IN THE SPOTLIGHT
JOIN
DISTRICT 2 PARLIAMENTARIAN
RICK SYDOR, DTM
on Thursday, November 20th, 2025
at 7:00 pm PST for a
Parliamentary Procedure Training
RECEIVE ROUND 2 CLUB OFFICER TRAINING CREDIT FOR THIS SESSION
This interactive session will guide you through how to make motions, respond, object, and participate effectively in votes and discussions. You’ll leave feeling empowered to apply these techniques at the spring business meeting and beyond.
Register Now!
Questions? Contact Program Quality Director, Roberta Craig
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“Nobody wants to be the boss anymore. Here’s why, in just 7 words.”
This was the shocking headline of a Fast Company article I read this past week. It highlighted a surprising trend: fewer people want to step into leadership because they aren’t given the training or support to succeed. In Toastmasters, we know the answer: leadership grows through consistent practice, not a single seminar.
Leadership isn’t a title you earn and forget. It’s a journey you walk, a muscle you build, and a mindset you practice. And the most fertile ground for that growth is within an active club, where roles, from President to General Evaluator, offer real, repeated opportunities to lead, support, mentor, and grow.
Here’s where you come in:
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Help us create new clubs in workplaces and community groups. Every new club becomes a leadership lab, not just a meeting place. Please reach out to our Club Growth Director, Joanna Tavera, for support.
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Volunteer to serve as a mentor, club coach, or District leader. Leaders don’t grow from workshops alone; they grow from doing leadership with support and feedback. Please let us know what leadership roles you are interested in on this form..
When a club thrives, growth unfolds naturally: members find their voice as speakers, and speakers grow into leaders. It’s exactly what many organizations are missing today- structured pathways, real-time learning, and meaningful practice.
Let’s build more spaces for leaders to grow.
Anu Jokinen
District Director, 2025-2026
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New Club Announcement
District 2 Welcomes AGL-Toastmasters
The Club Growth Team is thrilled to announce the newly chartered club:
Club Name: AGL-Toastmasters
Club Number: 28679138
Charter Date: 13 October 2025
Area 43, Division D
District 2 extends a warm welcome to AGL – Toastmasters Charter Members! Cheers to the many speeches, leadership opportunities, and personal growth ahead!
Special Recognition:
- Hugh Bailey, AGL – Toastmasters Coordinator and catalyst to start the AGL-Toastmasters Club.
- New Club Sponsors: Katie A. Munoz and Kelly A. Fallucca. Thank you for your leadership and sharing your Toastmasters knowledge.
Good Fortune to Katie and Kelly as the continue to serve as the new club mentors.
On behalf of District 2 and the Club Growth Team may you have many successful years.
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Simply AI: The Edge for Influence & Impact
The Full 2-Hour Immersive Experience
You may have seen it before — but this time, we’re taking Simply AI to a whole new level!
Get ready to ignite your influence and electrify your communication! Josh Hindman presents the full 2-hour immersive edition of Simply AI — the workshop that’s been wowing audiences across the district. With Chris Rimple managing the technology and Marty Varela as our virtual MC, this will be an experience you don't want to miss!
This highly interactive, hybrid experience combines the best of in-person energy and virtual engagement. Whether you join us onsite or online, you’ll experiment, cooperate, and discover how to make AI your creative collaborator — helping you write smarter, present stronger, and amplify your authentic voice.
Step into a world where ideas spark like neon circuits and creativity hums like jet-age innovation. Register now! Space is limited.
Date: Saturday, December 6
Time: 1 – 3 PM PST
Location: Bellevue City Hall | Room 1E-108
450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004-5514
Parking: Complimentary visitor parking off 110th Ave NE. Overflow on P3 (employee garage, entrance off 112th Ave NE). Open-air; vehicles left overnight may be towed.
Simplify AI. Amplify Your Voice. Prepare to be WOWed!
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District 2 Incentive Tracker
Attention Club Officers!
As clubs, you can earn District 2 Dollars by completing various incentives and then use those dollars to support your club’s goals. Clubs often spend these dollars on things like open house refreshments, Zoom accounts, or meeting space rentals.
In the past, however, many clubs found it challenging to track how much they had earned or to see which incentives were available.
The Incentive Tracker solves these frustrations! This new software will allow you to:
- Easily submit and review available incentives
- Track the status of your submissions and awards
- View your club’s progress in real time
To view the training session, click the following link.
