An Introduction to
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person.
MISSION
CORE VALUES
We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
ENVISIONED FUTURE
To be the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development.
R I S E
espect ntegrity ervice xcellence
Toastmasters International is celebrating an incredible milestone this year! It has been a whole century since the first Toastmasters meeting was held in 1924, due to the pioneering vision of founder Dr. Ralph C. Smedley.
Since then, Toastmasters has continued to inspire and nurture generations of leaders and speakers, giving them the skills and confidence needed for them to thrive
Here’s to another century of transforming lives and creating leaders!
WHO ARE WE?
CIPM
TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Area 4 Division C District 82
CIPM Toastmasters Club is a community club with a variety of members from diverse backgrounds. It was chartered in 2009 as by Mr. Rohitha Amarapala.
When do we meet?
We meet every second and fourth Thursdays from 6.00 PM to 8.00 PM.
Where do we meet?
At CIPM HR House, Narahenpita
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
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
TM Yasasmi Gamage
As we gather for this edition of our newsletter, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the creativity and dedication that each of you brings to our Toastmasters Club. Your contributions not only enrich our collective experience but also inspire one another to think outside the box and explore new ideas. This newsletter is a testament to the diverse talents we have among us, showcasing articles that reflect our members' unique perspectives and insights I encourage you to dive into these creative pieces and engage with one another as we continue to foster a supportive and innovative environment Thank you for being a vital part of our journey together!
Happy Reading :)
TM Yasasmi Gamage President (2024-2025), CIPM Toastmasters Club
MESSAGE FROM THE AREA DIRECTOR
TM Dinusha Withanage
It is a true privilege to address you through the CIPM Toastmasters Club newsletter as the Area Director of Division C4. With its outstanding legacy in District 82, your club has manifested durability and sustained its heritage for a decade and a half. The members are the backbone of the club's success, and I extend my sincere appreciation to each of you for your enduring commitment
In every Toastmasters club, the members are the driving force behind progress, and CIPM Toastmasters exemplifies this beautifully through the collaboration of its seasoned and newer members. Your passion and dedication embody the very essence of Toastmasters.
Among the many values we uphold, Service stands out as one of the most significant. Service to members and the broader community is at the heart of everything we do.
Service in Toastmasters is about creating an environment where every member is supported in developing their communication and leadership abilities It reflects a spirit of giving back,
with members sharing their knowledge, offering guidance, and creating opportunities for others. This culture of service not only strengthens the club but also fosters personal and collective growth.
As we look to the future, I am inspired by the journey that lies ahead for us all. Let us work together as an Area, building connections, sharing experiences, and collaborating with other clubs to maintain momentum and realize the full potential of our clubs. By standing united and supporting one another, we will reach new milestones and continue to thrive Wishing you all the best as you work to grow, achieve success, and make a positive difference for your members and the community.
Dinusha Withanage Area Director of Area 4 (2024-2025), Division C, District 82, Toastmasters International
MESSAGE FROM THE DIVIS DIRECTOR
TM Rosanne Ranasinghe
"Toastmasters are educators, whether they realize it or not, and Toastmasters is more than a club it's an education."
This quote by our Founder, Dr. Ralph C Smedley, can be applied to the members of the CIPM Toastmasters Club, who initially join CIPM as students seeking a degree in personnel management. However, their affiliation with CIPM continues long after graduation as they remain active members of the CIPM Toastmasters Club.
Learning is a lifelong journey, and the education offered in a Toastmasters club extends far beyond delivering speeches. It is a place for personal and professional development, focusing not only on communication skills but also on leadership growth While public speaking is a key area of focus, its impact ripples far beyond the podium Toastmasters clubs provide a supportive learning environment, where members help each other by offering constructive, positive feedback It is a safe space for growth not a place for perfection, but one where skills can be honed without fear of ridicule, fostering self-confidence and empowering individuals to reach their potential
We are not just here to learn, but to teach, inspire, and help others realize their dreams.
We all know that the true value of knowledge lies not only in what is learned, but in how it is shared When knowledge is passed on, it is like a lighted candle that spreads its light. The CIPM Toastmasters Club has fostered the spirit of sharing knowledge by mentoring the CIPM Gavel Club, passing on insights, and helping young people discover their potential. Helping others grow is one of the core principles of the Toastmasters learning program and helps create a stronger, more connected community
My own experience of sharing knowledge is like a warm glow that starts as a tiny spark but gradually spreads to warm your entire being
Each year, a new team of leaders steps up to guide the club forward The energy, enthusiasm, and camaraderie shared among the members are contagious There is a collective commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a standard club meeting can achieve, striving for creativity and excellence. Toastmasters is not only about individual achievement, but also about the shared growth of a community of learners. The relationships formed, the experiences exchanged, and the bonds built among members are central to the Toastmasters ethos, creating an environment that empowers individuals to achieve their full potential
In short, we are not just here to learn, but to teach, inspire, and help others realize their dreams
I wish the CIPM Toastmasters Club a fantastic 2024-2025 term, where every member works not only towards personal growth but also towards the growth of the entire community.
