No More running away ...

[JustKeisha]

Hello there I'm new here, My name is Keisha.
Had a stammer since I was seven, didnt let it affect me until my teen age years! I'm 17 now, basically I feel like an outsider, because I haven't come in contact with any who stammers, all the schools I been too' hoping someone would have a stammer, so we can talk, connect, share experiences and advice ... I'm at a point, where its taking nearly all my life to regain some confidence left!

The thing is, for the first time, Im going to have to stand up infront of a class, with someone, and do a discussion, I was in a panic, but Im calming myself down, usually I just dont go in, or ask not to do it, but I feel Ive been hilding all my life, and its time to over come it, and just do it. I'm doing alot of things I dont normally do, answer the phone, ask for things in the job, I even got myself a job!

I just wanted to know, if anyone in here, could tell me, some experiences, maybe of struggle, or overcomin something they ran away from?

[straightstylin]

Hey Keisha i'm new on here too and I'm goin through the exact same thing as you. I'm 18 and just started college so I'm really trying to adjust to doing talking by myself instead of having my parents or someone else do it for me. Like you I'm trying just to do things that I always hid from. I think that much of stuttering has to do with fear cause I know when I'm scared about something it only gets worse in that situation. so keep doin what ur doing :cool:

[Gary1450]

Start slow - ordering for yourself in a restaurant, going through the drive thru at a fast food place.

Work at your own pace.

That's what I did to work myself up to a decent amount of fluency.

[Flash]

I used to be really dependent on other people, especially my dad, talking for me. Definetely not the best thing to do, but at the time it was a quick solution to save myself from embarrassment. I'm trying to be a lot more independent now because I realize eventually I'll be on my own and that I won't be able to run to someone every time I need to ask for assistance or tell someone something.

Back in middle school and high school, when doing presentations, some teachers gave me the option of either presenting to the class, presenting to the teacher one on one, or giving the teacher a typed version of my speech. It's pretty obvious which ones I choose.....presenting 1 on 1 or giving the teacher a typed version of my speech. Eventually later on I faced my fear and just presented to the class since most of my classmates knew I stuttered anyways. I thought it was even probably more embarrassing to hand the teacher a paper or not present to the class while everyone else did present their speech and then people would wonder why I didn't go.

[Standingtall]

I like that topic, 'no more running away', I like to offer advice to Keisha. I have my Forestry degree from a technical intitute, so I have been there and the hardest day was first day in class and then registration. Don't forget the reason you are there. You are trying to build a better future for yourself, not for anybody else, so go in with the attitude, I'm here to learn and if your not, out of my way. This is your future and your time, you can do anything you want. I have learned that if people know you are determined, they will respect you and help you in many ways. I gave a speech once and I stuttered most of the way through, but I got the biggest ovation and people just gathered around, shaking my hand and telling me how brave I was. Be determined and keep your confidence, even if it has to be the quite confidence. A lot of people are attrached to confident people. Take it slow or jump straight in are good advice, but only you can make it happen. Keep us informed, I know I would like to hear a successful story.

Cheers,

[straightstylin]

I got 2 agree w/ standingtall when I gave past speeches ppl. gave me an ovation. I felt kind of embarressed about it but now I realized that they were supporting me. I never really had anyone do anything rude afterwards and if that ever does happen I know to just try and ignore it cause obviously got issues w/ themselves if they're focused on me.

[JustKeisha]

Thank you all for the Gd advice ppl.
it;s good to know Im not alone!
' I'm Gonna Kick Ass at that Discussion' lol
thank you standtall' & straightstylin
damn it must of been awesome
to get an ovation, it must of made u feel
better, to know that u can stand up infront of the class and everything will be alright.
Thanks, Im going in there with more confidence :)
I will definatly tell you all How it went ;)

[Standingtall]

Straightstylin, I don't know If I ever felt embarrassed, but I did get a overwhelming set of emotions. I had to hold back the tears of joy and acceptance. When I get invited to give a presentation, I gave my very best and people see that and they give me respect. The only time I got laugh at, was at my old jr high school, when one of the students made a comment, 'man you are old'. I told then when I started school there. Best of luck, Keisha!

Cheers.

[JustKeisha]

LIKE OH MY GAH .....
































I DID IT
I can not believe it, I actually went in today
and I went through with it, I didnt stutter on any words, but I just took bare long, and kept saying Uhm, Err, and at one point, it felt like my tongue was curlin on me, so it made it harder to speak, and I was shaking, and I felt dizzy lol, but in the end, everyone clapped, I didnt think I did well, but I guess I did, but I was soo embarassed, I went into the toilets and cried lol, but yeah a successful stories ppl :D

[Standingtall]

Sorry for the delay, Congratulation!! We all knew you could do it. You know what to do now. I understand the emotions, it was almost overwhelm to me also. Don't forget about the road bumps in life, but you are on your way. Way to go!!

Cheers