Cannot stop planning words

[Tarek Z]

Hi all,

I’m new to the forums and the online WSSA program, although I’ve been reading Lee’s book for a while.
I only recently started seriously practicing the Lovett method, but for the life of me, I cannot stop planning my words.

Even if I try to change thoughts, my brain moves quick enough that I still have time to fear the new word. I cannot differentiate between “thoughts” and “words”- for me, thoughts are formed of words.

I know Lee says to “Speak when you have an urge”, and the very first day I read about Crutch 13 (no crutch), I WAS able to speak without thinking or planning. But I haven’t been able to do it since.

-Tarek

[Javier]

Hi Tarek! First of all, welcome to WSSA. I can understand what you say. Sometimes trying to use C-13 without mastering the other 12 can be too much, and we will have to master the other 12 Crutches to first to get there. Why? The reason the Crutches work is becuase when we use a Crutch, we are moving our focus of attention away from that feared/planned word. The moment we do that, we are fluent. Here’s an example: if I ask you to whisper something, you will have to concentrate on the tone of your voice, so that it becomes a whisper. If you do this, you won’t be thinking of the words. The same applies to the rest of the Crutches.
So, if you use the Crutches as much as possible, 24/7, even when not needed (this is important!), after a while, it will become a habit. A habit of speaking while focusing on Crutches (not on words). So, you will be acquiring a habit of speaking without planning words = C-13!!
The problem I face with most PWS at the beginning is that they think they are using a Crutch, when they actually aren’t. Exaggeration is key. Since at the begining PWS are not used to speak whispering/modulating/using extreme pronunciation/inserting stops/etc., at the beginning they will be using them very subtly, so they won’t be very effective. Exaggeration is key! You will feel that when you exaggerate the Crutches, your speech sounds weird. It’s all in your head, because you’re not used to it. Record yourself! And you’ll be surprised with the result.
For example, when I ask a PWS to talk inserting full stops every 1-3 words or so, and I ask them to make these full stops last around 1-2 seconds, the result is that either they are NOT inserting a single full stop, or that these full stops last 0.5 seconds is the best of cases. When I tell them this, they say it’s impossible, for them it’s been like those full stops were extremely long.
So, you can see that one thing is how we think we talk, and another one is reality.

Why don’t you come to one of the Crutch Practice sessions? https://worldstopstuttering.org/crutch-practice-group/ You can learn a lot from these. You will see how other PWS/PWSS use them, learn from them…

We also have a video course dedicated to the Crutches: https://worldstopstuttering.org/courses/crutch-mastery-series/

These 2 are included in the Stuttering Plan membership.

And of course, private coaching will help you tremendously too.

I hope to see you at the SAM meetings, or if your time allows, in one of the Crutch Practice sessions that I host 🙂

Have a great weekend!

[Tarek Z]

Hi Javier,

Thanks for the warm welcome, and that great explanation. Now I understand the crutches a bit better, and how the first 12 prepare you for crutch 13.

So far the crutch I find easiest to use is number 8, modulation, since that one has nothing to do with words; you’re purely focused on the register or level of your voice. Some of the other crutches, like C2-using alternate words/synonyms are harder for me personally to use since they still involve thinking about words. Is there anything wrong relying predominately on certain crutches instead of all of them?

I will definitely come to some of the SAM meetings and crutch practice sessions, see you there!

[Javier]

Hi again Tarek,
we all have our favourite Crutches, and that’s fine, and normal too. But we must know them all, because, logically, the more alternatives we know, the more easily we will solve the problem. There will be situations in which modulation will be the best option, but there will be others in which C-9, or C-1, or any other Crutch might be easier to use there.
Crutches 7-12 are more like “voices” or speaking styles, if that makes sense, and just like you said, they involve less thinking on words. C-10 and C-9 are very easy to learn too. To make sure you use C-9 properly, and without focusing on words, you simply need to make sure you feel the movements of your jaw and muscles of your face. Focus on that. When linking words, I make sure I leave no spaces or gaps between words. So words flow like a river, but I don’t focus on the words, I focus on not leaving gaps, on letting the air come out like a river.
When speaking softly or whispering, I just focus on the tone and volume of my voice.
Now, regarding C-2, immediacy is key. If you start to think of a synonym, it won’t work. So, you might need to practice this a bit. For me, C-4 has been the best for FFW. You simply start with a sound and then make sure you link it to the following words, and then use C-10.
Having a coach to show you how to use the Crutches properly, and correct you if needed, will surely help you a great deal…

[Anonymous]

My interpretation of “Don’t plan words” means that you shouldn’t over plan your words; on a very miniscule level you have to at least construct the thought in your head before you speak other wise it comes out as gobbledygook.
Focus on the message as opposed to focusing on “the word” or “words you’re nervous about.”
Focus on the passion on of the message you’re trying to convey.
On a personal note, before I became a PWSS, I used to plan my words all the time because I would try to avoid words that started with vowels and I would search the lexicon in my brain for a synonym of the “real word” that I wanted to say and I would over plan( especially while waiting my turn to speak) would get jammed up and block.
It’s a difficult habit to break.
Now, I don’t worry about the “right word” or finding a “$10 word”; I only focus on the message. And some times that message is peppered with “colorful language” and a pinch of vulgarity.
Anyways, take heed to what Javier says, he is an excellent Coach.
(Please excuse any typos or misspellings)

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