path. Being a member of Torrington Toastmasters has been a transformative learning experience.

It has provided me with a platform to develop my soft skills, build lasting connections, and celebrate milestones together. I am truly grateful for the opportunities and growth that Toastmasters has brought into my life.

In a world that is becoming more interconnected, the ability to embrace diversity and learn from different members at Torrington Toastmasters Club has given me the chance to experience the Beauty of Diversity. My Toastmasters journey began with a realization that true growth lies in embracing diversity and the beauty of being surrounded by people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences exposed me to a wealth of creative ideas and thoughts. This understanding became the foundation of my transformative journey.

It's an honor to be a part of this incredible learning experience and work with a group of motivated members towards a common goal. In this mission to inspire each and every member to reach their full potential and achieve greatness in their public speaking and leadership skills, I firmly believe that through dedication, practice, and a supportive community, we can all unlock our true potential and become confident communicators. Together, we will create an environment that encourages everyone to develop, where everyone feels empowered to share their unique voice and ideas. As a member, I and the entire family of Torrington Toastmasters are here to listen, offer constructive feedback, and celebrate your successes. Together, we will inspire and empower each member to become the best version of themselves. Best wishes to a transformative and fulfilling experience at Torrington Toastmasters!

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As I stepped into the role of Torrington Toastmasters Secretary for the year 23/24, I couldn't have been more thrilled to kick off our first themed meeting – "Bubble Up." The choice was personal to me, and I was elated to witness the energy and enthusiasm that permeated every corner of the room from our dedicated members.

To set the tone, I opened the meeting with a quote that struck a chord with the essence of selfawareness and personal growth: "If you know who you are and you can recognize yourself, then your personality is established." This sentiment reverberated throughout the meeting, aligning perfectly with the Toastmasters spirit of individual development within a supportive community.

As we wrapped up, after displaying a series of colours that showcased elements of energy, eccentrity, charisma, and humour, positive feedback poured in for the well-executed roles and presentations. It was heartening to see the efforts of our new executive committee being appreciated by members and guests alike. The quote that resonated with me as the meeting concluded was, "Personality is the glitter that sends your little gleam across the footlights and the orchestra pit into that big black space where the audience is."

It encapsulated the essence of Toastmasters – a platform where individual personalities shine, contributing to the collective brilliance of the community.

This Bubbly-themed meeting not only marked the beginning of a new Toastmasters year but also solidified Torrington Toastmasters as a beacon of inspiration, growth, and camaraderie.

As I pass the torch to the new executive committee, I am filled with excitement for the meetings that lie ahead, knowing that with such a sparkling start, the future is bound to be nothing short of extraordinary.

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JOINT MEETINGS “Haunted Howl-o-ween Extravaganza” Haunted Howl-o-ween Extravaganza Unleashed at Torrington X Rajagiriya Joint Meeting!

October cast its enchantment on Torrington Toastmasters Club as we teamed up with Rajagiriya Toastmasters Club to conjure the most spooktacular Joint Meeting on the 28th of October. Under the bewitching theme "Haunted Howl-o-ween," our members embraced the Halloween spirit with hauntingly creative costumes. Ghosts, witches, monsters, vampires, cartoon characters, and even Sri Lankan horror figures filled the room, creating a chilling atmosphere that set the stage for an unforgettable meeting. As the Toastmasters of the day, our tag team orchestrated a seamless flow, raising the energy and expectations to new heights. From a Round Robin session in the dark, passing a deadly baby, to spine-tingling scenarios at the Table Topics, every segment resonated with the Halloween theme. Members fully embraced their characters, ensuring the spirit lingered till the meeting's eerie end.

A highlight was the Games Master session, fostering camaraderie as teams competed in spinechilling challenges. Laughter echoed as everyone poured their best into the games, reinforcing the bond between the clubs. Thrills and excitement reached a crescendo with thematic dialogues, character swaps, and horror stories, concluding with a small feast that extended the fellowship.

Members of Torrington Toastmasters Club were delighted to mingle with our young and vibrant counterparts from Rajagiriya.In the words of one ecstatic sorceress, landing at the Torrington X Rajagiriya Joint Meeting felt like descending into a realm where every spooky, bloody, and ghostly member exuded an irresistible vibe. Here's to the magic of Toastmasters and the spellbinding memories we created together.

by TMOD TM Prasansa Gunawaradana

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“MAFIA”

OUR THEMED MEETINGS Life often resembles a Mafia, where we must make strategic decisions, determine our goals, and employ tactics to achieve our exact objectives. Just like in life, I had the opportunity to conduct a captivating Toastmasters meeting at the Torrington Toastmasters Club, with a Mafia theme that brought a new level of energy to our gathering.

For this unique meeting, most Toastmasters donned outfits in various shades of black, and I added a creative twist by giving each role a Mafia-inspired name: - The General Evaluator took on the role of the "Mafia Boss."

- The Table Topics Master became the "Contract Killer."

- The Grammarian was known as the "Linguistic Mobster."

