MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU! | |
May the Fourth Be with You Specials!
On Site & Virtual Time sensitive Offers for TODAY only!!!
“Master & Apprentice” -- 24 Hours Only
The Force is strong in District 2, and it’s stronger together.
Register with one Full-Day Onsite “Master” conference ticket ($200) and unlock a "Padawan Pass" for a guest or first-time attendee for the legacy cost of $150.
Available for 24 hours only.
Don't hyperjump into the future alone. Bring a protégé, a mentee, or a fellow club member to experience the high-tech, high-human-touch atmosphere of the 2026 Conference. Ensure the next generation of leaders is ready for the future.
The "Hyperspace Digital Sprint”
Jump to Virtual Hyperspace
Purchase 2 Online Tickets, get 1 FREE.
Enjoy the full conference from the comfort of your own home, while multitasking or in your pajamas. Recordings will remain available for a year.
Expect a world-class digital experience, proudly produced by the experts at Engaging Virtual Meetings!
Every Hyperspace Bundle purchased grants the buyer 3 entries into a drawing for a Club Zoom Package (a tech-upgrade kit or a specialized "Hybrid Meeting" consultation).
*Plus, all ticket holders receive full access to on-demand recordings of every session so you can watch and re-watch at your own pace.*
ATTENTION Clubs!! Do you have unused District Bucks???????
You may use your unused District Bucks to be reimbursed for these virtual tickets!! Truly an WIN WIN opportunity!
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POWERPOINT-FREE!
Let's Meet Trainer Extraordinaire,
Lee Amatangelo, DTM
Lee, what leadership positions have you held in the corporate setting?
- Business Leader, Visa
- Vice President, JP Morgan Chase
- Vice President, Washington Mutual
What leadership roles have you held within Toastmasters that you are the most proud?
- Distinguished Toastmaster, Toastmasters International and member for past 34 years
- Member in following Toastmasters Districts: 1, 2, 4, 32
- Has held all club officer role, as well as club sponsor, club mentor, and club specialist
- Held following District level positions: Area Governor, Asst-Division Governor (three times), Speechcraft Chair, Youth Leadership Chair, Club Rescue Chair, Club Fitness Program Chair, and Starburst Editor (District 2 online weekly newsletter)
- An original member of the D2 Club Fitness Program, a past Club Fitness Program Chair, reimagined the Speakers Bureau to be used within District 2, as well
- Helped form 30+ new clubs
What communication accomplishments have you achieved in Toastmasters and outside of Toastmasters?
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Completed 50 Competent Communicator awards, 50 Advanced Communicator awards, and typically speak about 60 times a year (non-COVID-19 years)
- Delivered over 1000 speeches/presentations
- Coordinated and taught at over 30+ Speechcraft/Youth Leadership programs - crash courses in Public Speaking
- Delivered numerous workshops on Public Speaking, Storytelling, and Humor to Toastmasters and non-Toastmasters audiences
- Keynote and educational speaker at District and Regional Toastmasters Conferences
- Emcee and speaker at non-Toastmaster events throughout the community
- Delivered several Chautauqua presentations, which are one-person shows as an historical figure where you first speak as that historical person and why you were poised in history to make a difference, then take questions as that figure, lastly take questions as you: (1) J. Robert Oppenheimer (father of the Atomic Bomb); and, (2) Thomas Jefferson (author of the Declaration of Independence, driver for the Bill of Rights, and Third President of the U.S.)
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Professional Storyteller - Storytellers Association of California; member of Storymasters guild in Los Angeles
I have heard you are an avid Speech Contestant and Contestant Mentor, how have you faired?
