I’m a female stutterer, too. Our difficulties with stuttering are different than male stutterers. Not worse or more frustrating, just different. Women in general have more pressure on them to be attractive, flirty and just plain cute. Men aren’t expected to wear makeup, females are. Men aren’t expected to be the ‘talkative’ one, we are. Big, strong and silent type are not adjectives used for females. You get the idea. So what should you do? Be honest. Tell people you stutter. I found if I stopped trying to hide my stuttering, I automatically spoke more fluently. Not perfect, but definitely more fluent. Second, and this is buying into the sexist expectations, but for me it works; wear your ‘power’ outfit. I have always had several outfits that just made me feel powerful and dressed to impress. It doesn’t have to be designer, just something you feel amazing in. For me it is classic high heels, skinny pants, blue silk tunic, and chunky gold earrings. Pretty specific, huh? But it’s what makes me feel good about me. Every woman has an outfit that makes them feel good about themselves. Our youngest son is getting married in October. I’m scared spitless. Endless introducing myself, lots of strangers, high anxiety, and I don’t want to embarrass myself or our son. So, yep, I bought a ‘power’ mother of the groom ensemble: silk navy blue skinny pants, blue 4” heels, and a silk pale blue tunic jacket (wedding colors are blue and gold) and yep, chunky gold earrings. LOL. In 4” heels I’m 6’3”. That makes me feel good about me. I’m gonna need it for the wedding. That and a couple of whiskey sours! Find your power outfit, be honest with people, just smile and be you. Find what works for you to boost your confidence. Annie Glenn, wife of the late Senator John Glenn was a stutterer. We became friends in the 1970s. She once told me that her power outfit was a suit that showed a touch of cleavage. She was a small woman, but that touch of cleavage was her ‘power.’ Find yours.