From Toastmaster to Mediator: Joe Flanagan serves as role model

by Paul Peterzell, District 84 Reporter’s Chair

Shown above Joe Flanagan (black shirt)
with his fellow Suwannee River Toastmasters

Many people join Toastmasters for a variety of reasons. Sometimes to overcome “stage fright” while speaking in front of people, others join to improve leadership skills and enjoy helping their club succeed. Joe Flanagan used his Toastmasters experience to help him develop what would become a passion: becoming a mediator.

“I work with the Suwannee River Water Management District, and along with two friends decided to start a Toastmasters club. I joined because I wanted to develop communication and leadership skills,” Joe said. After 33 years with the Water Management District I was invited to a formal group called “Association of Mediators”. Mediation is used to help resolve disputes between two or more parties. Joe learned about becoming a mediator through Toastmasters. I was given the opportunity to further strengthen my communication skills through being a mediator, skills I learned at Toastmasters.” Joe exclaimed. One of Joe’s greatest experiences has been being a guest speaker at the North Central Florida Mediation Society, and Toastmasters certainly helped him speak with poise and confidence. Since being a Mediator, Joe has spoken to Lake City Chamber of Commerce and given presentations on leadership development skills. He has given these presentations to young people, people from different walks of life. “I have definitely acquired better presentation skills due to Toastmasters,” stated Joe.

Becoming very involved in his home Toastmasters club (Suwannee River Toastmasters) has also been important to Joe. He has participated in various Toastmaster speaking contests and has made it to 2nd round in Tallahassee. While serving at his club, Joe has held various offices including V.P. of Membership, V.P. of Public Relations and Seargent at Arms. He currently serves as V.P. of Education. Joe Flanagan believes in what Toastmasters can do to broaden one’s horizons. He believes in the value of the organization.

District 84 salutes Joe Flanagan for putting his Toastmaster Skills to good use and helping others improve communication .

Smile and Enjoy It: Bob Wellington - Beaches Club Humorous Speech Winner

by Jaime Campbell, Area 61 Governor

Bob Wellington, ACB
Beaches Area Toastmasters

Bob Wellington is no amateur when it comes to competing. He has participated in many speech contests. What makes this speech contest different? This speech contest he is speaking about something near and dear to his heart - stuttering. And to add intrigue, he will approach it from a humorous point of view. He is daring people to see the humorous side of stuttering.

Bob has stuttered his entire life. He has learned to “not allow himself to stutter” early in his life. I was given the honor of interviewing Bob about his speech.

JC: I know stuttering is not something you have every laughed at. What made you decide to write a humorous speech about it?

BW: At the NSA (National Stuttering Association) Conference every year, there is a group of people who attend an “open mic night at a local comedy club”. The people who perform are funny but in the typical way. Also, humor is not something that is discussed at the NSA conference. The conference is 4 days and offers over 30 educational sessions but not one from a humorous point of view. I am hoping to open the door, and let people know that it is okay to laugh sometimes.

JC: Will you perform this speech at the NSA Conference?

BW: I don’t know. I have talked to some of the other executive board members and we will see. I know some people in the stuttering community will be upset and offended. They will say I am setting us back 10-20 years. Overall, the NSA sees how successful the “open mic night” is at the NSA Conference and they are looking to integrate humor into their workshops.

JC: You are going to be on the Board of Directors for the NSA this year. How has Toastmasters helped prepare you for this role?

BW: Toastmasters has helped me to express myself more clearly and concisely. The leadership skills I have learned will also help me.

I learned so much about stuttering from Bob Wellington and encourage everyone to learn more about it. Good luck at the Area Contest!