- 2025 District 32 International Speech Champion
- 2023 District 1 International Speech Runner-up
- 2019 District 2 International Speech Runner-up
- 2014 District 2 International Speech Champion
- Competed at Semifinals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 2013, 2014, 2015 District 2 Tall Tales Party Champion (sponsored by several D2 clubs)
- 2013 District 2 Table Topics Runner-up
- 2009 District 2 Evaluation Champion
- 2009 District 2 International Speech Champion
- 1995 District 1 Evaluation Champion
- Competed at Regionals (Semifinals) in Oakland, California
- World Championship of Public Speaking Contestant Coach – helped seven D2 speakers get to the Semifinals and one on the World Stage.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We look forward to your session at the 2026 D2 Conference. What will be the high-level view of your two workshops for the Confident Speaker track?
These two sessions will be highly interactive, hands-on, and by the end of the sessions, the attendee will walk away with a stronger confidence in themself and be equipped with a guide to continue to grow that confidence. We will discuss the communication and leadership tracks within Toastmasters. These sessions will also be very flexible and will be driven by the direction the audience wants to go. Some may want to learn more communication skills, others may want to do a leadership project; we will handle both.
Whether you want to be a great communicator or a successful leader, it all starts with confident speaking. This track will help you get there.
If you love PowerPoint Presentations, these two sessions are NOT for you!
Hope to see you there. -Lee
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BREAKING NEWS!!
Special Incentive for Basket Donations
Clubs the donate a basket or gift card, for a value of $50 or more, will be eligible for a special prize drawing of $50 cash to be used however they wish!
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We are thrilled to announce our latest Leader in the Wild recipient:
Dennis Armstrong!
As a reminder, our "Leaders in the Wild" initiative is all about shining a spotlight on those who lead from wherever they are. While we often recognize formal titles, this campaign celebrates the consistent, impactful actions that happen in the "wild"—the everyday moments where members step up, support others, and drive our Toastmasters community forward without needing a podium to do so.
“If it is to be, it is up to me.” “If not me, then who? And if not now, then when?”
Dennis Armstrong lives by these powerful mottos, embodying a sense of personal responsibility and urgency that makes him a standout leader and a true asset to our District 2 community. With over four decades of dedicated service, he represents the spirit of a "leader in the wild" through his tireless commitment to the growth and retention of others.
A Toastmaster since 1978, Dennis continues to seek innovative ways to mentor and coach members, specifically bridging the gap between personalized support and the Pathways program to ensure no one is left behind. His leadership is defined by a deep-seated passion for building welcoming, enthusiastic club cultures and a drive for continuous improvement.
Thank you, Dennis, for your decades of world-class fellowship and your unwavering dedication to our community. Congratulations on being our newest Leader in the Wild!
Anu Jokinen
District Director, 2025-2026
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Stronger Together – Powered by the Future
District 2, the energy of an in-person conference is something a screen simply cannot capture. On May 16th, we aren't just meeting; we’re reconnecting at the stunning Silver Cloud Hotel in Point Ruston on the Tacoma waterfront.
This is your invitation to step away from the webcam and into the room where it happens. An in-person ticket is your all-access pass to:
- The Atmosphere: Feel the electricity of the District Speech Contests live.
- The Connection: Network over a premium catered lunch and savory snacks with friends old and new.
- The Growth: Dive deep into three future-ready education tracks covering everything from AI and Emotional Intelligence to Bold Communication.
- The Fun: Exclusive entry into our prize-packed raffles!
While we offer Online Access Tickets for those who can’t travel, nothing beats the "high-touch" experience of being there. Between the waterfront views and the breakthrough sessions, this is the milestone event of our new alignment.
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Keep the Baskets Coming!
District 2 Toastmasters Conference 2026
The Conference is nearly two weeks away—and
there is plenty of time to show off your club’s shine by donating a themed basket
for raffle! While the original deadline has passed, clubs can still join the
fun by bringing a themed basket or $50+ gift card to the event. Bonus:
you’ll receive a verbal shout-out during the conference!
Feeling pressed for time? Gift cards are always a hit—think a
“Taste of the Neighborhood” bundle—gift cards to local eateries with a curated snack box and a map of must-try spots.
Keep those photos coming! Send your basket or gift card pictures by Friday, May 8 to Audrey Perkins at aperkins1888@gmail.com to be featured in Starburst and on the D2 website.
