I can’t pinpoint the exact time I began stuttering or experienced a significant speech block, but I estimate it started between the ages of 7 and 10. Since then, my speech has generally been fluent, but with instances that friends in school occasionally noticed. Although nothing too embarrassing, I was quite sensitive to these reactions. I recall one particular moment when I performed a skit at church, and an adult playfully pointed out my repeated word (because it sounded “cute” or “funny”) in front of others. While I believe there was no malice intended, my sensitivity made it a lasting memory, one that shaped my perception of stuttering, as negative potentially to my career, relationships and life. I wanted none of it.
Despite this, I’ve had numerous positive speaking experiences, including reciting Jesus’ sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) flawlessly in front of my church as a 12-year-old. I also recall an incident in 2016 where I couldn’t say the word “chemistry” because of a severe block I was trying to force when I was talking to HR at my first job as an analytical chemist. I’m known as a fast talker, but in recent years, especially while pursuing my master’s in food science during the COVID-19 era, I encountered speech blocks in virtual presentations. Although my peers might have perceived this as stress due to the content on my slides, it was primarily due to speech anxiety. Overthinking, planning words, and anticipating negative outcomes disrupted my flow, though it didn’t significantly impact my life, it threatened to do so, and I wanted to end it.
A similar experience occurred in a job interview where my nervousness affected my speech. Still, I’ve been fortunate to land a good job. About two years ago, I discovered Lee’s program, read his book, and attempted to apply his techniques. But because my stutter was mild, I wasn’t consistent.
Then, three months ago, I began working with CST Prathusha in coaching sessions, which motivated me to engage more seriously in daily mind training and reading aloud. This practice has greatly benefited me. After five sessions with Prathusha and my first call with Lee, I found the confidence to approach my senior vice president (my boss’ boss) about an open technical sales position, which she encouraged me to apply for. Her faith in my ability to represent our team boosted my confidence tremendously. Especially after going through several team calls with her in the past, in which I was nervous about my turn to speak.
Since then, I’ve felt increasingly confident and unafraid to speak to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
My daily mind training has been transformative, and I now see myself as a Person Who Stopped Stuttering (PWSS). I still experience moments of fear, but I counter them with positive affirmations tailored to manage these anxieties.
Lee’s (now WSSA’s) program, grounded in neuroplasticity, has been life changing. I’ve seen firsthand how the science behind it, as explained by experts like Dr. Andrew Huberman, has helped me overcome speech-related fears and visualize fluent speech, fundamentally reshaping my internal dialogue and reducing anxiety.
This journey has taught me that persistence and consistent practice, especially with Lee’s techniques such as daily mind training, reading aloud, and using his “crutches,” have immense power. Mastering these tools brings us to the ultimate “Crutch 13”—the state of not relying on crutches at all, where fluency becomes second nature. I’m well on my way and owe this to this program, Lee’s books, the StopStutter Mobile App, and to Coach Prathusha.
I hope my story inspires others on similar paths, showing that rewiring your brain is achievable with neuroplasticity, patience, and perseverance, and the place to learn it is WSSA, the world’s only community of EX-stutterers and those fast becoming ex-stutterers.
Aldrin, Texas, November 2024
