In the context of stuttering, a “crutch” is a term used to describe various techniques or strategies that people who stutter (PWS) use to help manage and mitigate their stuttering. Crutches are not a “cure” for stuttering but rather a set of tools that individuals can employ to make their speech more fluent and less challenging. These crutches can provide temporary relief from stuttering and help boost a person’s confidence in their ability to communicate effectively.
Stuttering is a formidable challenge that can hold you back from expressing yourself freely and confidently. Throughout “How to Stop Stuttering & Love Speaking,” Lee G. Lovett shares invaluable insights and a series of powerful techniques to help individuals break free from the clutches of stuttering. In this final chapter, we explore Crutch #12, a remarkable solution that involves the simple yet transformative act of smiling and laughing.
Stuttering: A Battle of Consent, Focus, and Commitment
Stuttering is not merely a speech impediment; it requires your consent, focus, and commitment, whether consciously or subconsciously. John Harrison, aptly describes stuttering as “holding back.” It’s as if your speech is a dam, and the words get trapped behind it, unable to flow freely. The key to overcoming stuttering lies in finding ways to release this dam, allowing your speech to flow without hindrance. Smiling and laughing are the unexpected heroes in this journey.
When you smile and laugh, you let go of your inhibitions and release the tight grip that stuttering has on your speech. The power of this simple yet profound revelation lies in the fact that you can shift your focus away from the fear of stuttering and embrace something more positive and liberating.
Crutches: Shifting Your Focus Away from Stuttering
Range of crutches to help individuals shift their focus away from the fears, words, stutters, and blocks that characterize stuttering. These crutches are essentially tools that allow you to break free from the clutches of your stutter and immerse yourself in the art of fluent speech. Whether it’s changing your voice register, using word-linkage, storytelling, or any other technique, they all serve one primary purpose: diverting your mind away from the paralyzing fear of stuttering.
Enter: The Power of Smiling
In the pursuit of various crutches, Lovett stumbled upon a remarkable solution: smiling. This crutch was contributed by Dimas Ahda, an Indonesian who grappled with severe stuttering. Dimas discovered that by forcing himself to smile throughout his speech, he found it considerably easier to maintain fluency. This simple yet powerful technique has proven effective for Dimas and many others, making it a valuable tool in the fight against stuttering.
The key to the effectiveness of this crutch is the level of concentration it requires. Maintaining a smile while speaking engages not one, not two, but 12 facial muscles. These muscles demand your undivided attention. When you concentrate to keep that smile in place, you can’t simultaneously focus on the fears and anxieties that lead to stuttering. The power of this shift in focus cannot be understated.
The Science of Smiling: A Cascade of Positivity
It’s not just a psychological shift; there’s science to back up the magic of smiling. When you smile, your body responds with a surge of positivity. A smile sends a message to the trillions of cells in your body, releasing endorphin-like chemicals that elevate your mood and well-being.
This cascade of positivity isn’t just limited to your body; it’s infectious. When you smile, the people around you can’t help but feel the warmth and positivity emanating from you. This can lead to more favorable interactions and improved relationships. In essence, you’re elevating the quality of your life.
The Joy of Laughing: An Even Easier Route to Freedom
While smiling is a powerful tool, it’s not the only one in your arsenal. You also have the magic of laughter at your disposal. The significance of laughing and the simple mantra: “When I’m laughing, I’m happy.” Indeed, it’s true that laughter can have a profound impact on your state of mind. Laughing requires little provocation, and by making an extra effort to incorporate laughter into your daily life, you can lighten the weight of stuttering.
This advice isn’t to be taken lightly. The power of laughter can significantly improve the ease with which you speak. The daily practice of laughing, whether alone or with others, can lead to an easier and more liberating speech experience.
Embracing Stuttering as a Blessing
By incorporating smiles and laughter in life, one can discover another powerful tool to overcome stuttering. Smiling and laughing can not only help defeat stuttering but also contribute to better karma and a higher quality of life.
The Magic of Twelve: A Symbol of Wholeness
Crutch #12, reflects on the significance of the number twelve. The number twelve appears throughout history and cultures as a symbol of wholeness and completeness. It signifies a full cycle and a return to unity.
In the context Anti-Stuttering Crutches, it’s as though you’ve completed a full circle in your journey toward fluent speech. These crutches serve as your guiding lights, illuminating the path to freedom from stuttering. Without these twelve crutches, Lovett doubts that he could have stopped stuttering or avoided relapses for so many years.
A Community of Hope: Join the Fight Against Stuttering
An army of individuals are now using these crutches and techniques to overcome stuttering. They’ve formed a community of ex-stutterers and those on their way to becoming ex-stutterers. The community offers a wealth of anti-stuttering information and support.
In closing, the message is clear: if they can do it, you can do it too. It’s a journey that requires practice, determination, and patience. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you stumble; instead, celebrate your successes and replay them endlessly.
While some may say, “The crutches don’t work,” it’s countered by highlighting the growing army of people who are proving that these crutches are highly effective. These tools work proportionally to the effort you invest in learning and using them. Whether your stuttering is severe or mild, practicing these crutches can lead to significant improvements in your speech fluency.
Crutches: Your Key to Freedom from Stuttering
The journey to overcome stuttering is a personal and often challenging one. However, twelve anti-stuttering crutches provide invaluable tools to help you reach your destination. Memorize the list of crutches and keep a copy in your pocket. Practice these crutches for 20 minutes of your daily reading aloud sessions. Use them when you’re alone, in conversations, and throughout your daily life.
Additionally, you can seek guidance and support from the author and founder of the crutches, Lee Lovett himself, or study the over 2,000 coaching videos available on World Stop Stuttering Association’s website.
The Path to Fluent Speech: Embrace the Magic of Smiling and Laughing
In conclusion, embracing Crutch #12, the power of smiling and laughing, is a joyful and effective approach to overcoming stuttering. It’s not just a technique; it’s a philosophy that can change the way you view your speech challenges. By shifting your focus toward positivity and liberating your speech, you can free yourself from the bonds of stuttering.
Remember, you have a community of support at your disposal. Join the fight against stuttering, and together, you can achieve a future of fluent and confident speech. Your journey begins with a smile and a laugh, and it leads to the sunny destination of fluency and self-assured communication.
