commentr/StutterJuly 28, 2024

Content

I've been stuttering my whole life as well and as an adult, it can feel very embarrassing and almost seem like a barrier to some of our goals. I've learned to just accept it and work with it the best I can. As far as jobs go, I've never had issues getting one because of my stutter or other speech impediments. One thing I do in general to ease the anxiety of suffering during a job interview is just let them know first hand when meeting them/introducing yourself that I have a stutter/speech impediment, so I might need a few seconds to respond/if i pause/repeat myself mid sentence, that is why. As well as, If I say anything they can't understand, please feel free to ask me to repeat it and I will. It's okay to have a communication disorder because it doesn't mean you're not a fluent or effective communicator. Really communication comes from the message you send/how you say/word it and the information that you provide. I used to be scared to do public speaking because of my stutter/speech impediment, but in college when we would do our introductions to the rest of the class, I did the same thing I do for job interviews, let them know of my speech difficulties and that I might pause/repeat things. This has helped me tremendously not be self conscious about it because I don't have to worry about it moving forward because my classmates already know to expect it, which eases my mind a bit.

Themes

Identity & DisabilitySchool & WorkSocial & Relationships

Subthemes

Acceptance & PrideAuthenticity vs. MaskingEmployment & CareerPublic SpeakingDisclosure & Telling Others