That is pretty much the nature of an impactful stutter. "Fight" gives you the feeling to shove the word out - which causes an even worse block. "Flight" causes you to break eye contact - which also causes an even worse stutter/block. In this moment of panic, you are unlikely to be able to engage in a complex self-analysis in order to figure out the appropriate trick to use or self-control over your articulators, or appropriate deep breathing. If you are doing those things, you are essentially avoiding the root cause of the impactful stutter (it's pretty much always anticipatory fear) It's also going to be very difficult to listen to the other speaker and have a reciprocal conversation. But this is good news! You only need to remember one set of "tricks" to use every time. It's easy to remember because each trick is probably the opposite of what you are naturally doing. And as a bonus, these tricks also lead to very smooth, "normal" sounding speech. They are HARD to do, but if done correctly and consistently, it gets much easier, and you will probably make significant progress. If these seem too daunting, try making some phone calls with these steps (make eye contact with yourself by using a mirror). 1. Make/hold normal eye contact (to show yourself that your listener isn't laughing at you. They may make a confused/concern face, but that's because they may feel confused/concern. This is DIFFERENT from mocking. If they do mock you, they are either a child, or a huge jerk - and everyone else knows it.) 2. Begin with a simple, controllable voluntary stutter. (because hiding your stutter IS what makes it worse). Choose a word you can say fluently and add a short repetition or prolongation. What time d-d-do you close today? 3. At least in the beginning, speak slowly and enunciate clearly. (because you deserve to take up time and space) 4. Do a slightly larger than normal exhale (fluent speakers speak on EXHALES, not inhales. Anyways, during a moment of panic, most people are unable to do a proper deep belly breath, and the chest breath that happens makes panic worse. Also, our lungs are designed to NOT need inhales to begin talking. \-