How Beliefs and Self-Image Can Influence Stuttering

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Re: Belief and Self Image Can Influence Stuttering

From: Alan (to K.Gratz)
Date: 21 Oct 2009
Time: 18:47:02 -0500
Remote Name: 84.68.67.181

Comments

Thank you, so much, for taking the time to read my paper and participate in the threaded discussion. Several contributors have already opined that the content is equally applicable to those who do not stutter. You enquire if I am still engaged in public speaking. Yes, most certainly! During the past nine years, I have facilitated presentations on three different continents, embracing (inter alia) such topics as ‘expanding comfort zones’, ‘changing the stuttering mindset’, ‘combating avoidance strategies’, ‘communication skills’ and ‘public speaking’. I am also actively engaged in other public speaking activities, both in relation to stuttering, and different subjects. Since 2001, I have undertaken an extensive programme of talks to community organisations in an attempt to create a greater public awareness about stuttering. My talk (which is of 60 minutes duration and entitled ‘Lost for Words’) recounts my lifetime experiences of stuttering. It includes many anecdotes from my career as a police officer, which was tainted by a catalogue of heartache and lost opportunities. It is advertised as ‘an inspirational story of overcoming adversity, laden with humour and poignancy’. I truly believe that humour can be a highly effective tool with which to convey serious messages. On many occasions, I am invited to return to speak about a non-stuttering subject of my choice. Today, I address a wide variety of audiences and already have confirmed engagements as far ahead as December 2010. The point I am attempting to make is that I now fully accept myself as a public speaker – such a role lies comfortably within my self-image (I have fulfilled it on so many occasions). The continuing invitations (from an array of sources) provide confirmation that others also view me in that light. You may consider it ironic that I am now invited, by my former police force, to address groups of police officers (and civilian employees) in seminars aimed at assisting their personal growth. I also help to provide evaluations of their oral presentations. I bear no grievances whatsoever – the past is history. You may wish to check out the following online articles: ‘My commitment to speaking about stuttering is opening so many new doors’ http://www.stammering.org/newdoors.html Helping tomorrow's therapists help people who stammer http://www.stammering.org/helpingtherapists.html If you should ever require a speaker, I would be delighted to oblige. :-) Kindest regards Alan


Last changed: 10/21/09