Anu Jokinen
District Director, District 2 Toastmasters
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Your Voice Matters
Let’s Shape District 2 2Gether!
Winner for the week of 11/10/2025 - Liv Johnson of Olympus Toastmasters
This week's survey is on Daily Gratitude. The holiday season is just around the corner. Creating a gratitude jar or journal is a way to focus on daily experiences, relationships, personal achievements, or simple pleasures.
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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Road to Distinguished
Creative Ways to Encourage Participation in Club Meetings
For a unique way to repurpose Pathways projects, please join the Distinguished Office Hour on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 at 6:00 pm AKT/7:00 pm PST. Here you will experience an encore performance of the Membership Development Day session Pathway Project to Workshop. Register for this game-changing session now!
Does your club struggle to get members to sign up for meeting roles? Changing up your club’s meeting format may be the key to engaging both new and longtime members.
Table Topics: Zombie Apocalypse Edition One of my club’s favorite October meetings is the table topics Zombie Apocalypse. In this activity, members select three items from a free Jeopardylabs.com board—similar to the concept of story cubes—and use them to craft a 1 to 2-minute table topic response. The twist is that if a member uses more than five filler words or does not meet the time requirements, they “become a zombie.” This adds a fun, competitive edge to the traditional table topics session.
Backwards Meeting: Another favorite among many clubs is the backwards meeting. The format is simple: flip the meeting upside down for a fresh and entertaining experience. Evaluators begin by identifying how a speaker can “improve” their speech, such as by reducing distracting body movements. Then, speakers deliver their speeches, incorporating the feedback from the evaluators. The focus of a backwards meeting is to emphasize fun and creativity over perfection, making it enjoyable for everyone involved.
Theme Speech A-Thon: Consider organizing a theme speech a-thon, where members can vote on the funniest, tallest tale, or most “spooktacular” speech. Speech a-thons offer a lively, engaging open house opportunity and provide a platform to showcase the speaking skills of both new and seasoned members. For example, Palmer Toastmasters has hosted a Laugh Out Loud open house every autumn for several years, highlighting the club’s spirit and camaraderie.
Wheel of Toastmasters: If your club is experiencing difficulties getting members to volunteer for meeting roles, one creative solution is to introduce a “Wheel of Toastmasters.” This interactive approach involves using a spinning wheel to randomly assign meeting roles to members for the next session. By incorporating an element of chance and fun, the Wheel of Toastmasters encourages participation and ensures all roles are filled, helping meetings run smoothly and engaging members in a lighthearted manner.
For more creative meeting ideas, check out the Road to Distinguished office hours Wednesday at 6-7 PM Alaska, 7-8 PM Pacific.
Click here to register for the Wednesday evening sessions!.
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Unlock Your Potential At A Pathways Office Hour!
Bring Your Questions!
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.
These sessions are the perfect opportunity to ask questions, gain valuable insights, and enhance your Toastmasters experience, whether you’re new to Pathways or seeking targeted advice. We will also present a project from the Education Series that are a part of the new Pathways Enhancements requirements.
Put Pathways projects to work! Join the Distinguished Office Hour on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 at 6:00 pm AKT/7:00 pm PST. Where you will experience an encore performance of the Membership Development Day session Pathway Project to Workshop. Register for this game-changing session now!
Visit the District 2 Event Calendar for Pathways Office Hours.
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Karen Lezon
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Moments of Truth
Club Officer Training
This is part of a mid-year club officer training incentive
As part of the District’s mission to support all clubs in achieving excellence, “Moments of Truth” reviews the standards necessary to create positive impressions about club service and provides a club evaluation exercise.
Clubs have the option to receive Club Officer Training by responding to the District Moments of Truth Survey* and having a district leader present their club results at a club meeting before February 28, 2026.
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Check out the D2 YouTube site to learn more about Moments of Truth and how it can enhance your member experience .
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Download Moments of Truth materials to prepare your club for the experience.
Make a difference in your club today!
*Minimum 8 surveys per club must be submitted to qualify for District Bucks incentive. Clubs with less than 8 members are encouraged to invite a district leader or guest to submit a survey response.
Program Quality Director, Roberta Craig
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District 2 Club Recognition
November Charter Anniversaries
Congratulations to all the Clubs celebrating chartering in the month of November!
District 2 celebrates the dedication of every past and current member who has helped develop a supportive environment for growth. May you have many more years of transforming lives, one speech at a time!
