I totally relate — I also have a speech difference and found that being upfront about it helps set the tone. When I had to present a case study this past Monday - 5/12/2025, I used AI (ChatGPT) to help rework my speech, removing tricky words and sounds. I recorded myself to figure out where I stuttered most and practiced for hours — both the night before and right before presenting. Interestingly, no one in my cohort even knew I stuttered until we started rehearsing. When I know my material, I typically don’t stutter, but it still shows up in certain situations. Practicing and being mindful of my pacing really helped me feel more confident. Everyone’s journey with speech is different, so do what feels best for you. But practicing ahead of time — both mentally and verbally — really can make a huge difference. You’ve got this, and the fact that you’re already thinking about how to best show up for yourself means you’re way ahead.