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From: Chris
Date: 10 Oct 2004
Time: 19:40:59 -0500
Remote Name: 205.188.116.80
Becky, You're right -- it's not easy and can be very tough to broach the subject. Perhaps there will be just the perfect question or perfect subject that creates a window of opportunity. For example, maybe halfway through, there comes a question regarding giving an example of a challenge that's been very tough for you to confront. You could introduce the fact that you experience stuttering and have been challenged in many ways to communicate clearly, overcome stereotypical perceptions and work hard to show your capabilites. Maybe you're asked to describe your strengths and weaknesses (a very common interview question.) You could touch on the subject that as a person who stutters, you find it to be a strength to have to work hard to ensure that you communicate clearly, openly, honestly and as effectively as you can. You could add that you see it as a strength to serve as a model to defeat stereotypes that you're not as capable, confident or competent simply because of repetitions or hesitations in your speech. You could also mention it as a strength in that you have a wonderful sensitivity to others' personal challenges and hurdles due to your own journey of having to overcome fears and inhibitions that could have easily been adapted due to others' attempts to put limitations on your due to your stuttering, but you wouldn't allow that! So maybe it's not something you're comfortable in introducing in the interview but it can certainly be something that when the timing is right, you can utilize it effectively and in a positive way with the right questions or dialogue with the interviewer. And ALWAYS let them see that YOU see it in yourself as a strength and not a weakness. And THAT's what they will see. Good luck, Becky. And remember it's only way thing about all the wonderful things that make up what you're all about and what you have to offer to an employer. And make sure they see that, too!! Chris