Preface speaking, especially public speaking of any sort, with explaining that you have a stutter/stammer. Once people know, theres nothing to be afraid of. Sounds pretty blunt and fucked up, right? It's what I tell myself. I'm still a nervous wreck, but now the audience understands and acknowledges your speech impediment. Idk if you're still in the fake world of high school or college, but the real world is waaaaay different. I'm respected because of my work ethic and my abilities, and I am not defined by my stutter. Do people poke fun at me? Yeah. Am I a better worker than them? Damn right. My speech fluctuates all the time. From not being able to string together a sentence one day, to relatively smooth speaking the next. It makes no sense. Here I am though. I'm gonna add some personal info because my accomplishments are honestly self-inspiring. I really dont know how I've done what I've done. I hope it makes you feel better, too, and gives you hope. I've had a stutter since I was a very young kid. My dad still seems to not accept the fact I have it. He's kind of a trigger, and I speak the worst with him. Nowadays I moreso have blockages, where i try and make a sound and i literally cant get out any air. Its the worst around family, for whatever reason. I tried out college for a couple years, wasnt for me, but was grateful I had the opportunity. I enlisted in the US Army (Infantry) in August of 2018, and since then, I have accomplished more than any of my peers that arrived at my unit at the same time I did. I'm about to make the rank of Sergeant in just under 3 years, and I'm the only enlisted soldier in my company that has his Expert Infantryman's Badge. I married back in March of 2019, and our marriage couldnt be better. I'm 23 years old btw. The fact that I even made it here is shocking still to me. I had such a hard time speaking to the recruiter, it was pretty embarrassing, but all they care about is making their quota for recruits. So he said fuck it. Here I am though, leading fireteams, giving briefs, leading soldiers, standing up for myself, etc. Yeah, most of them know I have the speech impediment, but how are you gonna tell me I'm shit and disrespect me just because of that? The answer is, they will not and they do not. Your speech does not define you. Work hard, be confident, and dont take shit from people. You dont deserve it. We all deserve only the best. Idk if you're a religious person, but I'm gonna add this anyway. God has a plan for all of us. Everything happens for a reason. My speech impediment, as much as I hate it, has made me a better person. It is a test I face everyday that only strengthens me when I accept it. Good luck to you.