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From: Lisa Kindred
Date: 10/15/03
Time: 9:06:44 AM
Remote Name: 216.114.212.117
Dr. Schwartz, While reading your article I found myself growing more and more defensive because of an unpleasant memory. My undergraduate work was completed at Minnesota State University, Mankato and I was in Judy Kuster's stuttering course. We were required to pseudostutter in different settings. For my community task I went to return videos to the local video store and then asked for another video to be placed on hold. While making my request my pseudostutter consisted of prolongations and repetitions. As I was leaving the store, I overheard the young teen employee mocking me and the others joining in. I hesitated about going back to get the video that was placed on hold (avoidance). I knew the same kids would still be working. I did get the video, but I said as little as possible (an adjustment of my personality). What an experience to learn how the stutter controls a person.
As mentioned by others that have posted to your paper, I gained a better understanding of how stuttering can change a person. I have become more aware of the significant role self perception and the perception of others affects self-worth. This assignment has taught me to modify my approach when working with students who stutter. The environment is modified by dimming the lights and turning on soft music. At the start of each session we have a casual conversation and then gradual move into the actual intervention. My presentation of material is provided in a softer, calmer, and slower speaking pattern.
In closing, cheers to you, Mrs. Kuster, and others that have required this assignment. It is a valuable learning experience and the idea of group observers is wonderful!