[ Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Alan (to Ashley)
Date: 21 Oct 2009
Time: 16:06:08 -0500
Remote Name: 84.68.67.181
Hi Ashley, I’m delighted that your fluency class has discussed the holistic nature of stuttering, as this has not always been recognised. We need to appreciate that stuttering involves so much more than simply struggling to say the words. Over the years (as we encounter more and more negative experiences), we are likely to accumulate varying degrees of emotional baggage. It will, of course, differ from person to person because we are all unique. Every PWS is different. We come from different backgrounds; we have different life experiences and degrees of emotional baggage; we have commenced from different starting lines; we possess different aspirations and expectations; and we have attained different levels of maturity and education. Merely focusing on the mechanics of speech has, in my view, limited value. I dealt holistically with my stutter. By working on various aspects of my life (for example, self-acceptance, self-esteem, assertiveness, non-avoidance, letting go, expanding comfort zones, challenging self-limiting beliefs, physical behaviours etc), my speech improved as a by-product. It is not uncommon for PWS to speak well in a clinical environment. This is likely to be due to his/her relationship with the SLP; the use of new tools/techniques; and the fact that it is a supportive environment. In effect, it can become a comfort zone. However, many PWS appear to experience difficulty transferring those gains into the outside world. Clients will still have fears of ordering a burger at a McDonalds drive-thru; using the telephone; or speaking in front of an audience. Long-held disempowering beliefs and a limited self-image do not disappear overnight. Ashley, you enquired about my current situation in relation to my speech. Stuttering has now disappeared from my mind in the sense that I cease to think about the physical act, or my personal attachment to such behaviour. Today, I do not have any anticipatory fear about saying any specific word, letter or sound. (It was not too long ago that I avoided using half of the alphabet). When I approach (or enter into) speaking situations, the implications of stuttering no longer permeate my thoughts. They are simply non-existent. Quite understandably, I think about stuttering when giving talks or media interviews, facilitating workshops, writing articles and contributing posts to online forums such as this, but that is an entirely different context. When I prepare a speech (for my numerous public speaking engagements), I simply pluck whatever words I wish from the extremities of my vocabulary, and say them without the fear of stuttering. The debilitating shackles that inhibited me since childhood have been removed – it is so liberating to know that I no longer have to use a word that I consider inappropriate or inferior. It was always SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO frustrating having to settle for 'second best'. (By the way, that was NOT a stutter) :-) Minor dysfluencies occur very infrequently (principally in casual conversation), but they do not involve blocking. Most of the time, they don’t even register with me. Those of which I become aware, I choose to totally disregard. Non-stutterers don’t take account of theirs, why should I? Perfectionism no longer oversees my speech. Since changing my stuttering mindset and eliminating the components that once contributed to my blocking behaviour, I have discovered that it is no longer necessary to constantly focus on my speech or any technique. I simply LET GO and have FUN. Stuttering is no longer an issue in my life. Ashley, I am most grateful to you for taking the time to read my paper and participate in the threaded discussion. I wish you every success with your studies. Kindest regards Alan