Leaders In The Wild
Think leadership only happens at the front of the room? Think again.
We are starting a new recognition campaign titled, “Leaders in the Wild.”
We’re Catching Leadership in Action all across District 2. It’s in the way a member welcomes a nervous guest, the way a VPE solves a scheduling puzzle, and the way a mentor listens more than they speak.
From the Zoom chat to the “meeting-after-the-meeting,” District 2 is leading everywhere. Where have you seen leadership in action recently?
Attend tonight’s Town Hall to see who will be the first to be recognized!
#LeadersintheWild #D2Leadership #EverydayLeadership #District2Toastmasters
Anu Jokinen
District Director, 2025-2026
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Lead Higher. Grow Faster. Start your ascent today.
Yes, You CAN!
You’ve found your voice; now find your horizon. A rewarding world of leadership awaits beyond your club’s doors. By serving as a 2026–2027 District Leader, you will empower others, expand your network, and unlock a deeper level of personal growth.
The District 2 Leadership Committee (DLC) is seeking dedicated members for the District Executive Team (serving July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). Available roles include:
- Area & Division Directors
- Club Growth, Program Quality, & District Directors
- Finance, Administration, & Public Relations Managers
Serving in these vital roles may fulfill the one-year leadership requirement for your Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation.
How to Apply
To qualify, you must be a member in good standing within District 2. Please review the Call for Nominations Form for role competencies and submit the following four documents:
- District Leader Nominating Form
- Candidate Application
- District Leader Agreement and Release Statement
- District Leader Biographical Information Form
Find all details on the District Leader Nominations website. Submit your application to the DLC by February 28, 2026.
We look forward to your nomination!
Melissa Jean, DTM, IPDD District Leadership Committee Chair
| | Rebecca Murray, DTM, President-Elect Michael Bown, DTM National Speakers Association NW Toastmasters International Director | | |
Stronger Together, Powered by the Future
Our logo a human hand holding a glowing, digital microphone surrounded by circuits—captures our intent perfectly: the future is in our hands, every voice matters and collaboration is the circuitry for our future!
A Conference Designed for Voices, Vision, and What Comes Next
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, we gather both in person and virtually with our hybrid conference at the Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma, at the beautiful Point Ruston Waterfront, 5123 Grand Loop, Ruston WA for a full day of innovation, using technology to amplify human voices and preparing today for tomorrow’s opportunities.
What to Expect
> Two powerful Keynote speakers:
Michael Bown, DTM Toastmaster International Director
Rebecca Murray, DTM President Elect, National Speakers Association NW
> 3 Tracks to guide our educational sessions:
· The Future of Confident Speaking
· The Future of Bold Communication
· The Future of Engaged Leadership
> The District 2 Contest
Join us on May 16, 2026 for a one-of-a-kind hybrid conference where leadership, technology, and human connection converge. Whether you attend in person at the Point Ruston Waterfront or join us virtually, you’ll leave equipped, energized, and future-ready.
👉 Register now. Bring your voice. Build the future—together.
Act now before March 31st for Early Bird Special
Roxanne Spring, DTM
Conference Marketing Chair 2026
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District 2 Website Launch – Phase 1 is Live!
We’re excited to share that Phase 1 of the new District 2 website has officially launched!
A huge shout out and heartfelt thank you to our Public Relations Manager, Marty Varela, and our Webmaestro, Leah Ammon, whose hard work, creativity, and dedication made this transition to a new platform possible. From behind-the-scenes planning to bringing the site to life, their commitment has been incredible.
This launch marks just the beginning. Phases 2 and 3 are already in progress and will roll out before the end of the Toastmasters year, with continued enhancements to better support our clubs, leaders, and members.
Marty and Leah are also very open to feedback and would love to hear what you would like to see on the website to support you on your Toastmasters journey. Your input will help shape what comes next as we continue building a site that is member-centered, unified, and future-ready.
Take a look, explore what’s new, and stay tuned—there’s more to come!
