postr/StutterApril 29, 2024

Best Man Speech Complete!

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Content

Best Man Speech Complete! I recently what tasked with being best man in my friends wedding. This meant having to do the dreaded best man speech which I thought I wouldn’t ever have to do as someone who stutters. For months my anxiety was peaking, but I knew there was no way out so I had to prepare. I couldn’t tell you how many times I practiced the speech out loud to myself and in front of my girlfriend, but I had it all written out and then memorized at that point. I think i stuttered once with a small block that lasted about 2-3 seconds, but the rest of the speech came out fluent for me. Everyone seemed to love it and laugh and said I did a great job, which was a huge load off my back. I initially almost opted out of being best man entirely because of not wanting to do a speech, but I realized how much it meant to my friend that I would be the best man. I hated that I even had to have this thought. But I want everyone to know that it’s alright to be nervous (because everyone is) and that everyone in the crowd is rooting for you if you’re ever in this situation!

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceEmotional Experience

Subthemes

Anticipating StutteringPreparation & RehearsalAnxiety & Social Judgment

Codes (1)

public_speaking