Fellow Toastmasters! Josh Hindman here. Stepping back into the editor’s chair for the week, feels like the opening scene of a great adventure. The memories and lessons found here truly shaped my life, and I’m thrilled to curate this week’s Starburst for you. The story continues—let's dive in starting with our engaging Simply AI Session on December 6.
Simply AI Highlights!
Saturday's hybrid Simply AI workshop was bursting with discovery, and the biggest breakthrough was this: Toastmasters can unlock incredible results using the Four C’s of AI Prompting — Context, Clarity, Creativity, and Calibration.
Here’s how AI can help you and your club:
1. Speech Openings & Closings (Clarity + Creativity)
Give AI your draft and ask:
“Strengthen this speech for a Toastmasters audience—make it concise, vivid, and engaging.” Clear input + creative twist = a stronger speech.
2. Table Topics Generation (Context)
Tell AI your meeting theme and ask for fun, theme-aligned questions.
The clearer your context, the better the magic.
3. Social Media Ads for Your Club (Creativity + Calibration)
Ask AI to design captions and image concepts in Toastmasters brand colors—then fine-tune (calibrate!) until it hits your club’s voice.
4. Website Visuals & Infographics (Clarity)
Say exactly what you want—“a simple infographic showing our meeting flow”—and AI handles the heavy lifting.
AI doesn’t replace Toastmasters—it amplifies our voices.
Do you have a passion to share? We are looking for a bold leader to take over the Starburst for one week in December!
This is your chance to shine, share your expertise, and bring your unique energy to the District before the year ends.
Don't let this spotlight fade—reach out to Marty Varela right now and claim your week!
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District 2 extends a warm welcome to the Charter Members of Tree Top Toastmasters and Synonym Toast Crunch! May you enjoy many speeches, leadership opportunities, and personal growth ahead!
Club Name: Tree Top Toastmasters
Club Number: CB-28679216
Charter Date: 14 November 2025
Area 72 Division G
Special Recognition:
- Kevin Holland, Tree Top Toastmasters Coordinator and catalyst in starting the Tree Top Toastmasters Club.
- New Club Sponsors: Sam Cooley and Anu Jokinen. Thank you for your leadership and sharing your Toastmasters knowledge.
- New Club Mentors: Sam Cooley and Lucia Lara. Thank you for your commitment to the foundational success of Tree Top Toastmasters.
Club Name: Synonym Toast Crunch
Club Number: CB-28679492
Charter Date: 25 November 2025
Area 55 Division E
Special Recognition:
- Tessa Clements, Synonym Toast Crunch Coordinator and champion to see the Administrative Office of the Courts charter the club
- New Club Sponsors: Michael “Mikey” Miller and Cheryl Marks. Your commitment over the past year has been fruitful.
- New Club Mentors: Cynthia Sanderson and Cheryl Marks. Thank you for continuing leadership in support of Synonym Toast Crunch’s success.
On behalf of District 2 and the Club Growth Team may you have many successful years.
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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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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.
COT Training Spreadsheet
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The District Executive Committee met last week and approved the following for this contest season:
- Areas with four (4) or fewer clubs in good standing will advance the top two (2) contestants to the Area contest.
- Divisions with four (4) or fewer assigned clubs will continue to advance one (1) contestant to the Division contest.
To check if your club is advancing 1 or 2 contestants to the area contest, please click on the following link
Reminder - Please be sure to keep your club in good standing throughout the contest season so your club members will not be disqualified at any time! For more information on club status, click here
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Your Voice Matters
Let’s Shape District 2 2Gether!
In support of the Simply AI Club officer training, we have two survey of the week winners. Elena Brenna and Pete Horne have won their designated club $10 each.
The Three Crack-the-Code Myth-or-Fact Questions from Last Week's Survey:
1. “AI always gives the same answer every time you ask a question.” Myth or fact?
Answer: Myth.
AI responses can vary each time you ask — even with the same prompt.
Small differences in phrasing, randomness in the model, or context from earlier messages can shift the answer. This is why calibration and good prompt structure matter.
2. “AI can create completely original content without using any reference material.” Myth or fact?
Answer: Myth.
AI does not create from a blank universe. It generates new combinations based on patterns it learned from existing text, images, or data. It can feel original, but it is always remixing patterns. Your voice, creativity, and judgment provide the true originality.
3. “Giving AI more context always improves the quality of the answer.”
Answer: Fact (with a little nuance).
More context almost always leads to clearer, more accurate, more useful responses, as long as the context is relevant.
This aligns with the 4 C’s of AI Prompting (Context, Clarity, Creativity, Calibration):
More Context + more Clarity = better AI output.
Irrelevant or overly complex details, though, can confuse the model.
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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District 2 December Charter Anniversaries
December Charter Anniversaries
Congratulations to all the Clubs celebrating chartering in the month of December!
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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Curious about Pathways or need guidance on your Toastmasters journey? We’re here to
help! Wondering what the new Path Enhancements mean for you or your club? Come on by!