Anu Jokinen
District Director, 2025-2026
| | | Dates will be added as scheduled! Additionally, Clubs can schedule to participate in a District Leader led Moments of Truth Assessment during their club meeting. See Great Strides Incentive for details. | | |
The Sparkle & Shine - D2 International and Humorous Area Speech Contest - Areas 32, 33, 35
🌟✨ SAVE THE DATE – Saturday, February 21, 2026 ✨🌟
Featuring the amazingly talented Amanda Clothier as our Contest Toastmaster!!!
Come for the inspirational and humorous speeches. Stay for the community.
Saturday, February 21, 2026
The Brightwater Center
22505 WA-9, Woodinville, WA 98072
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Bring your club members, family, and friends.
Come ready to sparkle & shine.
We will see you there!
Katie Munoz – Area Director C32
Roxanne Spring, DTM – Area Director C33
Kelly Fallucca – Area Director C35
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Dear Area and Division Directors,
February marks the official beginning of District 2 Speech Contest season. As District Leaders, you are responsible for collaborating with your Contest Committee to ensure all contests adhere to the Toastmasters International Speech Contest Rule Book. To create a supportive environment where members can develop their communication and leadership skills, the following expectations and responsibilities have been outlined.
Reporting of Club Contestants & Volunteers
To allow enough time for the Area Contest Staff to collect and verify contestant eligibility, a preferable deadline for submitting the Notification of Contest Winners is at least one week prior to the Area Contest. Your committee may require more or less notification time. However, YOU have the discretion to establish and communicate a submission deadline that best suits your clubs and contest committee.
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Clubs should submit their contestants to the Area Director or designated contest chair using the Notification of Contest Winners Form Item 1182, regardless of the selection method used by the club.
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Each club submitting contestants is requested to provide two volunteers to fill official contest functionary roles such as judges, ballot counters, timers, sergeants at arms, toastmaster, hosts, etc. Preferably, clubs should submit their volunteers at the same time they submit their contest winners.
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To help you track all contestants forms and volunteers please consider using the Area Contest 2025-26 Workbook. After conclusion of your contest, you can use this form to submit your volunteers for credit toward the District Participation Incentive.
Contestant Forms
The preferable time to submit contestant forms is alongside the notification of Contest Winners; however, forms may be submitted prior to the contestant briefing at the contest. Each contestant must submit the following forms for every contest in which they participate:
Communicating Contest Date and Times
If you have not already done so, please complete the Contest Sign-Up worksheet so we can list your contest on the District website. To help you plan for how many people will be attending, you can use the links on the Contest Resource Page to have attendees register (this is not a requirement to attend the contest).
It is your responsibility as the Area Director to email your clubs the date, time and location of your contest, including contestant reporting times and form submission deadlines. Understanding that some clubs may still be choosing their contestants, you have the discretion to waive the January 31 club contest deadline as long as the waiver does not create a burden on your contest committee and does not exceed your deadline for submitting the Notification of Contest Winners.
Celebrating the Area Contest
The Area Contest is designed to foster a supportive environment where both contestants and contest staff can further develop their communication and leadership skills. Beyond the competition itself, the contest serves as an opportunity for everyone involved to come together and celebrate their achievements and growth.
Awards and Recognition
· Please ensure that you download and provide the appropriate speech contest certificates to each participant and winners. Area Directors should have received the medals, to present during the awards ceremony in recognition of contestant accomplishments.
Capturing the Moment
· Taking photos at the contest is optional. If you wish, you may submit photos for publication in the District Starburst newsletter by using the Starburst Newsletter Post Request form. Please remember to obtain consent from all individuals before taking and publishing any photos.
Notification of Area Contest Winners and Volunteers
· After announcing the winners of the Area Contest, you are required to complete a Notification of Contest Winners Form Item 1182 and submit the form to your Division Director.
· We encourage you to have any contest winners advancing to the Division Contest to complete the Speaker’s Certification of Eligibility and Originality for Item 1183 Rev 03/2025 before leaving the contest to submit with the notification of contest winners form to your Division Director.
