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Let's Get 2Gether On the 2nd
Join us on October 2nd at 6 pm AK/ 7 pm PT for our next Town Hall session!
This your opportunity to
- Network with fellow D2 members
- Share successes from the first quarter of the Toastmasters year
- Ask questions
- Provide feedback to our District leaders
Please register here!
District 2 Director, Anu Jokinen
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FROM YOUR DISTRICT DIRECTOR
⏰ The clock is ticking—just 24 hours remain for clubs to submit their Club Success Plan and ensure at least 8 member payments are in by 9:59 pm AK/ 10:59 pm PT on September 30th!
But let’s pause and remember what renewal truly means.
For me, Toastmasters is more than a club or a meeting—it’s a safe space where I can take risks, challenge myself, and grow in both communication and leadership. It has expanded my network, introducing me to people who have deeply enriched my life and inspired me in ways I never expected.
Just this past Saturday, my home club, Aspiring Leaders Toastmasters Club, came together for our Adopt-a-Street project in Mukilteo, WA. Side by side, we weren’t just picking up trash—we were strengthening bonds, building community, and living out the values of service and leadership that Toastmasters instills in us.
That’s why I renew. Because Toastmasters is not just about speeches. It’s about growth, connection, and impact. It is life-changing.
🌟 Renew today—and let’s continue to make a difference, together.
Thank you to all the clubs that have submitted their Club Success Plans and at least 8 member dues payments!
Club Success Plans - List here
8 Member Payments - List here
Photo credit: Josh Hindman, VPPR for Aspiring Leaders Toastmasters Club and past D2 PRM 2024-2025
Special thanks to Josh for coordinating the event!
Anu Jokinen
District Director, 2025 - 2026
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Your Voice Matters
Let’s Shape District 2 2Gether!
What’s on your mind? What fuels your growth? What do you want more of in your Toastmasters journey?
Every week, we share one short survey to help us get to know you better — your goals, your challenges, your ideas. It’s our way of listening so we can build stronger clubs, better opportunities, and an experience that truly fits what you need.
Your feedback isn’t just data — it’s a spark for positive change. Take a minute this week to share your thoughts and help us keep Toastmasters member-focused and future-ready.
One survey. One minute. One stronger community.
Take the Survey of the Week!
We’ll be featuring a different survey each week and sharing 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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Club Success Plans Are The Roadmap to Distinguished
District 2 is Smedley Bound!
We have one week before the window of opportunity closes for timely submission of your Club's Success Plan. Visit this week's Distinguished Office Hour to answer questions and/or work on your Club's Success Plan!
Join on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 , for the next Distinguished Office Hour
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM Pacific Time, 6:00 – 7:00 PM Alaska Time
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Unlock Your Potential At A Pathways Office Hour!
Bring Your Questions!
Curious about Pathways or need guidance on your Toastmasters journey? We’re here to help!
Pathways offers an innovative, interactive learning experience designed to boost your communication and leadership skills while fostering personal and professional growth within a fun, supportive community.
Hosted by: Karen Lezon
This session is the perfect opportunity to ask questions, gain valuable insights,
and enhance your Toastmasters experience, whether you’re new to Pathways or
seeking targeted advice.
Visit the District 2 Event Calendar for Pathways Office Hours in October, November, and December.
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Karen Lezon
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Would you like to help your Club grow, be more productive, and improve your Members engagement?
One of the tools that Toastmasters offers is the Moments of Truth (MoT) process.
The process is designed to help Clubs take an introspective look at how they work, how they believe they are perceived, and what they could do to improve.
To start a MoT process for your Club, please have a Club Officer send an email with your Club name, Club number, and contact name and email to the MoT Chair, Richard Ripley (Richard.Ripley@comcast.net).
Please use a subject line of “MoT process request, club name and number”
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Joining the Smedley Challenge
The Smedley Award program runs from August 1 to September 30. Toastmasters International provides details on eligibility and how to participate. To qualify, clubs need to add five new, dual, or reinstated members with a join date within the specified period. The addition of transfer and charter members does not count towards Smedley Award credit. Applications and payments for new members must be received by Toastmasters International or submitted online no later than September 30.
How to grow your club and earn the award?
- Host an open house
- Leverage social media
- Engage with potential members
By actively participating in the Smedley Award challenge, clubs can boost their membership, strengthen their programs, and earn well-deserved recognition for their achievements. This fosters a thriving and supportive environment that benefits all members.
Our District Club Growth Director, Joanna Tavera is ready to help you get started!
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Why discomfort is often a sign you’re stretching, connecting, and improving
by Vincent Tang
Earlier this month, I found myself on stage–tired, underprepared, and looking out at a room full of guests. My breath was uneven, my words stumbled, and I kept wondering if my message was even landing. After these 7 years in Toastmasters, shouldn’t I be past this?
But then it hit me: maybe nervousness isn’t something to get rid of. Maybe it’s something to embrace.
Sure, there are plenty of tricks–deep breathing, pausing for effect, drinking water, but here’s what I’ve started telling myself when the nerves kick in:
If I’m nervous, I’m growing.
Comfort usually means I’m doing something I already know. Nerves mean that I’m pushing myself. Whether it’s tackling a new Pathways project or stepping into leadership, that shaky feeling is proof I’m stretching.
