postr/StutterJuly 11, 2025

Life-long, mild stutter; Accent help

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Life-long, mild stutter; Accent help I'll skip most of the explaining, since most of the same is prolific on this subreddit and online. Though its heartwarming to know that such a debilitating condition is well-spread and understood, at least interpersonally, not scientifically. I've stuttered my entire life. I moved to the U.S. when I was very young, so the commonly known potential cause, like learning two languages at once, applies heavily. I stutter in both. My condition is certainly mild compared to other stutterers. I can speak clearly \~75% of the time, \~25% I jumble or skip words, and \~5% I lock up entirely. However, my academic/career interest is in the realm of law and debate, so even my mild condition is quite demoralizing, especially during interviews. I believe it's a nervous system regulation thing. When I lock up, my mouth perches and my eyes close, but not as dramatically as I've seen with others, not even close. Think of it as me locking into a duck-face for a brief second. The main idea is that in these moments, and during more mild flares, I lose track of my rhythm and breathing. That said, relatedly, my recent (\~3 years) use of weed and nicotine has made it worse. I've regressed to some extent, at least in my head. **In this regard, what are some methods of nervous system regulation that you'd recommend?** Anything from medicine to consumables. I don't particularly mean breathing techniques or meditation. Interestingly, as many can relate, I don't stutter at all if I mimic an accent or sing. I've done entire theatre play roles in a silly English accent with no flares or bumps. At this point, I'm debating if its worth the effort to just develop one of these accents, though in a minor format, and use it in my professional life. Code switching, all the way. **Has anyone tried this? If so, how'd you practice?**

Themes

Causes & VariabilityMeds & SubstancesSchool & Work

Subthemes

Stress & Fight/FlightRecreationa substances (e.g. Alcohol, Cannabis)Situational VariabilityEmployment & Career