We are thrilled by the creative, generous baskets our District 2 community is contributing to the conference. These raffle items help make the event more fun and support future member programs.
Special shout-out to Camille (Lake Pend Orielle Toastmasters)
and Hiroko (Story Weavers) as this week’s donators, and to Victoria (Forever
Improving Toastmasters) and Hiroko (Green River Toastmasters) for sharing this
week’s featured photos.
Big thanks to our generous clubs: Redmond Nights, Public
Speaking Northwest, Valley Club Juneau, Barkley, Christy Helvajian, Green
River, Peak Speakers, Seattle Excelorators, Faithfully Speaking, Greenspeakers,
Spokane Uptowners, Eastside, Sparkling Synergists, Extraordinaires, Area 22,
Forever Improving Toastmasters, and Edmonds Toastmasters, Lake Pend Orielle
Toastmasters and Story Weavers!
Attending the conference? Raffle tickets are easy to grab—pay with cash or credit card at the event.
Let’s raffle up some excitement—see you at the conference!
AI Assistance Disclosure: Portions of this content were
drafted or edited with the help of AI tools and have been reviewed and approved
by the author.
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NEWS FLASH
Virtual Ticket Drawing
Exciting news! Thanks to an anonymous donor, clubs who purchases a virtual ticket will be entered to win a grand prize drawing for a year of paid Zoom for their club! A $170 value! Get your virtual ticket today!
District 2 Toastmasters | 2026 CONFERENCE
Marketing Committee
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Be the spark!
Bring your employer on board as a Conference Sponsor.
Big changes often start with small actions—and this is one you can take today. You already believe in the value Toastmasters: your growth, your connections, the confidence it builds. As a member, you’ve seen firsthand how powerful this community is. Now extend that by inviting your employer to be a sponsor at the May 2026 District 2 Conference.
By introducing this sponsorship opportunity, you’re helping your employer do both—invest in their people and strengthen their presence, all while supporting a cause you’re already passionate about. You could be the reason- your action can turn possibility into a long-term collaboration. Don’t know where to start? We have you covered with ready-to-use materials - email templates, sponsorship levels at the Club Comms and Sponsor Kit - Google Drive site.
Have more questions? Contact Rekha Nair, DTM
District 2 | 2026 Conference | Sponsor Committee.
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Unlock Your Potential with Pathways Office Hours!
Get your questions answered!
Curious about Pathways or need guidance on your Toastmasters journey? We’re here to
help! Wondering what the new Vintage Paths and the Path Enhancements mean for
you or your club? Come on by!
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.
Join us for the next Pathways Office Hour:
•Date: Monday, May 11th
•Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM Pacific Time, 4:00 – 5:00 PM Alaska
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.
Don’t miss your chance for personalized support—register now!
Visit the District 2 Event Calendar for
Pathways Office hours in June.
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Karen Lezon at kmlezon@comcast.net
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VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 43
My Ego Objects: How to Receive Feedback Without the Freakout
Last week I posted an unedited video I delivered to my club, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters, on how to give the perfect evaluation, “Toast Don’t Roast.”
This week is the counter video on how to receive feedback, “My Ego Objects: How to Receive Feedback Without the Freakout.”
Receiving an evaluation can feel personal. After all, you worked on the speech, practiced the words, and took the virtual or in person stage. Then someone offers suggestions, and suddenly your inner judge grabs the gavel and shouts, “Objection!”
It is important to remember that even though our ego might be feeling attacked, evaluations are not attacks. They are gifts of perspective. Feedback helps speakers grow, strengthen self-awareness, and improve their impact.
Check out the video on the Public Speaking Northwest YouTube channel for tips on receiving feedback without the freakout:
This Week’s Challenge:
If your club does not record your speeches. Record yourself. Do not watch your speech on the same day. Watch it the next day when you can be more objective. Be sure to try out the filter I shared in the video. It is in the doing of our craft that our actions reward us with mastery.
Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
Connect with me on LinkedIn
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Can I use AI when writing my speech?