· Please email your Area Contest volunteers to d2tm.pqd@gmail.com, with the subject line Area ## Contest volunteers to receive credit for the District Participation Incentive.
Finally, remember to celebrate with your team!
Still have questions?
Feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding this email. You are also welcome to register to attend the Town Hall on Feb 2, https://www.d2tm.org/event-details/town-hall-lets-get-2gether-on-the-2nd.
Following tonight's Town Hall, I will host an exclusive Q&A for Area and Division Directors. You are also encouraged to attend the Team Leads Training for Area and Division Directors on February 11 https://www.d2tm.org/event-details/team-leads-training-for-ad-divd-2026-02-11-19-00.
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Great Strides Incentive
Put Your Plan Into Action
The Great Strides Incentive aims to put your Club Success Plan into action. Now is an ideal time to assess whether Toastmasters supports your members’ 2026 goals. If not, or if you're unsure, consider having your club complete a Moment of Truth exercise to better align your plan with members' needs.
To receive the Great Strides $25 Incentive:
Minimum of 4 club officers trained and ONE of the following options:
· Upload Moments of Truth Analysis & Recommended Action added to Club Success Plan
· Upload Pathways Themed Open House
· Submit a Club Success Plan (if not previously created prior to 11/1/2025).
See the Great Strides Requirements via the District Incentive Tracker for option details.
Questions? Contact Program Quality Director, Roberta Craig
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Your Voice Matters
Let’s Shape District 2 2Gether!
The final winner of the Moments of Truth Surveys over the last few weeks is: Susan Beecher of Impromptus Northwest Toastmasters.
You still have until February 15 to complete the Moments of Truth for Club Officer Training Credit Assessment.
According to Psychology Today, 80% of people abandon their New Year's resolutions by the first week of February. Reasons for such failure rates are as follows:
- Unrealistic Goals: Setting huge, overwhelming goals without smaller milestones makes them feel unattainable, says Western University and Verywell Mind.
- Lack of "Why": Focusing on what to do rather than the deeper reason for change reduces motivation, according to Verywell Mind.
- Behavioral Traps: People often rely on willpower rather than building sustainable systems, and big changes require transforming into a new version of themselves, notes Medium.
This Survey of the Week is an exploration to set the standard for positive growth along your Toastmaster's Journey.
One survey. One minute. One stronger community.
Take the Survey of the Week!
Surveys feature a different topic each week and can also be accessed through the link on the District website. Your voice helps us grow together, one response at a time.
Please reach out to Roberta Craig, PQD, if you have any questions.
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Stepping into the Arena
I’ve always enjoyed competing. You win some, you lose some, and either way, you learn from the experience. When I was seven, competing in math felt straightforward–losing showed me my gaps and winning confirmed my process. Competition, to me, was information.
I took chances at contests simply to give my best shot and gather information. That changed when I competed in the District Contest in 2023, filling in as the runner-up. I was filled with imposter syndrome and didn’t feel like I had earned the spot. My motivation to practice shifted from giving a valuable speech to proving myself–I didn’t realize how many nerves I had until then.
During my speech, my heart felt ready to leap out of my chest and my hands were sweating. After the competition, I didn’t place, but I felt relief once the pressure lifted and I could analyze the speakers who followed. Reflecting later, I realized how sensitive I was to feedback at the time, avoiding critique because I feared it would confirm I wasn’t fit to represent the competition. Competition is valuable, but it’s easy to get into your head depending on the mindset you adopt.
When I worried more about placement than personal growth, I stopped using competition as my practice arena. It became stifling–something I avoided.
That’s the mindset I try to return to now. Toastmasters competitions don’t have to be a verdict on your ability–they can be an arena to practice, learn, and gather information. If your club still has a chance to compete, give yourself permission to step into that arena, not to prove yourself, but to grow as part of your Toastmasters practice.
Vincent Tang
VPPR of Story Weavers Toastmasters (#00819229)
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How Toast of the Town Helped Me Deliver the Talk of My Career
When I walked into the ballroom at the DONA International Conference in Seattle last month, ready to present a 90-minute workshop on culturally-informed postpartum nutrition to hundreds of birth professionals, I carried something unexpected with me: a serving tray.