- The Ah-Counter assumed the title of "Hush Money Collector."

- We had a "Time Czar" to keep our meeting on schedule.

- Speech evaluators embraced their roles as "Speech Syndicate Evaluators."

- The General Evaluator was the "Consigliere."

- Our listeners were the "Eavesdroppers."

- The Timer provided the "Timekeeper's Report."

- Table Topics speakers became the "Hitman's Quarry."

It was fascinating to witness how everyone enthusiastically embraced this theme. Instead of using purely professional English, people started incorporating Mafia-related words and phrases into their language.The Mafia-themed Toastmasters meeting with Torrington Toastmasters was truly one of the most remarkable and unforgettable experiences in my Toastmasters journey.

by TMOD Mayantha Warnakulasooriya

“Let’s go Desi”

Our recent meeting infused the spirit of Desi culture, as members donned their best Desi attire, creating a vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere. The event featured compelling speeches, including an insightful speech from a guest speaker. As the Toastmaster of the day, I was delighted to facilitate this unique and engaging gathering. Here's to the diversity that makes our Toastmasters Club truly special!

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by TMOD TM Isiwara Kavisha

“LET’S GET A LITTLE SPOOKY” My first time being the TMOD for Torrington toastmasters club after I joined and I wanted it be an memorable one, as it was close to October 31 I thought why not go with a Halloween themed meeting, so after some research came up with an outgoing tag line which is align with the theme, I came up with Let’s get spooky, alone with an amazing tag team to support me throughout the meeting, and also asked for the members and guest to be dressed up relating to the theme and it was amazing to see all the participants came dressed up in different characters and the best dress was voted by all the participants, the game was such each person has to come up an act the character and convince the audience to vote for him or her, and it ended up being an amazing session where everyone enjoyed and laughed to the fullest, and also the tag team came along with some amazing activates such as the round robin master, which was, we were asked “if we got an opportunity to do anything to our enemy what would you do” and to make this session spooky the lights were switched offed and a flashlight was focus which was amazing because participants came up with crazy ideas.

Also the table topics masters came up with unique topics relating to the theme spooky, and at the later part of the meeting there was an interesting game where 4 members were called up and given 4 super heroes to act out and for the audience to guess that and the best actor was selected. Overall, the members and guest and a great evening with high level of engagement and this was the first meeting for the 2023/2024 presidential year where amazing games and activities were done. And at the end of the meeting there was a fellowship followed with snacks.

by TMOD TM Himashi Perera

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HUMOROUS - DIVISION LEVEL One of Toastmasters most promising factors is the contest season and it has been a promising experience at this year’s Humorous Speech contest as I reached division level.

Competing with remarkable and veteran toastmasters has given me a lot of perception and insight on how to prepare and deliver a speech of high standard.

Me being a very competitive person the contest stage becomes an arena where I love performing and giving my fullest 120% towards it. The achievement I obtained was not my effort alone but rather a collective one with so many individuals ho guided me as mentors and supported me as family. The contest stage is where I feel the most comfortable but there will be moments where you can doubt your performance and at that moment the cheer you get from your toastmasters family will e the deciding factor and this is fact after experiencing it first hand.

This journey has taught me several factors and I’m glad to know the time invested in making a speech to an effective delivery has been fruitful Looking forward for next years contest and hoping to bring the “Division Champion” Title Home.

TM Thalaal Naushad

EVALUATION - DIVISION LEVEL

Embarking on the club level contest was a spontaneous decision, far from my usual realm as the least competitive person you could encounter. The club contest win wasn't strategized for advancement; it was about seizing an opportunity, putting forth my best effort, and gaining valuable experience. Yet, to my surprise, this laid the foundation for a journey that would reignite my old energy and self-belief.Progressing to the area level, I approached the contest with newfound determination. Representing Torrington Toastmasters became not just a personal endeavor but an opportunity to shine a light on the club's excellence. Facing the Area Contest, my goal was clear: give my 200% and secure a spot for Torrington Toastmasters at the Division level.

Miraculously, the dream unfolded just as I had wished,elevating my spirits, restoring lost selfbelief, and rekindling the optimism and positivity of my earlier self. I believe this should be the ideal way to look into life’s precious moments: rather than a competition it should be an opportunity for growth.

TM Prasansa Gunawardena

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Being a Chief Judge in a Toastmasters Speech contest is not just a role; it's an adventure filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and most importantly, making a positive impact. Especially if you're stepping into this position for the first time or contemplating the responsibilities it entails, it takes a lot of gut and grit to capture the essence of being a Chief Judge and explore the key aspects to make the journey both rewarding and fulfilling.

I was given the opportunity of presiding as the Chief Judge at Rajagiriya Toastmasters Club’s Humorous and Evaluation Speech contests which took place on the 22nd October 2023.

