commentr/StutterApril 21, 2023

Content

User Experience by way of Graphic Design is where I landed, though I may be an atypical stutterer. Anything I can memorize exactly I can say fluidly, more or less, as long as I modify the vowel-consonant flow to smooth over my blocks. Simply getting started on the flow of words can still get me blocked at times, so in those cases I try to appear thoughtful, as if I'm arriving at some observation rather than dancing with a mental pest. But once I get going, if I've already planned out how I'm going to say something, things can work out. The way I practice UX is a lot about asking the same questions different ways, teasing the other person out into speaking, and whether or not those lean into your strengths they might lean away from what you see as your weaknesses. I also do a lot of log / data analysis, which is only between me and a spreadsheet or whatever tool I'm using. One side-effect of my stutter has been a gift of compassion for others, which makes me ideally suited for UX work. I find it to be a reflective, iterative practice. Maybe something in that general area might speak to you. I'm glad to say it's gone a long way toward speaking for me.

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceIdentity & Disability

Subthemes

Avoidance & SubstitutionHiding & ConcealmentIdentity & Self-PerceptionAcceptance & Pride