There was no podium—just this makeshift lectern someone handed me to hold my notes. But here's what I did have: months of preparation, honest feedback, consistent practice, and a Toastmasters club that showed up for me in every way that mattered.
Toast of the Town, my club in Seattle, Washington, was instrumental in making that presentation a success. Not because they offered generic encouragement or told me I'd do great—but because they gave me exactly what every speaker needs: flexibility, honest feedback, and a community committed to growth.
The Preparation That Actually Worked
I've been a member of Toast of the Town for [timeframe], and I've learned that good public speaking isn't magic—it's preparation. When I started developing my DONA talk, I knew I needed more than solo practice in front of a mirror. I needed real people, real feedback, and real opportunities to refine my message.
That's where my club made all the difference. When I asked to be added to the speaking schedule to practice sections of my workshop, the answer was yes. When I needed to work on specific skills—eye contact, pacing, transitioning between topics—members gave me detailed, actionable evaluations. When I recorded an early version of my talk (that I couldn't even bear to watch myself), fellow Toastmasters offered thoughtful critiques that helped me see what I couldn't see on my own.
The flexibility Toast of the Town showed me wasn't just convenient—it was essential. Preparing for a 90-minute workshop with interactive activities and scenario-based learning required a different kind of practice than a standard speech. My club adapted. They understood that sometimes growth means doing things that aren't traditional. That willingness to be flexible while maintaining high standards made my preparation possible.
Feedback That Made the Difference
I used to think I was a naturally good speaker because I'm comfortable with impromptu conversation. Toastmasters taught me I was wrong. I'm actually better at structured speaking—but only after I learned how to truly use feedback.
The evaluations I received at Toast of the Town were specific and honest. Members told me exactly where I rushed through content, when I lost eye contact, and how my notes were controlling me instead of supporting me. They pointed out the moment in my speech when the room's energy shifted, and helped me understand why.
That level of detail transformed my preparation. When I practiced with my mom and her nursing-school friend, when I ran through sections on Zoom with coworkers and family, I knew what to focus on—because Toastmasters had already shown me where the gaps were.
On the day of my DONA presentation, when I had to improvise with a serving tray instead of a podium, when I walked through the projector light while managing slides, when I adjusted my pacing based on the room's energy—I was drawing directly on skills my club helped me develop. The feedback I'd received wasn't just helpful. It was the foundation of my success.
The People Who Showed Up
Toast of the Town has followed the Toastmasters International program since 1988, and that legacy of commitment to growth was evident in how members showed up for me. They didn't just attend meetings—they invested in my development. They stayed after sessions to discuss my approach. They offered specific suggestions. They celebrated progress and challenged me to do better.
When a participant at DONA came up to me afterward and said, "I finally understand how to honor my clients' food traditions without appropriating them—you gave me a framework I can actually use," I felt the weight of that accomplishment. But I also knew I hadn't done it alone.
The Real Gift
Toastmasters didn't teach me to be perfect. It taught me to prepare well. To seek honest feedback. To be resourceful about practice. To lean on people with a growth mindset who are willing to help.
That's what Toast of the Town gave me—not through some magic formula, but through flexibility when I needed it, honest evaluations when I asked for them, and a community of people who genuinely cared about helping me succeed.
To my fellow Toast of the Town members: thank you for showing up. For being flexible. For caring enough to give me real feedback. You made that DONA talk work. And you've reminded me what Toastmasters is really about—not individual achievement, but the community that makes growth possible.
About the Author: Kristin Stinavage is a member of Toast of the Town Toastmasters in Seattle, WA. As a postpartum doula and CIA-trained chef, she recently presented "Healing Through Food: Culturally-Informed Postpartum Meal Planning to Nourish Families and Build Resilience" at the 2025 DONA International Conference in Seattle.
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VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 28
What is YOUR Club’s Secret Sauce?
In past articles, we touched on personal branding pertaining to leadership and Toastmasters International branding. Today is about your club’s Secret Sauce.
