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From: Alan Badmington
Date: 12 Oct 2006
Time: 17:01:13 -0500
Remote Name: 84.71.2.22
Hi Haley, I'm pleased that you found my article of interest. I had been thinking about putting my thoughts on paper for quite a while and was delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this ISAD Online Conference. I first used the Edinburgh Masker back in the 1970's, while I was a serving police officer. There were, certainly, times when the Masker gave me greater fluency (particularly, in the early stages) but it, invariably, let me down in the most challenging situations. I recall an irate Chief Constable (Head of the Police)prematurely terminating a Promotion Board Interview because I was struggling to answer the questions that were being posed. He told me not to bother returning on a future occasion, as he would never consider me for advancement (due to my stutter). As I mentioned in my article, the device gave me the confidence to go into speaking situations that I would, otherwise, have avoided, thus allowing me to develop my interpersonal skills. I still experienced difficulties (with my speech), but the buzzing sound was, strangely, reassuring. Maybe, it had the effect of detaching me from the situation because I could not hear the sound of my own voice? All I know is that I certainly felt more confident when I was wearing it. I felt 'naked' and vulnerable without the white noise being emitted into my ears. When I finally discarded my mechanical crutch, it took me a while to become accustomed to hearing my own voice, having purposely blocked it out for 20 years. Thank you for taking the time to contribute to the threaded discussion. Kindest regards Alan