On Oct. 6 Otto “Bud” Nissen successfully completed 10 speaking assignments, thus earning his Toastmasters “Competent Communicator” Award. His experiences began in the summer of 2014 after being invited to a meeting by his friend and mentor, current President Dale Fox.
“Bud has been valiantly battling through life for 25 years after a tragic accident left him as a quadriplegic. He is such an inspiring individual, I thought it would be great for Bud to get out and share his stories through Toastmasters,” explained Fox.
During this special journey, Bud taught Elk County Toastmasters how to make accommodations that allowed him to share many aspects of his life while inspiring the club with his “never give up” attitude.
He wowed the organization with numerous speeches and demonstrations, such as painting beautiful watercolor pictures despite not being able to use his fingers, and a story about his first kayaking experience at Parker Dam State Park.
Although many Toastmasters end their journey after this first major accomplishment, Bud is continuing on in the program as he pursues Advanced Communicator Status. He is currently serving as vice president of education for the Elk County Club in an effort to help other members achieve their goals as well.
“Bud Nissen embodies the mission of Toastmasters which entails the provision of a mutually supportive environment whereby members drive each other to increase personal confidence while becoming effective communicators and leaders. We also consider Bud to be our Chief Inspiration Officer!” shared Jeff Yetzer, vice president of public relations.
Elk County Toastmasters meets on the first and third Thursday of each month from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Shiloh Presbyterian Education Annex. The group’s next meeting is Thursday, Oct. 20. The public is encouraged to attend.