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District 2 Town Hall - Last one of the year!
As this Toastmasters year comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate our journey, reflect on our incredible milestones, and look ahead to what’s next.
Join us for our final Town Hall of the year as we wrap up a historic chapter, share key updates, and celebrate the community that made it all happen. Whether you’ve been with us every step of the way or want to catch up before the year ends, your voice and presence are what make our network strong.
Let’s finish this year strong—together!
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Deadline for Concur Requests is June 10th
All reimbursement requests are due 9pm, June 10th. This includes requests for D2 Dollars (Incentives) and reimbursement for travel or contest expenses, If you don’t have them in yet, now is the time!
In order to request reimbursement, enter a Concur report. If you don’t already have a Concur account, request one by following the Concur Guidelines and please plan accordingly; getting an account can take several days and there are no exceptions to the deadline because of the lack of an account.
D2 Dollars Information:
Your club can request reimbursement for expenses up to the amount that it has earned incentives. For instructions on seeing your incentives balance, go here. For instructions on entering reports into Concur, go here.
If you have any questions, please contact me. Caryn Axelrad, D2 Finance Manager
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Connection in Motion
Stronger Together, Powered by the Future has officially launched into the history books, and what an unforgettable experience it was.
From inspiring keynote speakers and dynamic education sessions to meaningful networking, laughter, celebration, and even a waterfront seal greeting attendees along the Tacoma shoreline, this year’s conference reminded us what makes District 2 so special: PEOPLE.
Congratulations to all our contest winners, award recipients, and our newly elected District leaders. Your passion, courage, and commitment to growth continue to shape the future of our organization.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to the incredible conference committee, volunteers, presenters, sponsors, and every attendee who helped transform this event into something truly memorable.
The energy of this year’s conference doesn’t end here — session recordings and replay opportunities will be announced soon.
This wasn’t just a conference. It was proof that when we come together, we amplify one another.
Stronger together. Powered by the future.
Tacoma sparked it. Anchorage will amplify it in 2027!
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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: Wednesday, June 10th
•Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM Pacific Time, 5:00 – 6:00 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 July.
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Karen Lezon at kmlezon@comcast.net
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PRISON CLUBS PROVIDE UNIQUE VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY
Toastmasters provides learning, speaking and leading opportunities in communities and businesses around the world. Did you know that we even have clubs in prisons in District 2? These four corrections centers have Toastmasters Clubs: Twin Rivers, Monroe, WA; Two Rivers, Umatilla, OR; Coyote Ridge, Connell, WA; and Airway Heights, WA. These clubs are open to visitors upon advance request, an application process and a background check. Outside volunteers (or sponsors) are needed to enable the clubs to meet in person.
Recently, I attended The Insiders Club's 19th anniversary at the Airway Heights Corrections Center. At this special event, over 40 inmates attended. What a celebration it was! All the inmates made me feel very welcome and many introduced themselves to me. It was an ethnically diverse group of individuals. There were openings for volunteers and I applied and completed the necessary paperwork. Currently, three Toastmasters Clubs meet all together at Airways Heights from 12:15 – 2:15 p.m. every Saturday: Insiders, Verbal Architects, and Veritas Warriors. The clubs meet in formal Toastmasters fashion and all the inmates in attendance who had roles were professional, organized and respectful. Table Topics, Speeches, Evaluations, Timer, Grammarian, Ah Counter. They try to give as many opportunities for inmates to participate and thus had five formal speeches. The Table Topics Master even asked the corrections officers in attendance if they wanted to speak! The Area Director is also an inmate. The clubs at Airway Heights also have a speech contest once a month as none of the inmates can participate in contests outside the prison. Data show that inmates who attend a professional organization like Toastmasters while incarcerated have lower recidivism rates once released.
Several inmates asked me publicly and privately on numerous occasions to be a “sponsor.” At Airways Heights, the clubs can meet only if an outside volunteer or sponsor is attending. With one volunteer or sponsor, 20 inmates can meet. With two, 30 can meet. The clubs are grateful to the three current sponsors: Viki Leuba, DTM; Pam Beasley, DTM and Nancy Shatto, DTM. But as they meet every Saturday, they are looking for more volunteers or sponsors to spread the load with the current sponsors. Viki, Pam and Nancy are truly dedicated but they can’t attend every meeting. Sometimes only one can attend and thus that severely limits the inmate participation.
