[ Contents | Search | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Beth B
Date: 16 Oct 2012
Time: 11:42:46 -0500
Remote Name: 71.246.249.138
You have some great ideas. Awareness raising while also practicing speaking is important. And faculty support is also key. I had one teacher who didn't say anything to a student who mimicked my stuttering during a presentation, and that hurt more than the teasing. The thing that helped me the most with public speaking was practice. Perhaps students can start small with small groups, then work their way up. Doing other forms of performance, such as singing in choirs, playing in the band, doing theater (even as a chorus member) can also help ease one's fear of being in front of people. Sports can do that too, especially if they have to be up in front of people. But joining the debate and speech team, as scary as that is, can help desensitize a person who stutters. My experience was teaching in grad school. I was terrified, but I disclosed on the first day and it helped me get past the fear. In my first real job in the real world I managed conferences and meetings, and did a lot of announcements in front of the meeting attendees, and then later did my own presentations at the meetings. And disclosing at the start really helps take the pressure off. Make a joke out of it so you are laughing first. It helps both you and the audience relax.