No one enjoys public speaking. It is an extremely daunting task. We are told to imagine the audience in their underwear to combat our nerves. But, oftentimes, this does not work, and we are left paralyzed by fear. This paralyzing fear is multiplied by ten when you are a stutterer.
When I was young, I always enjoyed speaking in front of others and public speaking seemed to come naturally. But as the years went on and my self-confidence faltered, public speaking became something I avoided at all costs. In situations where I had to speak in front of others, like group projects, I tried everything I could to say as little as possible and fade into the background. I would often do extra work on the presentation, or I would offer to take on more in exchange for a lesser speaking part. But this did not address the true root of the problem, CONFIDENCE!
If you are confident and know who you are it solves a myriad of problems, including public speaking. Confidence is key to overcoming one’s fears and accomplishing goals. Without confidence it is very hard to compete in the world. As stutterers, we are often taught to hide ourselves from others to fit in to the mold society has created for us. But, instead of rejecting your stutter, embrace your stutter. People are kinder than you think! So, next time you are speaking in front of others and stumble just pick yourself back up and forge on.
For me, when I feel confident, I can do anything I put my mind to and my stutter is not as apparent. You know why that is? Because I am accepting myself for who I am and loving every part of myself. That mindset makes you unstoppable!
