Article: Stuttering at Work

This article from The Wall Street Journal discusses the effect stuttering had on a man's career and how he overcame the obstacles stuttering put in his way. It reminded me that other people often don't understand how difficult and painful it is to be a stutterer, and it's up to us to make our own path in the world in spite of them. Not easy, but possible.

January Meeting Update: Renew

During introductions, a lot of people talked about renewing their commitment to their speech and to becoming better communicators. Some are going back to speech therapy, others are tackling issues related to anxiety and stress. Then the discussion shifted to how difficult it is to "stay on the wagon" and keep practicing day after day, year after year.

One member mentioned that he has challenged himself by becoming more involved at church and volunteering to do more public speaking there. He wasn't concerned so much with becoming fluent, but rather with getting out there and connecting with others. Other members echoed this: their goal in seeking speech therapy and in dealing with anxiety isn't to stop stuttering but to stop worrying constantly about their stutter.

A technique that often works to reduce worry is not hiding your stutter. A new member confirmed it. Before a presentation, he told his audience that he stuttered, and it had a positive effect both on him and on them. Another member talked about giving a presentation in front of over one hundred people. He thought only 20 would show up! But he was well-prepared and rose to the occasion--something to be very proud of.

Not running away from difficult speaking situations is what my personal goal has been for the last few years. I don't stay silent any more because I'm afraid I'll stutter. And if there's no other way to say what I want to say, I stutter. This is the commitment I want to renew in this New Year: to make my voice heard, no matter what.