What does your club want people to remember or feel after only one visit.
What do you want to be known for?
Example: Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters is
known for Sparkle & Shine—a culture where members are encouraged to let their magic rip in a safe and fun environment. Other clubs are known to be advanced, humorous, or focused on a specific niche.
How to brand your club
· Create a short tagline that matches your vibe.
· Show proof: photos, short clips, member wins, or guest reactions.
· Repeat it everywhere: website, social media, meeting scripts, follow-up emails.
Why it matters: Your vibe attracts your tribe.
CTA: If you don’t promote your vibe yet at your next meeting ask members to finish the sentence: “Our club is known for…” Choose the best line, make it your tagline, and post your proof this week. Always lead with Toastmasters Brand messaging and then your club’s unique perspective.
Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
Connect with me on LinkedIn
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Secrets to successful Podcasting
Are you curious about what it is like to be a podcaster? Are you hesitant to do the Level 4 project, Create a Podcast? What does it take to start a pod cast?
On Feb. 10 you can find out. Michael Dugan of “Voice for Chefs;”; Todd Cudaback and Jackie Bailey of “In the Groove With Todd and Jackie”; and Malaina Palmer Simmons of “His Arm Is Outstretched Still” will give us the scoop. As participants in a panel discussion, they will tell us about starting and running successful podcasts. The topics of their podcasts are diverse, but they are passionate about their interests. Their experience levels range from recently going solo to very experienced.
Eastside Leaders Toastmasters is hosting the panel discussion at its monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month. .
Date: February 10, 2026
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m. PST (The Zoom doors are open at 6:45 p.m.)
Location: Zoom Online
Meeting Registration link : https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_gnBasl9Q7aPfu30I8l9cw
If you have any questions, please contact Kumar Kannadiapalayam at kumark.d2tm@hotmail.com or Tom Hager at tomhager2070@yahoo.com.
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Yes, We’re Going There!
No subject is too forbidden for this club to explore. Join
us for our February Open House, where we boldly explore the Dark Side of
Toastmasters.
We cultivate a safe, compassionate space, to practice public
speaking on unexpected themes. And YOU are invited!
Frankly Speaking is a place to freely speak frankly, because
what's said in Frankly, stays in Frankly.
Join us every 2nd Friday of the month at 7:00 – 8:30 pm Pacific on Zoom!
Meeting ID: 682 006 972
Password: 1909950
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Is your club holding a special event? Celebrating a milestone? Or want people to know of a significant upcoming meeting they should join? Want to include your post here for next week's newsletter?
Fill out this form to submit your post request
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2025/2026 Starburst Submission Guidelines
We're excited to share our guidelines for submitting articles to Starburst, our official District 2 newsletter. Your club's special activities deserve the spotlight, and we're here to help you shine!
Guidelines for Article Submissions:
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Topic: Focus on club special events.
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Word Limit: Try to limit posts to 200 words or less.
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Images: You may include one image with your article. Ensure it follows the Toastmasters Brand Manual (You may have to login to the Toastmasters main Site to access) and contains minimal text. We're happy to help create one if needed. If the image doesn't meet TM guidelines, we'll work with you or recreate it if we don't hear back.
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Contact Information: All articles must include your club website and/or a contact email for more information.
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Event Posts: Submit up to three consecutive posts for a single event.
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Deadline to Submit: 5:00 PM on the Friday before the upcoming Monday Starburst release.
Submission Process:
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Use the submission form to send us your article requests.
- We look forward to showcasing your amazing events in Starburst!
If you have any questions or need more clarity, feel free to reach out to Marty Varela
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Register to receive the Starburst Newsletter
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Have a Starburst suggestion? Please check out our Starburst Suggestion Box (only 5 questions), to help us improve the Starburst Newsletter!
| | How did you like this week's Starburst? | | | | This newsletter was edited by - Marty Varela, Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is for the sole use of Toastmasters members for Toastmasters business only. It is not to be used for solicitation and distribution of non-Toastmasters materials or information. | | | | |
