Beyond the Familiar: Pathways, Shared Stories and International Connections

Sunday, 27 September 2026 · 8:00 PM · Sri Lanka time

Meeting recap

By Jaffna Toastmasters Club · Published

What happens when we step beyond the familiar? At Jaffna Toastmasters Club’s online meeting on 27 September 2026, that question connected a lively evening of learning, impromptu speaking and conversation with fellow Toastmasters joining from overseas.

Our theme, “Beyond the Familiar,” and word of the day, “uncharted,” encouraged everyone to explore new experiences and perspectives. Club President TM Thulasi Muttulingam welcomed members, guests and visiting Toastmasters, while TM Parathan Thiyagalingam guided the meeting and supported the timing and language reports.

The evening began with a Round Robin led by TM Anbalahan Paul. Participants built on one another’s words in short contributions, creating a shared conversation about unfamiliar situations, personal growth and human connection. It was a warm introduction to the theme and an opportunity for everyone to speak.

A special thank-you goes to TM Kirthika Pravinkumar, President of Vavuniya Toastmasters Club, for the educational session “Choose your path, shape your future.” She explored how Toastmasters Pathways can support communication and leadership goals, encouraging members to choose their learning direction based on their interests and the skills they want to develop. The discussion also highlighted the value of practice, mentoring and keeping track of progress.

An interactive exchange followed, with participants reflecting on skills such as humour, persuasion and confident communication. Members also shared their experiences of different approaches to learning, making the session a conversation about what helps people take their next step.

Table Topics brought the theme to life through impromptu speeches about changing plans, stepping outside comfort zones, navigating unfamiliar places and reconsidering assumptions. The contributions showed how everyday experiences can become stories that connect with an audience.

We are grateful to the visiting Toastmasters who contributed both as speakers and evaluators. Their feedback offered practical guidance on speech structure, conclusions, vocal variety and delivery. Alongside the meeting’s role-player reports, these evaluations gave participants ideas to carry into their next speaking opportunity.

Thank you to our educational speaker, visiting Toastmasters from overseas, guests, members and role players. Your willingness to share, listen and encourage one another made this an evening of connection as well as learning.

Continue the conversation with us at our next in-person meeting at Jaffna American Corner at 3:30 PM. Guests are welcome; please check our upcoming meeting listings or contact the club for the date and visiting details.

Members, guests and visiting Toastmasters joining the 27 September online meeting.
Members, guests and visiting Toastmasters joining the 27 September online meeting.
TM Kirthika Pravinkumar presents the educational session on Toastmasters Pathways.
TM Kirthika Pravinkumar presents the educational session on Toastmasters Pathways.
Exploring the structure of a learning path during the Pathways educational session.
Exploring the structure of a learning path during the Pathways educational session.
Table Topics in progress during the “Beyond the Familiar” meeting.
Table Topics in progress during the “Beyond the Familiar” meeting.

Join us at an upcoming meeting


Original meeting invitation

Online meeting

Jaffna Toastmasters Club’s online meeting on 27 September 2026 explored the theme “Beyond the Familiar,” with the word of the day “uncharted.” The programme included Round Robin, Table Topics and “Choose your path, shape your future,” an educational session on Toastmasters Pathways led by TM Kirthika Pravinkumar, President of Vavuniya Toastmasters Club.

Meeting poster for 2026-09-27
Select poster to view full size.

This meeting has taken place. Browse meetings.