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From: Gary J. Rentschler
Date: 08 Oct 2007
Time: 08:41:46 -0500
Remote Name: 165.190.57.240
The situation you describe is quite common. The frequency of stuttering is related to fear and anxiety. Fear and anxiety create changes in your body, like increased muscle tension and more rapid breathing rate, in addition to the symptoms you describe. For many people who stutter, just the thought of talking to others or having to say their name elicits the fear/anxiety responses. As a result, they begin to avoid situations in which they would likely need to talk. These avoidances give more strength to the fears, and the cycle becomes more pronounced. Its also common that toward the end of an activity your anxious lessens as your fears and apprehensions diminish. My advice to you is to confront your fears and continue to speak to others every chance you have. Most fear that they will stutter; so if you stutter easily, on purpose a few times at the beginning, you may be able to reduce some of your anxiety -- because what you feared (stuttering) has already happened -- but you were in control of it. A wonderful question. Best of luck -- don't get discouraged -- keep working and learning. Be brave.