District 2 Club Growth Director, Joanna Tavera
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VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 18
🌟 Leadership Presence – Gratitude in Action
“Gratitude
turns moments into movement.”
We often talk about personal presence—how we show up as individuals—but presence wears many faces.
Today’s spotlight is on Leadership Presence, the kind that uplifts others simply by example.
When I think of gratitude in action, I think of Marty Varela, DTM, our
District 2 Public Relations Manager.
Marty embodies what it means to lead with heart—consistently connecting, motivating, and finding ways to elevate our district in all that she does. Her leadership reminds us that influence begins with appreciation.
Leadership is not about control—it is about connection.
True leaders remember to…
✨
Thank their teammates publicly.
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Acknowledge effort, not just results.
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Celebrate small wins.
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Offer feedback that fuels growth.
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Encourage someone who is nervous to try again.
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Share what they have learned to help others shine.
📝 Challenge: Take a moment today to thank someone who has helped you grow—in ways big or small. Gratitude, when expressed, multiplies impact.
Let’s keep turning gratitude into forward motion for our amazing district!💫
Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
#LeadershipPresence
#GratitudeInAction #Toastmasters #District2 #ProduceYourPowerfulPresence
#ThankfulLeadership #LeadWithHeart
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Feedback: From Flinching to Flourishing
By Vincent Tang
Have you ever avoided feedback – not because you didn’t care, but because you cared too much?
I still remember doing my mentor when I first joined Toastmasters. I wasn’t ready to hear all the things I could’ve done better. What if he pointed out every flaw I didn’t know I had? It felt safer not to know – at least for a while.
There are many reasons feedback can feel hard to accept – fear of inadequacy, wounded pride, or disbelief that others see something we don’t. Over time, I’ve found one tip that helps me overcome that discomfort and conveniently, it’s already built into the Toastmasters program.
If there’s one takeaway I hope you remember, it’s this: being specific about your speech goals and your feedback – changes everything.
- Ask for Specific Feedback
I used to ask my evaluator “Please give me general feedback.” That’s like bracing for a punch and saying, “Hit me anywhere.” You might survive, but it might sting.
When you ask for targeted feedback, for example, “Can you focus on my vocal variety and pacing?” – you’re guiding your evaluator. It helps them help you. You’ll also find that feedback feels less personal and more purposeful.
Does that mean general feedback has no place? Not at all. It’s valuable when you’re exploring blind spots or early in a project. But once you identify what you want to strengthen, narrowing your focus helps you see progress more clearly.
- Use Pathways Projects to Guide Feedback
One of the best built-in tools for this is the Pathways Program. Each project already gives you a feedback focus. For example, in “Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language,” the goal is simple: practice using vocal variety or body language to enhance your speech.
That clarity is powerful. When you (and your evaluator) both know the focus, feedback becomes less intimidating and more constructive. You can actually track growth from one speech to the next.
- Create a Culture Where Feedback Feels Normal
You can also shape a feedback-friendly environment by modeling it yourself. Don’t just rely on your evaluator – ask a few trusted members to watch for something specific, for example, “Can you let me know if transitions feel smooth?”
I once had a fellow member who asked for feedback after every role – whether as Timer, Toastmaster of the Day, or Table Topics participant. Their openness inspired me to start doing the same.
If you club meets online, you can even message someone privately before your role. Giving them a heads-up ensures they’re looking for exactly what you care about, and most members are happy to help when they’re prepared.
Final Thoughts
If you find yourself recoiling from feedback – like I once did – or if you’re a mentor helping someone through that stage, start by anchoring the conversation in specific goals. Whether it’s the speech objectives in Pathways or a personal communication milestone, clarity turns feedback from a punch into a precision tool for growth.
Toastmasters is a culture built on feedback, but it only thrives when we embrace it. The more we normalize giving and receiving feedback, the more we grow – not just as speakers, but as people who can take a punch and turn it into power.
By Vincent Tang
VPPR, Story Weavers Toastmasters #00819229
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High Desert Toastmasters Hosted Powerful Suicide Awareness Event
Two Rivers Correctional Inst. Toastmasters Club #01348808
On October 25th, High Desert Toastmasters, in NE Oregon, held a deeply moving and informative Suicide Awareness Event, attended by approximately 40 inmates and guests. The Toastmaster of the Evening (TMOE) introduced the speakers and shared sobering statistics: nearly 49,000 lives are lost to suicide each year in the US, with nearly 900 occurring in Oregon alone.