Best wishes, Rosanne Ranasinghe Division Director C (2024-2025), District 82, Toastmasters International
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
TM Lochana Ranasinghe -
VP Public Relations
Greetings Readers!
I’m happy to present to you the first edition o for the year 2024/2025! The goal of publishin to show you, the reader, the true essence of w Toastmaster, specifically, a CIPM Toastmaste
I am eternally grateful to the people who have made it possible for BLOSSOM to be brought before you. First and foremost, I must thank the executive committee of CIPM Toastmasters club and all the other members who helped bring this newsletter to life. I’m also very grateful to TM Rosanne Ranasinghe, Division Director of Division C, and TM Dinusha Withanage, Area Director of Area 4, DIvision C, for taking the time to send us their thoughts and warm wishes. I am immensely thankful to the editorial team, TM Suneth and TM Sonashi
I hope that this newsletter gives you food for thought and chances to blossom. Happy Reading!
TM Lochana Ranasinghe, Editor of Blossom - Volume, VP Public Relations(204/2025), CIPM Toastmasters Club
Editorial Team
BLOSSOM CIPM Toastmasters Club |
TM Suneth Bandara
TM Sonashi Rathnayake
MEET OUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
TM Yasasmi Gamage VP
MEMBERSHIP
TM Dulith Perera
SECRETARY
TM Ramona Fernando
VP EDUCATION
TM Gaya Rajapaksha
VP PUBLIC RELATIONS
TM Lochana Ranasinghe
TREASURER
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
TM Lalith Kumara
TM Ashlani Upeka
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
TM Dinusha Withanage
THE FIRST STEP...
Thoughts from Our New Members
Joining the CIPM Toastmasters Club has been a truly transformative experience for me. It’s where I’ve gained confidence in public speaking, sharpened my leadership skills, and connected with an inspiring community of individuals.
Each session is an opportunity to learn grow, and push beyond my comfort zone, all with the guidance of experienced mentors and the encouragement of fellow members.
This journey has not only enhanced my communication abilities but also empowered me to become a more confident and effective leader. It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m excited to continue growing with the club..!
TM Dilusha Silva
Toastmasters is based on belief in the individual. … Many organizations ask the individual to subordinate himself to the group. Ours is the only organization I know that is dedicated to the individual.
- Dr. Ralph C. Smedley
It’s been a few months since I joined Toastmasters CIPM, and I’ve got to say that it has been a great experience so far. It gave me the opportunity to establish connections with new people, and I’m glad to be surrounded by people who encourage me to go beyond my comfort zone.
TM Jason Gurusinghe
BREAKING THE ICE: OVERCOMING FEAR AND FINDING MY VOICE
TM Shalini Herath
Joining the CIPM Toastmasters Club in February 2024, after several delays, was a transformative step for me. On my first day, I attended as a guest of TM Kavingi Perera, feeling nervous yet excited Despite my initial shyness, I felt welcomed and at ease with the members, which boosted my confidence. To my surprise and delight, I was awarded Best Table Topics Speaker on my very first day
Now, after nine months, it feels like I've been part of this vibrant community for much longer. I’ve made it a priority to attend meetings regularly, completing two speeches under the Presentation Mastery path and taking on various roles in club activities under the guidance of my mentor as well as the
great support with senior members. One highlight was serving as the Contest Master for the Evaluations and Humorous Speech Contest for the 2024/2025 Toastmasters year for the club level and area level. I’ve also had the privilege of networking with professionals from diverse industries and attending two conferences, which further enriched my experience
Joining the Toastmasters Club has significantly enhanced my public speaking and presentation skills. These skills have translated directly into my professional life, improving my effectiveness in staff training sessions and lectures Becoming part of this community is one of the most valuable decisions I’ve made, and I look forward to
Toastmasters Journey!!!
Becoming part of this community is one of the most valuable decisions I’ve made...
Cheers to my Toastmasters Journey!!!
