Because I Stutter

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Re: comment and question

From: Russ Hicks
Date: 12 Oct 2006
Time: 19:39:17 -0500
Remote Name: 71.252.204.114

Comments

Hi -AGAIN - Ilana! (Now I know your name! <grin>) ..... You asked a very interesting question, actually, one that concerned me quite a bit as I was going through all this. How has my stuttering changed since I began to accept it as a positive thing? Once it dawned on me that my stuttering was inherently a critical part of my message, would it go away once I accepted it? If it went away, I would no longer have the unusual power I had. I've seen it happen before to a few other people. And that genuinely worried me. ..... But I need not have worried. I continue to stutter quite a bit, very noticeably, despite my acceptance. The fears and struggles I use to experience have subsided almost to nothing, but my stuttering itself remains pretty much intact. Listen to me for ten seconds and you'll know I stutter. But I genuinely enjoy public speaking these days and telling the world about stuttering. My credibility is very high when I talk about stuttering because - obviously - I still do it. I got one of my early opportunities to make an impact in the area when I made a presentation to a hotel staff prior to the Dallas NSA convention in 1991. Lee Reeves (yes, the same guy in the story) was the chairman of the convention and he realized that it was important for the hotel staff to actually HEAR someone who really stuttered. His own stuttering had largely disappeared over time and his own credibility on the subject would be not be nearly as effective mine. And I LOVED giving that presentation! I got a standing ovation from the audience when I was done. And the rest, as they say, is history! <smile> ..... I enjoy being different from other people. People remember me! Not in a negative way, but because I can show them how to face their own fears and have a lot of fun doing it! I've learned a lot about this universal message over time, and having the pretty unique power to use it nearly every day is a wonderful gift. Some people have a Corvette; I have my stuttering! They get envy. I get respect and admiration. I know that sounds corny, but I wouldn't trade places with them. My stuttering has given me more opportunities for travel and interaction with people than 99.99% of the population. As we say down here in Texas when playing poker, "I'll stand pat." <grin> ..... I wish you the very best in school and in life, Ilana! Thanks for your great question. ..... Russ


Last changed: 10/23/06