commentr/StutterNovember 16, 2021

Content

It’s a very intensive program that is only taught at their facility in Virginia. It consists of learning the mechanics of speech consciously. You speak agonizingly slow at first and gradually speed it up. The key “target” is gentle onset, which is a key stutter point for me, when the vocal cords lock up. The gentle onset helps address this. It’s a lot of work. I did it years ago and what I can tell you is that it’s not a cure. You have to work at it probably forever, but not an unreasonable amount of time once you learn the techniques. A key positive thing is you don’t feel naked in the wilderness as you stutter. You have tools you can use to address the situation. Your not helpless. I practice a lot before I give talks. Over, and over, and over, exaggerating the gentle onset and other targets, and I have done very well. When I don’t practice like this I feel like I’m walking a tightrope and, well, sometimes I’ve fallen.

Themes

Coping & AdvocacyEmotional Experience

Subthemes

Fluency TechniquesHelplessness & AgencyHope & Motivation

Codes (1)

public_speaking