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From: Brett Kluetz
Date: 10/21/02
Time: 9:08:50 AM
Remote Name: 136.142.43.21
Marisa,
Thanks for your post and interesting questions. While I did note in this essay/article that I am open about my stuttering, I was not always this way. In fact, I never spoke of my stuttering and tried to desperately hide it (e.g. by changing words) until I finally saw a therapist, Dr. Peter Ramig, who helped me to see that the more I tried to hide it, the worse it got. Today, I think it's important to be open about it because it makes me feel more comfortable and I think it makes listeners more comfortable (that way they know what's going on).
So, when I give presentations, I usually briefly note that I am a person who stutters. This alleviates the constant pressure of having to hide it, which is virtually impossible. When I said I use humor, I usually do so in a self-respecting manner. So, if I'm having a really hard time, I'll say "this may take me a while" or "hang in there, I'll get it out" or even after a tough stutter, "wow-- that was a good one." When I do that, I do so to relax the situation and not make it seem SO serious.
You asked if most people are supportive and understanding. I think so. Believe it or not, I have found that once I became more honest about it, people knew what was happening (since silent blocks can confuse people) and were much more understanding. I am fortunate because I have very empathetic and supportive friends and family. They understand that this is how I talk and that sometimes I'm more fluent and at other times I'm not.
Nevertheless, over the past few years I have been trying to not be overly concerned with listeners' responses because they are relatively out of my control. So, there's not much point on perseverating on it. I think it's more important that I just say what I want to say (versus avoiding) and live my life.
Good luck with your career in speech-language pathology. Thanks for taking an interest in stuttering. Many students don't receive much training (both clinically and academically) in this area, which many of us think is a travesty. Working with people who stutter is quite rewarding and enjoyable. Good luck!
Brett