postr/StutterMay 5, 2016

Stuttered as a kid, and now it's back.

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Content

Stuttered as a kid, and now it's back. I had a stutter when I was a kid but grew out it of by the time I was in high school. For years, I had no problem with talking on the phone, job interviews, or making conversation with strangers. I didn't give much thought to the stutter I had growing up. Why would I? I don't know exactly what happened or when—something like four or five years ago. I probably stumbled over a word or got blocked up for a second—one of those little things that's just a part of everyday speech. Whatever it was, it broke me. It made me suddenly afraid the stutter was back which, of course, brought it back. Before I could just talk, but now I had to avoid words and try to replace them on the fly. If that failed, I was stuck playing it off like I couldn't think of the word. I can't undo it. I've had periods (weeks, maybe even months) where it's all but disappeared completely,  but I've had equally long periods where everyday conversations take some serious mental gymnastics. I've been interviewing for a senior level position in my field, and one thing is clear: this isn't cutting it. It's hard to come across as experienced and knowledgeable when you can't say what you want to say.  I know the common wisdom is to just be candid about it, but with so much of the job revolving around meetings, consulting with clients, and just generally being a good talker, I'd be shooting myself in the foot.  If I could just get that confidence back, I think I'd be okay. Easier said than done though—five years later, and here I am.  For what it's worth, I don't remember actually stuttering since I was a kid, now it's just blocking. Maybe that means something, maybe not.  I'm open to any suggestions. Anything that could help.

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceSpeech & StutteringEmotional ExperienceSchool & Work

Subthemes

Anticipating StutteringBlocks & StoppagesAnxiety & Social JudgmentEmployment & Career