If I’m nervous, I can connect.
When we admit our nerves, we give others something to relate to. “I was nervous too” builds more trust than pretending we never feel it. Vulnerability creates stories people actually remember.
If I’m nervous, it’s a reminder to prepare.
That queasy feeling is often just my brain saying, “I don’t feel ready.” And that’s okay. I don’t have to be perfect, just prepared to the best of my ability. Not anyone else’s.
After my speech, the feedback reminded me it wasn’t my strongest performance and that’s fair. Sometimes we do give it our best and sometimes (like this time) we see gaps we can work on next time. I was happy I finished, breathed, and kept going. That’s the part I’m choosing to hold on to. Nervousness isn’t an identity, it’s a signal. It’s a reminder to recognize the effort we’ve put in and to notice where we can grow.
Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”
So let’s keep going, Toastmasters. Nervous, imperfect, and courageous.
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VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 11
✨ Clarity Is a Shared Responsibility ✨
Do people say to you, “I can’t understand your accent?”
You are not alone—and you can improve clarity while celebrating your unique voice:
🎤 For Speakers:
🐢 Slow down – give your audience time to process your words.
⏸️ Pause often – short breaks create natural understanding.
🔑 Emphasize keywords – let your main points stand out.
🎶 Use vocal variety – pitch, tone, and energy to add clarity.
🤝 Support with body language – gestures and eye contact reinforce meaning.
🤖 Practice with Yoodli – an AI feedback tool that helps spot pacing and clarity challenges.
📖 Use online dictionaries – play the word, then practice it aloud.
👂 For Audience Members:
💻 Turn on captions when available.
💡 Listen for ideas, not perfection.
⏳ Be patient — communication is a two-way effort.
Your accent is your voice’s unique fingerprint. With practice and presence, it becomes your strength—not an obstacle.
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters Website
Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters YouTube Channel
Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
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🌿 Monday Writing Minute with Amanda
How to Start a Journal Practice: A Gentle Guide to Reconnecting with Your Voice
In the whirlwind of meetings, deadlines, and daily demands, it’s easy to lose touch with your inner voice. Journaling offers a quiet space to listen, reflect, and realign. Whether you're a Toastmaster refining your message or a creative soul seeking clarity, this practice can be a powerful companion.
Why Journal?
- To hear yourself think
- To process emotions safely
- To explore ideas before sharing them
Journaling isn’t about being eloquent—it’s about being honest. It’s a space where your thoughts can land without judgment, and your story can unfold without interruption.
Getting Started
- Choose a notebook or digital space that feels inviting
- Set a time—5 minutes is enough
- Begin with a prompt or a feeling
Start small. Let your journal be a place of curiosity, not performance.
Prompts to Try
- “Today I feel…”
- “What I wish I could say is…”
- “One thing I’m proud of…”
- “If I could speak freely, I’d say…”
These prompts are invitations—not obligations. Use them as springboards into your own truth.
Tips for Consistency
- Keep it simple: no rules, no judgment
- Write at the same time each day or week
- Use visuals, doodles, or lists if words feel hard
Consistency builds trust with yourself. Even a few lines can shift your perspective.
Final Thought
Your journal is a mirror, not a performance. Let it reflect your truth, gently and without expectation.
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NATIONAL TUNE-UP DAY
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th, 2025
7:30 PM TO 9:00 PM PDT
THE IMPROMPTUS NW
Bringing you an off-the-cuff experience that cannot be predicted, but is guaranteed to be fun! Who knew that tune-ups could offer challenge and victory all at once. Come curious and leave confident!
Please, join us on Zoom on Monday, September 29th, at 7:30 PM PDT Time/6:30 PM AKT. Doors open at 7:15 PM PDT/6:15 PM AKT
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PANEL DISCUSSION - ONLINE ZOOM MEETING
THE MEANING OF ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th
, 2025
Have you wondered how ethics should apply to your leadership? Make plans to join Advancing Alaska Toastmasters panel discussion on
Monday, 09/29/2025, 6:30 – 8:00 pm AK / 7:30 – 9:00 pm PT.
Three leaders from different backgrounds will discuss the role of ethics in their leadership.
Panelists include past International Director Mary Morrison, DTM; Business Owner Dawn Nelson; and Dr. Tom Nighswander, MD, MPH, teacher & leader in medicine.
All Toastmasters, interested friends and associates are
welcome.
Contact Karen Robinette or Sherrie Simmonds for more information and to request the Zoom link.
Join us to expand & develop your understanding of leadership.
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Toastmasters Extraordinaires Invites You!
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Our Advanced Club is activating our members and friends to help orient you to this wonderful thing we call Toastmasters.
Have you recently joined Toastmasters? Have you found yourself asking the question "What Does That Mean?" in the Toastmasters context. Have you encountered a time when you thought "I wish that I had known that sooner"? Have you wondered what exists outside of your club?
If this sounds like you, our hybrid training is for you!
Join us in person at the Lynnwood Library at 19200 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA, 98036 or via Zoom, Saturday, October 4th, at 10:30 AM PDT Time/9:30 AM AKT. Doors open at 10:00 AM PDT/9:00 AM AKT
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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:
- 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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Starburst Suggestion Box
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. | | | | |
