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From: Russ Hicks
Date: 05 Oct 2010
Time: 17:43:37 -0500
Remote Name: 72.64.101.29
Hi again Ari, .... Even though I stutter quite considerably (like a million times a day, ha, ha!), I don't struggle very much at all. I maintain eye contact and keep a smile on my face and show them I really don't NEED any help. It just takes me a little longer to say something. And people really respect that. If it looks like you need help, the natural tendency is for people to help you. (And that's generally very nice. My wife recently broke her ankle and people were always opening doors for us as I pushed her in the wheelchair. And believe me, we really appreciated the help!) But if showing them you don't need help talking, simply explain to them that you stutter and it's gonna take a little longer for you to say something. No big deal. The trick is to be very OPEN about your stuttering. Everyone in Toastmasters knows I stutter and we all get along great! Lots of laughter and fun - and no secrets. .... Who was the guy in Texas who is a friend of yours? I know a lot of people here. ... Any chance you can come to the US for the annual NSA conference next summer? It's in Ft. Worth, right next door to me! ... Take care, Russ