As volunteers, you do not join the clubs as members, you don’t have regular meeting roles, you are not officers. You attend in person and offer to speak or take a role upon request. This does not add significantly to your other Toastmasters activities. I was very impressed with the professionalism and flow of the meeting and even though I live 1 hr 40 minutes away, I signed up to be a volunteer and will try to attend once a month to assist the sponsors. I am looking forward to this opportunity to show support, engage with a community separated from the outside, and be a communication link to the outside.
Will you please consider this, too, whether you belong to one or several clubs? Find the point of contact for the prison clubs nearest to you and request to attend one meeting first. It may take time, some paperwork, but it’s well worth it. Be a prison club volunteer today!
David Core, DTM
VP Membership
Frank E. Balmer Toastmasters Club #95
Pullman, Washington
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VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 46
WHAT TO DO WHEN SUBTEXT IS NOT SUBTLE: A Lesson in Leadership Presence
In Toastmasters, the real message is not always said in
words. Sometimes it is in the awkward pause, the confused guest, the nervous
speaker, the unanswered volunteer request, or the member who says, “I’m just
busy,” but slowly disappears.
That is subtext.
Strong leadership presence means noticing what the room is telling you before the room has to shout.
If guests look lost, explain the agenda in plain language. If a speaker seems nervous, offer encouragement before advice. If members are quiet, ask clearer questions instead of assuming they are not interested. If no one volunteers, check the workload, the expectations, and the energy behind the ask.
Correction starts with curiosity. Pause. Observe. Ask, “What might be happening underneath this moment?”
Toastmasters is not just where people learn to speak…it is where leadership skills are developed in everyday situations.
Learn to notice what is unsaid and do not ignore the signals. Pause, read the room, respond with intention, and course-correct before small moments become missed opportunities.
Create a room where people feel seen, heard, supported, and ready to take on new challenges.
CTA: At your next meeting, notice any subtext in members or guests, course-correct in the moment, and lead with intention and presence.
Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
Connect with me on LinkedIn
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A Culture of Listening
By Vincent Tang
Have you ever been in a meeting where the Ah-Counter reports, "There were no ahs caught whatsoever"? While that's certainly possible, it often doesn't accurately reflect the state of the meeting. I know I've heard more than a few stumbles during meetings, and a lack of count could mean the Ah-Counter genuinely didn't hear them or wasn't fully diligent in the role.
I've noticed that active listening can be difficult in an age where multitasking is easier than ever, yet I believe it is absolutely necessary. Unlike some work meetings, where we may be pulled into large group discussions that don't always align with our responsibilities, Toastmasters meetings require our attention and participation. It's easy to zone out or begin working on other tasks, especially in a virtual environment.
Active listening is a sign of respect. It's something we should show not only to speakers who are polished and immediately capture our attention, but also to those who are still finding their style or delivering their very first speech.
Imagine giving your Ice Breaker and noticing someone constantly switching to another tab or checking messages on their phone. It can be discouraging, right? As speakers, we often ask others to listen to us with patience and attention while we develop our communication skills. In return, we should strive to offer that same attention to others.
One of the dangers I worry about if this behavior continues is that:
- As a role holder, you may not be able to provide accurate feedback to your fellow Toastmasters.
- You may develop a subtle belief that if you're not listening, others probably aren't listening to you either.
- You may create a habit of zoning out or multitasking whenever someone shares a story.
It's a practice that can easily be lost. Truly paying attention to a speaker in a Zoom meeting doesn't mean staring into the camera. It can mean observing their gestures, listening carefully to their words, and being fully present in the moment.
Now, this isn't to say that we'll remember every message or catch every "ah." Rather, it means approaching each speech ready to give it our full attention. Not only does this show respect for the speaker, but it also helps create a culture where attentiveness is the norm–where we consciously choose to pay attention because what is being shared matters.
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Leaders in Action Panel Discussion
Real Leaders, Real Stories, Real Impact
Hosted by Forever Improving Toastmasters
Join us on our 17th Anniversary for an inspiring evening of leadership insight, communication growth, and engaging discussion at Bellevue City Hall (& Zoom) on June 11th from 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM.
