How does stuttering affect you in your career? I would say it doesn’t affect me at all.
How is your stuttering today? What do you do to control or manage it, if anything?
Most people tell me that my stutter is barely noticeable and only occasionally surfaces. Breathing, resisting time pressure, concentrating on first sounds, and just having a higher sense of self-confidence work pretty well for me.
What is your greatest accomplishment with regard to stuttering?
Besides figuring out how to control it, I would say overcoming my fear and self-doubt about speaking up in situations, especially in professional settings.
What are the biggest challenges stuttering has presented to you?
I did well in school, but stuttering often made me hesitant to raise my hand and make my voice heard. It contributed to insecurities, low self-esteem and a lack of confidence in myself. I found that it still makes me think twice before raising my hand to be called on in a press conference or to agree to a radio interview, though I still do all of that. It’s a constant battle to not let it run my life.
Based upon your experiences, what would you like to tell children who stutter?
I would tell them to not let anyone make them feel bad about who they are. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and know there is no shame in having a stutter. None. I’d also tell them that there is hope in learning to control their speech and that they can accomplish anything they want to do in life. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Based upon your experiences, what would you tell parents of children who stutter?
Support your child, offer them whatever speech therapy they need, and always reinforce the truth that there is nothing shameful about stuttering.
I am very grateful to the speech language pathologists over the years who worked with me and helped me at my low points. You all do such important work. Thank you.
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