[ Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Charlie Healey
Date: 07 Oct 2008
Time: 13:30:24 -0500
Remote Name: 129.93.99.57
Sachin: First, I would like to make a few comments before I get your questions. Using strategies to become more open about your stuttering is a great step in helping you feel more comfortable about your stuttering. Working hard to cover it up will usually lead to more effort in controlling your stuttering so using self disclosure and working on reducing the emotional sensitivity you have to stuttering is a great idea and something that will take time. So, be patient with yourself as you go through this process. Relative to your questions, I would recommend that you use the pr-pr-pr-perpare approach to the bounce if you are going to do that. However, there is a lot of movement that involves turning on the voice on for the "r" sound that you have to start again after each bounce. You might want to try a slide into the word by using less tension in the lips and more airflow as you say the first sound as another alternative...like phhhrepare (it's hard to graphically show how it should sound). But, using a light contact of the lips and/or tongue on the first sound and then use lots of air as you go into the vocal sound and as you make that next "P" sound, do the same thing to keep the air and voice moving through that sound transition. This might work a little better than the bounce. When a laryngeal block occurs, I suggest you do what you can to stop pushing the voice on and struggling. That will not help. Rather, release the tension and slowly approach the voiced sound of the word. Try using the same approach as above and focus on getting the airflow started first, then move into the gradual voicing onset. Or, you could try soft voicing as you gradually move into the vocal sound, like, iiiiiI want to go. The gradual onset is a form of easy onset or you can use the generation of a easy, smooth airflow at the beginning to start the voiced sound. The other thing to pay attention to is what you are doing with your breathing and making sure you have control over the breathstream BEFORE you initiate phonation. Hope this helps!