Introduction

[BPM1986]

Just wanted to introduce myself-
My name is Brian and I am 21 years old. I have stuttered since I was a little kid, although my condition improved drastically since as I got older. As a matter of fact, there was a long period of time when I didn't stutter at all. However, over the past couple of years the problem has come back to me. I would classify my problem as less severe. Most people would not know that I stutter, unless of course they heard me introduce myself. The biggest problem I have is introductions/saying my own name!
It's terrible- and I hate the fact that it is hard for me to introduce myself to people because I can't say my name. I dread hearing the question, and even if I think that it is coming I can feel my vocal chords freezing up. I have found some ways around it though, most typically it involves me saying "Hi I'm...Brian" with a one or two second pause before I say my name so I can force it out.
But here is what kills me, when I don't know its coming I am perfectly fine. I was signing up for something at a store the other day the girl is taking all my information and asks for my last name- which I like because I can say it well. Since I thought it was over I relaxed, and she goes..."Your first name..." and clear as day and without hesitation I said Brian.
Why is it that I can say it sometimes but not others- it kills me! Other than that, I also have problems ordering drinks at the bar. The worst is if its crowded or loud- I tend to stutter more in those situations than if I was in a more quiet environment. I try to order a beer and its so hard to get it out. But when I'm drunk I'm fine, and can talk without stuttering.
I know I'm lucky that my stuttering isn't worse, but it just gets so frustrated. I go to D.C. for an internship in January and I really want to be excited, but knowing that I have to introduce myself to everyone I meet makes me a little apprehensive.
I hope that by joining this forum and talking with other stutters, it will help me to work with my stuttering problem and not fight against it!
-Brian

[Box of Clocks]

Welcome to the forum. Many stutterers including myself have trouble saying their name. Much like you I also don't like ordering things such as drinks etc.

[Jamus]

Hi Brian, welcome!

Everyone who stutters has their own individual, and different, battles. Just like you do with your name or ordering a beer at a bar. For me, I stutter less when I know in advance that I am going to have to say my name. If I'm put on the spot I am more likely to stumble over it. And when I'm in a bar, I tend to struggle less when it is louder. So I'm pretty much the exact opposite of you :D

One thing I know for sure is that for many ppl who stutter, if you're talking to or saying something that is important, like introducing yourself or talking to an authoritative figure (a cop or a teacher), or telling a story or a joke where there is a punchline or point to the story, it is more likely you will choke up. B/c we put emphasis on the words we speak in those situations. But, not everyone responds in that way though.

And it's all interesting to find out others' views about it. Search the forum and you will see this topic come up numerous times.

Jamus

[Standingtall]

welcome Brian, good to meet u, looking forward in what u have to share with us.