Pathways offer 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 tonight for the Pathways Office Hours:
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Date: Monday, December 8th
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Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM Pacific Time, 4:00 – 5:00 PM Alaska
Hosted
by: Karen Lezon
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When Karthika Pillai called with an urgent request, I never imagined it would be for beauty pageant coaching! I almost said no—pageants are not my world—but she reminded me she was seeking my “magical guidance.”
And she was right: the skills we cultivate in Toastmasters open doors to unexpected opportunities. So, I said “yes” … and I am so grateful I did. It was a beautiful, synergistic experience.
Karthika stepped boldly into something brand-new, embraced the thrill of growth, and delivered an unforgettable interview—just days after deciding to compete, her courage paid off: she WON the title of Mrs. India Washington 2025–26!
With the support of Bauer Speak Easys Toastmasters, family, and friends, she is a shining example of Presence in Action.
Please join me in celebrating her extraordinary achievement on the D2 Facebook post at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D13L4R8aA/
Sparkle & Shine, Friends
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
Got questions or a topic you would love covered?
Email me at: k@kellyafallucca.com
Subject: Starburst Request
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters Website
Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters YouTube Channel
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IMPROMPTUS NW INVITES YOU TO BUILD YOUR OWN TED TALK
Ideas change everything and every Toastmaster has an idea worth spreading. Have you fantasized about your fifteen to twenty minute time in the TedX spotlight? Well, now is your opportunity to get ready for that closeup.
John the Impromptus as they lead you through the steps of building your very own Ted Talk! In a four part series, we will craft the basic framework for a personal keynote that you can refine and deliver on demand.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, December 8th, and 22nd, January 5th and 19th at 7:30 pm PST on Zoom.
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Soul Sabbatical
with Lightworkers
Contemplation abounds as meditation, speeches, improvisation and feedback propel our deep journey to explore our spirit’s need to embrace rest.
Lightworkers invites you to craft your very own soul sabbatical on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 at 7:30 pm PDT on Zoom.
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Come join us for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and connection as we wrap up the year together!
Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just curious about Toastmasters, this is
the perfect opportunity to mingle, share stories, and celebrate the holiday season!
Date:
Thursday, December 11th
Time:
4-5:30 PM (PST)
Location:
Hybrid (Teams Link + In-Person)
Teams Link:
https://aka.ms/MSFTSpeakeasyOnline
Physical Address:
3400 156th Ave NE,
Redmond, WA 98052
Contact: Patience Djeuji, VP Public Relations, (425) 736-3139
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Open House: Hear Lived Experience
Join us as we share and learn about Hidden Disabilities. If you have ever wondered what those shoes would feel like, this is your chance to find out.
Explore Hidden Disabilities in a safe, compassionate environment where we practice public speaking on deeply meaningful themes.
Frankly Speaking is a place to freely speak frankly, because what's said in Frankly, stays in Frankly.
Friday, December 12, 7 - 8:30pm Pacific
You belong here!
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Songs, Stories, and Celebration
Professionally Speaking's Annual Holiday Event
Every December, the Toastmasters at Professionally
Speaking give of ourselves at this virtual holiday gathering. We look
forward to welcoming visitors to Zoom in along with us!
December 18, 2025, 6:30-8:00 pm PST
Zoom meeting registration: https://bit.ly/ProSpeakingZoomRegister2025_2026
The gifts we offer cost no money - freely shared to brighten the end of
the year: a short story, a touching speech, a poem, or a joke.
We look forward to shining some light into the lives of our fellow Toastmasters!
Learn More at: Professionally Speaking Advanced Club
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Get Ready for Contest Season
Dec 19th Meeting of Next Level Advanced Toastmasters Club
Join Next Level Advanced Toastmasters Club at its next online monthly meeting on December 19th to learn about a specific contest rule, witness a judges' ballot evaluation and even practice your contest speech!
Next Level Advanced is unlike other Toastmasters Clubs. It is geared to contest preparation and practice and participants hear speeches and receive feedback from experienced Toastmasters and past District leaders.
We have one additional speaking slot available, open to any interested Toastmaster, especially if you wish to practice a contest speech!
Come join us on Friday, December 19, 2025
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. PST/5:00 - 6:30 p.m. AKST
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Visit This D2 Distinguished Club
The Richland Desert Wind Toastmasters Club is proud to announce it has earned President’s Distinguished Club status for the 2024-2025 Toastmasters year. This prestigious designation marks a significant achievement for the club, acknowledging its commitment to empowering members with communication and leadership skills through a supportive learning environment.
Founded in 1994, the Richland Desert Wind Toastmasters Club is proud to serve the Tri-Cities community with a vibrant space for personal and professional growth.
Club President Bonnie Chukwuka shared her enthusiasm for the club’s achievement, “It is a pleasure to learn and grow in a goal-oriented club focused on excellence.”
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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. | | | | |