This special event will feature a Leadership Panel of six experienced members sharing real-world lessons, leadership strategies, personal growth experiences, and communication techniques that have helped them succeed.
Whether you’re an experienced leader, an aspiring speaker, or simply looking to grow professionally and personally, this event is designed to inspire and motivate.
Guests are welcome! Come learn, connect, and grow with us.
Contact Corina Stretch for more details. 206-331-1224 / corina.stretch.d2tm@gmail.com
Bellevue City Hall – 450 110th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Join Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 791 754 900 Passcode: 903443
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The Freedom to Show Who You Are
Have you ever wished you could just relax and show your own true self?
Frankly was created for you! No need to pretend here, because we enjoy diversity. And at our next meeting we’re going to Reflect on who we are and where we want to go.
Frankly Speaking is a place to freely speak frankly, because what's said in Frankly, stays in Frankly.
June 12, 7 - 8:30 pm Pacific
Join us! You belong here.
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Open House: The Rubber Meets the Road
Leading Knights Toastmasters Club in Burien
Leading Knights Club Toastmasters Open House
Time & Date: 7 p.m. on June 3, 2026
Location: Village Concepts Burien El Dorado West Activity Room 2nd Floor, 1010 SW 134th Street Burien, WA
Most people don’t see themselves as leaders, but leadership skills open career doors and help our communities. But...how to do learn leadership in an effective and safe way?
Toastmasters’ tag line is “Where Leaders Are Made.” This isn’t just a marketing phrase. Toastmasters can assist us in learning real world, useful leadership skills...skills that are both valuable and marketable.
During our Open House, guest speaker, Kyle Hall, will tell us his adventures in applying skills learned within Toastmasters to the real world...changing his work, his career path and his relationships within his community.
Come learn about where The Rubber Meets the Road. You’ll walk away from this meeting understanding how build valuable, marketable, essential skills.
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A Celebration of Now and Next!
Join us for a special “Celebration
of Now and Next!” on June 4 at Professionally Speaking Toastmasters!
This inspiring meeting features:
• Annual Awards and Recognition
• Installation of the 2026–2027 Officers
• Two speeches with a total of eight transformative evaluations
Whether you are a speech contestant, public or professional speaker, or presenter refining your craft, experience why Professionally Speaking is an advanced club for communicators who want to grow faster, stronger, and further.
Thursday, June 4, 2026
6:30–8:30 p.m. Pacific Time
Hybrid Meeting — Attend on Zoom or in person
For Zoom and in-person information,
and to learn more about us, please visit https://www.prospeakerclub.com.
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Story Weavers Unveils The Math of Humor
Is humor something you’re born with—or something you can build?
In this practical workshop, we’ll explore the structure behind humor. Instead of relying on jokes or natural wit, you’ll learn simple formulas that make it easier to add humor to stories, speeches, and presentations.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not naturally funny,” this session will show you how humor can be constructed, not improvised.
Join us and learn how a little math can make your message land with impact.
Presented by Mary Morrison, Past International Director, Laugh Lab Storymasters President-Elect.
Thursday, June 4th, 2026
6:00 pm PDT on Zoom
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Presented by Kyle Hall, Hosted by Meridian Toastmasters
Thursday, June 4th @ 6:00pm Pacific (UTC/GMT-7)
This workshop is hybrid (online or in-person at the Lacey City Hall)
This is a fun 90-minute presentation/workshop. You'll leave this session with a greater understanding of powerful evaluations and more confidence in your ability to deliver them.
Save your seat by clicking here!
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Table Topics On Steroids
with
IMPROMPTUS NORTHWEST
Have you recently found yourself on the spot to speak for more than 1 to 2 minutes?
Have you needed to provide an update that may not be deliverable in less than three minutes?
Have you been on the receiving end of a question that may need to meander beyond mere minutes?
If these scenarios are familiar, Impromptus NW has something for you!
JOIN US AS WE DEMYSTIFY OFF-THE-CUFF SPEAKING IN A FUN AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT, SO THAT YOU ARE MORE READY THE NEXT TIME THAT YOU ARE CALLED ON UNEXPECTEDLY AND THE PERFORMANCE STAKES ARE HIGH!
Thursday, June 4, 2026
7:30 PM PDT ON ZOOM
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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. | | | | |
