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From: Alan Badmington
Date: 10/1/03
Time: 1:54:19 PM
Remote Name: 195.92.67.66
Hi Tim,
A few years ago, I came to the realization that I averted eye contact because I wished to detach myself from the negative emotional charge that had become attached to some of my speaking situations. Although I commenced stuttering in childhood, I have very few memories of adverse reactions (unease) on the part of the listener, although I am certain that many must have occurred. I feel that I blocked these out (as time progressed), while I developed a variety of strategies (including avoidances|) to cope with my speech difficulties. In effect, although averting eye contact became habitual – the cause of that behaviour was no longer apparent.
Today I maintain eye contact at all times. On those occasions that I have practised voluntary stuttering, it has been so reassuring to note that listeners appear to be totally at ease with my deliberate dysfluency. My perception of what the listener thinks/feels has now changed from negative to positive.
One final point - the very act of concentrating on eye contact has helped me to focus away from the fear of speaking.
Thank you for submitting such an interesting paper.
Kindest regards
Alan Badmington