The TMOE also highlighted key warning signs to watch for—changes in mood or behavior, expressions of hopelessness, or social withdrawal. Legal troubles or other major stressors should never be dismissed. These indicators can be cries for help.
Nearly everyone in attendance had been personally affected by suicide. Five courageous speakers shared heartfelt testimonials, recounting how suicide had touched their lives and how they had faced their own struggles. Their stories underscored the importance of compassion, connection, and early intervention.
The speakers urged everyone to reach out to those who may be suffering in silence. Sometimes, simply listening can be the first step toward healing. They also encouraged attendees to seek help for themselves, lean on their support networks, and engage in uplifting activities.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
By Cheri Liller
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GATHER WITH US TO SHARE WARM STORIES OF APPRECIATION ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAKE OUR DAYS BRIGHTER.
At Story Weavers Toastmasters you can learn to tell your story in a fun, supportive atmosphere. We come from all walks of life and are united in our confidence that compelling stories are the foundation of great communication!
Join us Thursday, 20th, November at 6:00 p.m. PST via zoom.
Questions? Contact Vincent Tang
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Change: The Charm and the Challenges
Professionally Speaking Invites You
November 20, 2025, 6:30-8:00 pm PST
Step into a meeting designed to challenge, inspire, and
expand your speaking skills.
Experience two engaging speeches, four in-depth evaluations,
and on-theme Table Topics open to all participants.
Every third Thursday, our advanced club delivers high-impact
learning with distinctive themes and transformative feedback.
This meeting will be available live and virtual-only. Guests
are welcome. We invite you to grow with us!
Register here!
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JOIN IMPROMPTUS NW FOR
SOMETHING NEW
on Zoom
on Thursday, November 20th, 2025
at 7:30 PM PST Time/6:30 PM AKT
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Better Speaker Series Workshop!
Beginning Your Speech & Controlling Your Fear
Join Conservatively Speaking Toastmasters (not Political, Just Polite) for an empowering session designed to help speakers of all levels start strong and stay calm.
Whether you're new to public speaking or looking to refine your delivery, this workshop offers practical tools and supportive guidance.
Date: November 22
Time: 9AM PST
Location: St. Madeleine Sophie Koinonia Room,
4400 130th Pl SE, Bellevue, WA 98006
What You’ll Learn:
- How to craft a compelling opening
- Techniques to manage nervousness
- Tips for building confidence and connection
Questions? Contact Kevin Morgan
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Thank Goodness For Toastmasters!
Seattle International 10 celebrates the benefits of Toastmasters
Who: Seattle International 10 Toastmasters
Speakers:
KYLE HALL, DTM, PDG: "Membership...with Benefits"
DIANN HITZEL: "The Adventure Continues"
When: November 22 at 1 p.m. PST
Where: Online only. Please contact club for Zoom link.
Seattle International 10 Toastmasters was chartered in 1933. It is the 10th Toastmasters club to be chartered and the first Toastmasters club to be chartered outside of California. We are an advanced club comprised of past and present district leaders and Distinguished Toastmasters.
Join us to celebrate the many ways Toastmasters has enriched our lives. You, too, will say :
"Thank Goodness for Toastmasters!"
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Contest Confidential: Session Four of the Contest Prep Series
Presented by Leading Edge Toastmasters
Lessons of Mentorship Along the Path to District Champion
🎤 Featured Speaker: Benny Mobley
What does it take to become a District Champion?
Who helps you rise, refine, and reach the next level?
In this fourth session of our Contest Confidential series, Leading Edge Toastmasters proudly welcomes Benny Mobley, the 2025 District 2 Toastmasters International Speech Champion. In his speech, “Lessons of Mentorship Along the Path to District Champion,” Benny shares the pivotal feedback, encouragement, and relationships that shaped his contest journey—and how mentorship can elevate your own speaking.
📅 Event Details
When: Saturday, November 29th
Time: 8:30–10:30 a.m. Pacific
Where: Hybrid (Online via Zoom & In-person
🔗
Join Zoom Meeting
In-person: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 105 State St S, in Kirkland
To attend in person, please get in touch with Kyle McEligot
🌐 Leading Edge Website
🚀 Elevate Your Contest Game
Thinking about competing in upcoming Toastmasters speech contests?
From now through December, each Leading Edge Toastmasters monthly meeting features a keynote designed to sharpen your contest skills.
📩 Questions?
Contact Kyle McEligot for more information.
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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. | | | | |