Being a Chief Judge in Toastmasters is an adventure that combines simplicity with profound impact. You're not just overseeing a contest; you're facilitating an experience where individuals can shine. It’s all about embracing the challenges, celebrating the victories, and savoring the opportunity to guide your fellow Toastmasters on their journey of growth and success. In the world of Toastmasters, being a Chief Judge is not just a role but a chance to make waves of positive change.

by TM Shenoli Gamage

Vice President Education

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In the dynamic realm of communication and leadership, Toastmasters International serves as a beacon of excellence, empowering individuals to become confident and effective speakers. My personal journey with Toastmasters started as a quest to enhance my communication and networking skills, drawn to the organization's emphasis on practical learning, supportive feedback, and continuous improvement.

Driven by a belief in Toastmasters' transformative power, I took on the role of mentoring a newly formed club within iTelaSoft. Overcoming challenges such as corporate culture complexities and initial skepticism, my focus was on creating a supportive environment for individuals with varying levels of public speaking experience.

Guided by the principle of understanding each member's unique motivations and learning styles, my approach aimed to empower rather than dictate. Encouraging experimentation, risk-taking, and learning from experiences, I witnessed remarkable transformations within the Toastmasters community.

The rewards of this mentorship journey have been evident in the growth, collaboration, and success witnessed within the club. Members, once hesitant in public speaking, have evolved into confident speakers delivering impactful presentations. The collaborative spirit within Toastmasters fosters a supportive community, allowing members to push boundaries and discover their true potential.

The impact extends beyond meeting room walls as members apply gained skills and confidence to their professional and personal lives, becoming more effective communicators, leaders, and individuals.

As the journey of empowerment and growth continues, I extend an invitation to join us. Whether an experienced speaker refining skills or a novice finding their voice, Toastmasters offers a place for all.

Together, we can amplify our voices, enhance communication skills, and become architects of our own success stories.

TM Kasun Fernando Sergeant at Arms

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TM ISIWARA KAVISHA “Since joining Torrington Toastmasters in September, my Toastmasters journey has been a fulfilling exploration of personal and professional growth. The club's supportive environment has provided a platform for me to enhance my public speaking skills, taking them to new heights. Each meeting is a chance to refine my communication abilities, and the constructive feedback has proven invaluable. Beyond skill development, the club has introduced me to a diverse and engaging community of fellow Toastmasters, fostering connections with many remarkable individuals.

Overall, my experience with Torrington Toastmasters has been both enriching and enjoyable, marking a significant chapter in my ongoing journey of self-improvement and communication mastery.”

“Introduced by a dear friend, I attended my first Torrington Toastmasters meeting, not knowing it would be the start of a profound journey. From that initial encounter, I fell in love with the warmth of the crowd, the genuine connections with people, and the lively atmosphere. As a prospective member, the club's spirited and welcoming ambiance further captivated me.

Themed meetings, meticulously crafted by the dedicated members, revealed the heart and soul poured into each gathering. Choosing Torrington Toastmasters was an easy decision — every person exuded inspiration. Today, I'm not just part of a club; I'm part of a family that collectively paves our way to a better future, embracing growth, and fostering a spirit of heartfelt inspiration.”

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TM GAHANA KARUNANANTHAN

Except for a few occasional tips, I've never taught anyone anything earlier. So, when Mr. Gimhan Sooriyabandara gave me the chance to train a team at Ananda Balika Vidyalaya, I was surprised, but I couldn't turn down the offer, so I agreed. I was assigned to train Meththa House for the ABV Inter-house Debating Championship. In the beginning, we were all clueless. I was the youngest person there, and I struggled to actually do a teacher's role, but with my co-coach, Yathindra, I took up the job to teach. The team, on the other hand, was clueless as well. As a school new to debating, it was normal, as I remember myself struggling similarly in my early days.

The tournament had four preliminary rounds. On the first day, I introduced myself and the team introduced themselves too; Sinadi first, then Dinuri, Sayuni, and finally Amashi. Two of the debates were prepared, and two were impromptu. We won and lost, but the team never got discouraged. I was proud to see their perseverance. Although the odds were 50-50, we made it to the semi-finals and then to the finals.

On October 9th, the finals were held at the ABV auditorium. I watched the debate through a video call from the UK. After an intense debate, Meththa House emerged victorious. We were all ecstatic. I was still unable to process the joy while I was speaking to the group over the phone.

A candle never dims by lighting another, but the room lightens more. As a person who believed in that, I was very proud to see the girls win the series. I was also proud of my rival coaches, who trained their teams so that the journey wasn't easy for us. Now we are all friends; no more coaches and no more students

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TORRINGTON

SHENANIGANS

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CONTACT US @ttmc_d82 @TTMCd82

WE MEET EVERY

1 & 3 st

rd

SATURDAYS At the Academy of Finance

TM Thalaal Naushad President 2023-24 +94 78 286 7215

TM Shenoli Gamage Vice President Education +94 76 410 3973

2002thalaal26@gmail.com

shenoligamage@gmail.com

TM Prasansa Gunawardana Vice President Membership +94 71 330 9484

TM Geethika Perera

prasansakdutmc@gmail.com

Vice President Public Relations

+94 71 868 5051 geethikasenod@gmail.com