By Vincent Tang
Recently, I met a speaker who used AI to write their entire speech. It made me pause: does that still count as the Toastmasters experience?
I’ll start with a full disclaimer. I use AI when writing and refining my thoughts. Even this article has benefited from suggestions and edits to improve clarity. So this is not a stance against AI. It’s a question about how we use it.
When I think about AI in Toastmasters, I keep coming back to intent. If I generate a full speech with AI and simply deliver it, am I practicing communication or am I outsourcing part of the learning process?
Before answering that, it helps to consider something familiar. Many professionals, including politicians, use speechwriters. In that sense, using AI is not entirely new. The difference is not the tool, but the purpose behind using it.
There are cases where using AI makes sense. If a speaker is focused on delivery (vocal variety, body language, stage presence) then using AI to draft a speech can free up time and energy to develop those skills. In that context, AI becomes a tool that supports a specific goal.
There is also a way to use AI that reinforces learning. You can draft a speech to the best of your ability, ask AI to refine it, and then ask why those changes were made. This approach keeps you engaged in the writing process while giving you insight into structure, clarity, and word choice. Over time, you begin to internalize those improvements.
However, there is a real danger if we are not intentional.
If your goal is to build confidence in organizing ideas, AI can quietly remove the very struggle that creates growth. It will always be able to suggest improvements. It will always be able to restructure your speech. If you keep asking for changes, it will keep giving them, even if those changes only align with conventional standards rather than your own thinking.
Toastmasters is designed to develop skills through practice. In Table Topics, you do not have the option to pause and ask for refinement. You are asked to think, organize, and speak in the moment. That process can feel uncomfortable, but it is where growth happens. The more you practice forming ideas on your own, the more confident and capable you become.
The same applies to prepared speeches. Writing a speech from scratch forces you to wrestle with your ideas. What is my message? How do I structure it? What story best supports it? These are not just steps to produce a speech. They are the skills we are here to build.
The danger is not that AI gives you a better speech. It’s that it can replace the effort required to become a better speaker.
In the end, it comes back to what each Toastmaster wants to develop. Some may prioritize delivery. Others may want to strengthen their writing. Some may use AI as a coach, while others may rely on it as a shortcut. The tool itself is not the issue.
AI will likely be part of our lives for years to come. As Toastmasters, the question is not whether we use it, but how. Are we using it to support our growth or to bypass it?
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For Those Who Want More
Experience Professionally Speaking
At Professionally Speaking, each speaker receives 17 minutes of in-depth, topic-specific feedback designed to sharpen skills and elevate performance—whether you are a speech contestant, public or professional speaker, or presenter refining your craft.
We meet Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (Zoom and in person).
Come grow faster. Speak stronger.
Find Zoom registration and in-person meeting information on our homepage: https://www.prospeakerclub.com
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Frankly Speaking Open House
Let’s Explore IDIOMS
Hold on to your hat, while we pull back the curtains of your future on cloud nine! Because we are shovel-ready to help you take on your next speaking project and knock it out of the park. Join us at the Frankly Speaking
Open House on May 8, 2026 7:00 – 8:00 pm Pacific.
Frankly Speaking is a place to freely speak frankly, because what's said in Frankly, stays in Frankly. You belong here.
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Cracking the Interview Code
Save the date, Tuesday, May 12 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. PT, for a panel discussion on job interviewing.
Danial Matchett has built experience over almost a decade of navigating upward mobility professionally.
Drawing from work with Amazon, Danial has climbed the leadership ladder and learned a few things on the way up. Exposed to different types of managers, having interviewed others, and been in lots of interviews his self, Danial has acquired some best practices along the way. He has personally helped 100 or more team members promote up and find success. on their goals. He's invested in his leadership journey with trainings like MITT / landmark, and continues to surround him self with amazing coaches and friends. Get to know Jackie and Danial at Eastside Leaders!
Hosted by Eastside Leaders Toastmasters. Register here.
For more information, email : secretary-2444484@toastmastersclubs.org
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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. | | | | |
