Confronting the Safety of my Head

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The use of humour (or humor) :-)

From: Alan Badmington
Date: 19 Oct 2012
Time: 07:30:51 -0500
Remote Name: 95.144.97.167

Comments

Hi Dale, Thank you for allowing us to listen to your presentation. I’m still chuckling. I have discovered that humour can be a very useful tool with which to convey an important message. I undertake an extensive programme of talks to community organisations in an attempt to increase public awareness about stuttering. They are littered with anecdotes relating to relevant incidents that have occurred at different times in my life. For example, I don’t simply tell the audience that I once practised extensive avoidance strategies; I go one step further and share stories that illustrate that point. When members of the audience laugh, they are more likely to remember the episode that generated that laughter – thus increasing their understanding of the principle(s) I am attempting to explain. I should stress that the mirth is NOT directed at stuttering, in general, it is confined solely to the personal experiences of Alan B. Over the years, I have come to know exactly when an audience will laugh, including the volume and nature (chuckles, guffaws, giggles), as well as the duration of the merriment. It really is uncanny. :-) Like you, I also came to realise that avoidance strategies had crept insidiously into my life. They were impactig considerably upon my decisions/actions. When I addressed that issue, I reaped immense benefits. I have been invited to present at the upcoming ASHA Annual Convention in Atlanta. Will you be attending? If so, it would be great to renew your acquaintance. Kindest regards Alan


Last changed: 10/22/12