Two Things I Wish I'd Known About Stuttering When I Was Younger

[ Contents | Search | Next | Previous | Up ]


Re: Insightful message, thanks

From: Alan Badmington (to Briana)
Date: 19 Oct 2007
Time: 04:25:22 -0500
Remote Name: 195.194.75.225

Comments

Hi Briana, Thank you for taking the time to read my paper and contribute to the threaded discussion. You posed the following question: “What made you change your thinking? You said you used to avoid words, but what made you realize you needed to come out of your comfort zone and address those fears?” . On April 1, 2000, I witnessed a group of PWS speaking (before an audience) about how they were dealing with their respective stuttering problems. The positive manner in which they spoke had a huge impact upon me (so much so, that I even remember the date) ;-) One, in particular, had developed into a successful public speaker. At the time, I had long given up on my stuttering. I was resigned to the fact that it would remain a problem for the rest of my days. Everything changed when I heard him speaking. When he addressed the audience, he was so assured, so confident and so in control of the situation. When he made reference to his public speaking activities and successes, I became even more interested. I wanted to be like him - I wanted to become a public speaker. He became my role model. For the very first time in my life, I believed that it was possible to deal with my stuttering difficulties. He was living proof of that `dream'. When British athlete, Roger Bannister, ran the mile in less than four minutes back in the 1950's, the beliefs of other athletes changed overnight. Prior to his record-breaking performance, everyone considered it impossible to break the `four minute mile' barrier. He proved it could be done. Within a relatively short period, many other athletes were regularly achieving the same feat. Within two years, I understand that well over 100 had, amazingly, achieved that 'impossible' goal. The person I heard speaking became MY Roger Bannister and I shall be, forever, grateful to him for showing me what was possible. He was hugely instrumental in changing the direction of my life. On May 4, 2000 (that date is also indelibly imprinted upon my memory), as a result of the above experience, I joined a particular programme that (inter alia) encouraged non-avoidance and expansion of comfort zones. I had not previously realised the implications of word substitution/avoidance, or the principles of personal growth. The Programme also provided me with a new speaking technique (and tools to deal with ‘difficult’ words), that enabled me to challenge myself in the manner that I describe in my paper, ‘STEP OUTSIDE: Why expanding comfort zones can improve our stuttering and lead to more fulfilling lives: http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/isad6/papers/badmington6.html I have not looked back since. I wish you every success with your studies. Kindest regards Alan


Last changed: 10/22/07