L-L-Let Me Really Explain This…
Clearing Up Misconceptions About Stuttering.
Stuttering.
Stuttering is the repetition of words or syllables. It can be characterized by the sounds or accompanying spasms on the face or body. Stuttering by no means is characterized by intelligence, level of anxiety, or laziness. It is definitely not something controllable. A lucky few grow out of it, but many others experience it all their lives. The severity of a stutter also varies. Some only stutter occasionally, but others will experience a stutter that limits their ability to communicate.
The exact cause of stuttering is still undetermined. Different sources give different causes, varying from traumas to something that is tied to our DNA. I don’t speak for everyone, but many people who stutter have grown accustomed to it. It is very difficult at times, but many people who do adapt to it, live normal lives. Patience is really the only support we need.
But, there are a few things we are getting tired of hearing.
Slow Down
While this approach works for some of us, it doesn’t necessarily work for all of us. Regardless, of how fast or slow we speak our stutter will come through. It’s a fact. While there are many different breathing or speech techniques that do help, slowing down isn’t truly the solution. A stutter is much more complicated than that and is something that people who have it continue to work through. Honestly, we don’t want to slow down. Our minds are racing, and to be honest, it’s not our fault our thoughts come to us so fast that we physically cannot keep up with them.
Think Before You Talk
This is something everyone should do. I mean seriously, look at Trump. Everyone should think before they speak. I mean, it’s a no brainer. Thinking about what we are going to say is a rule of thumb for everyone, not just people who stutter. I could have thought about it a hundred times and I would still stutter. Thinking about it is not going to magically change the way I speak. I might not stutter right now, but stutter like hell the next sentence. There is no way for me to anticipate or circumvent it.
Don’t Worry, Everybody Stutters
Please don’t lie. Not everyone stutters. We know not everyone stutters. It might seem like its a good thing to say, but we damn well know it isn’t true. The math doesn’t even workout for that. Only about 67 million people worldwide stutter. The earth’s population is near 7 billion. Something isn’t adding up, just keep it real. We know we’re different and at most of us know that’s not a bad thing. I don’t speak for everyone, there are those with stutters that create barriers in communication. It’s important to keep in mind where someone is coming from.
No Need to Be Nervous
See, we weren’t nervous, but after hearing you say that, we find ourselves nervous. Nerves don’t cause a stutter. When people say this its like saying no pressure. it creates pressure. Different people have different situations or reactions to their environment. In my experience it really isn’t nerves. Think about it. Do you think I am nervous at brunch after the waiter brought me my next bottomless Mimosa? I am probably the most confident I’ve been all week. I’m fucking superman at brunch right now. I’m not nervous.
Just Relax
It’s never a good idea to say this to anyone. Most of the time we are relaxed. Relaxation can slightly help our stutter but honestly does not make a significant difference. I could be sitting on a beach drinking from a coconut and look out to the horizon while the sun’s setting and stutter when I order my next drink. While our moods can affect the severity of our stutter, asking us to relax doesn’t help. It generates more anxiety for us.
And Don’t Forget to Breathe
We have to breathe to live. We know we need to breathe. This is the one that causes heavy eye-rolls. Who forgets to breathe? I mean its natural instinct. I will say though, that for some people who stutter breathing techniques are very helpful. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean everyone who stutters. So please, don’t make it your duty to remind us. We might just start carrying brown paper bags to confuse you.
“ It’s simple, support us with patience”
Eliott Sanchez is the author of the Publication L-L-Let Me Explain. He has had a stutter his whole life, but finds interest in giving others insight and sharing his experiences. L-L-Let Me Explain aims to educate people about stuttering in a humorous and light-hearted manner with real themes in real life. You can reach out to him via Twitter or Instagram. He will be impatiently awaiting for your feedback over his pancakes.
