Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters

VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 48
by Kelly Fallucca, VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters

PRESENCE IN ACTION: Toastmaster of the Year
Marty Varela, DTM | District 2 Public Relations Manager

A legacy contributor.

Marty joined Toastmasters in October 2019 to overcome extreme introversion. Since then, she has experienced benefits she describes as incalculable, while generously giving back to the organization through her time, talent, and heart.

I have personally witnessed Marty’s magic in action. As the District 2 Public Relations Manager, a member of multiple clubs, supporting fellow members, and driving initiatives that create meaningful change. Marty does not simply talk about leadership. She lives it. She puts her presence into action.

And she is still striving. Marty is currently working toward her third Distinguished Toastmaster award and becoming eligible to pursue the Accredited Speaker Program.

For Marty, Toastmasters is not a temporary activity. It is a lifelong commitment to growth, service, and impact.

Congratulations, Marty, on being named District 2 Toastmaster of the Year! This recognition is well deserved. Thank you for your service, your leadership, and the legacy you continue to build.

This Week’s Challenge:
Where can you put your presence into action? Join an additional club, visit an advanced club as a guest, support a fellow member, or leave a legacy through your DTM project. The possibilities are endless.

Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35

VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 44
by Kelly Fallucca, VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters

Put Some Sparkle on That Standard

Doing the bare minimum may check the box, but adding sparkle creates the experience people remember.

In Toastmasters, business, and life, standards matter. Show up. Be prepared. Follow the agenda. Use the materials. Do what you promised. But do not stop there. Look for one simple way to elevate the experience for your audience.

For example, the next time you present Toastmasters material, do not rely only on the provided text-heavy slides. Use them as your foundation, the standard, then bring the message to life with strong images, real-time examples, and stories with which your audience can instantly connect. A powerful photo is still worth a thousand words, especially when it helps people understand the point faster. A slide packed with text, however, can make even great information feel flat.

The goal is not to show off.

The goal is to show…not tell, so your audience stays engaged, understands the message, and remembers what matters.

Other places you can add sparkle:
Create a stronger opening for your meeting.

Add a unique hook or opener to your next speech.

Welcome the guest before they feel lost. Replace a boring slide with a bold visual.

Connect with a person who looks like they need a boost after the meeting.

Bring energy, warmth, polish, and personality to everything you do as an officer or club member.

Sparkle is not about being flashy.
It is about being intentional and creating memorable experiences.

Call to Action:
This week, pick one standard task and add one extra touch of sparkle. Then watch how people respond.

Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35