ACHIEVEMENTS
CLUB CONTEST
Humorous Speech Contest
DTM Arjuna Jayadarshana
TM Dulith Perera
TM Thilini Rajapaksha
Evaluation Speech Contest
DTM Arjuna Jayadarshana
TM Lochana Ranasinghe
TM Gaya Rajapaksha
AREA CONTEST
Humorous Speech Contest
DTM Arjuna Jayadarshana
1 2 3 1 3
TM Dulith Perera
DIVISION CONTEST
Evaluation Speech Contest
DTM Arjuna Jayadarshana 1
Humorous Speech Contest Third PlaceDTM Arjuna Jayadarshana
MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS
ICEBREAKER
TM Sonashi Rathnayake | TM Ranuli Wimalaratne | TM Shalini Herath | TM Lalith Kumara
TM Ayesha Siriwardana | TM Ramani Jayawadana | TM Ashlani Upeka | TM Yasasmi Gamage
DTM Nehansa Weerasinghe | TM Ramani Jayawardana | TM Ashlani Upeka
TM Thangavadivel Nirusan | TM Shanaka Wijewardhana
TM Maheshi Fernando
COMPLETION OF PATHWAYS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
TM Dinusha Withanage
LEADERSHIP BEYOND THE CLUB LEVEL
TM Dinusha Withanage - Area Director of Area 4, Division C (2024/2025)
CLUB ACHIEVEMENTS
CIPM Toastmasters was awarded the Quality Club Award yet again at Ovation 2024
We were the very first among the district to get recognized for successfully taking part in the YOU PLUS ONE campaign organized by District 82
EVENTS CALENDAR
APRIL 2024 - NOVEMBER 2024
April 18
May 9
May 30
June 27
June 15
July 11
July 25
August 8
August 22
September 12
September 19
September 26
October 10
October 24
November 7
November 28
Sinhala and Tamil New Year Themed meeting
Physical Games or Online Games? Themed Meeting
My Toastmasters Journey Themed Meeting
Educational Meeting
Club Outing and Cricket Themed Meeting
New Beginnings Themed Meeting
Law of Attraction Themed Meeting
Speak Up - YOU PLUS ONE Themed Meeting
Brothers and Sisters Themed Meeting
The World of Video Games Themed Meeting
Evaluations and Humorous Speech Contest - Club Level
Evaluate to Motivate Educational Meeting
Past vs. Future Themed Meeting
100 Anniversary Celebration Themed Meeting
Joint Meeting with LSEG Toastmasters Club
Holiday Season Themed Meeting
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 7
December 12
December 21
Second COTP (Club Officer Training Program)
Educational Meeting
Special Joint Meeting with CIPM Gavel Club
PERSONAL BRANDING FROM TOASTMASTERS
TM Dulith Perera - VP Membership
Personal branding is very important in today’s world, and Toastmasters is a great place to build it Toastmasters helps people gain confidence by practicing public speaking in a safe, supportive environment Each meeting gives members a chance to speak in front of others, helping them become more comfortable and confident. This growing confidence makes it easier for people to share who they are and what they stand for, which is essential for a strong personal brand
Clear communication is also key to personal branding, and Toastmasters provides many ways to improve it. Members give speeches, practice impromptu speaking, and get feedback to learn how to speak clearly and effectively Being able to express ideas in a way that others understand and remember makes a person’s brand stronger and more unique
Being able to express ideas in a way that others understand and remember makes a person’s brand stronger and more unique.
Leadership is another part of personal branding, and Toastmasters offers many ways to practice it. Members can lead meetings, take on roles within the club, and even mentor others These experiences build leadership skills and help people develop a brand as reliable, supportive, and responsible leaders. A strong leader’s personal brand attracts respect and trust, qualities that are valuable in any field
Networking in Toastmasters also helps with personal branding With clubs worldwide, members meet people from different backgrounds and professions. This network helps members grow their visibility and connect with others who can support their goals. A wide network extends a person’s brand and opens doors to new opportunities for learning and growth.
Perhaps the most important part of personal branding is being genuine, and Toastmasters encourages this by allowing members to be themselves. Each person’s brand should reflect who they truly are, and Toastmasters helps people build an authentic, consistent image. Through regular practice, members learn to present a personal brand that is both unique and true to themselves.
In short, Toastmasters is more than a place to practice public speaking, it is a platform for building a personal brand. By helping members grow in confidence, improve communication, develop leadership skills, connect with others, and stay authentic, Toastmasters allows people to create a strong, memorable brand. Each meeting and speech reinforce this brand, helping members stand out in their personal and professional lives. In today’s competitive world, a strong personal brand built through Toastmasters can make a big difference in achieving success and recognition.
GAME CORNER
Find the word in the puzzle.
Words can go in any direction. (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal). Words can share letters as they cross over each other.
Word List
Communication
Leadership
Evaluation
Contest
Mentor
Speech
Confidence
Pathways
Impromptu
Networking
by TM Shalini Herath
“Your Toastmasters club is your laboratory in which to try experiments in better communication.”
-Dr. Ralph C. Smedley
CIPM Toastmasters Club, Area 4, Division C, District 82
TM Dulith Perera (VP Membership): +94 77 117 2830
CONNECT WITH US
