The Brooklyn group met this past Monday just as the weather turned warm. We had about 16 people present and opened up the meeting with a discussion about job interviews. One of our members is about to embark on his career in business and asked how others in the group manage their stuttering during high pressure interviews. A few of us shared how telling our interviewer that we stutter can allow us to feel more confidence and control, but others shared how practicing relaxation techniques and using speech tools helps them get through tough speaking situations. What seemed clear was that every one of us is at a different place in our journey to speak comfortably and some situations (like interviews) will always be tough, especially early in our careers when we feel we have a lot to prove.
Stavros brought something up after the meeting that I think is important. He said that we can rave about the benefits of advertising all we want, but that won’t be a “saving grace” for a tough speaking situation until we begin to allow ourselves to stutter. As much as we love or hate our stuttering, it is an intrinsic part of who we are. Confidence comes from knowing and accepting our strengths and struggles. Sometimes it can be soooo helpful to lay down that burden we carry and just let ourselves stutter because it is okay. (Easier said than done, I know)
We also spoke about how after years of stuttering and feared speaking situations, we can start to close in on ourselves. People often walk into NSA groups when they have hit that rock bottom place and decide its time to take a leap of faith. That’s what we are here for 🙂 To show each other that we are not alone and that the pressure we feel can be lightened. Speaking of that, a NYC wide NSA event is in the works for May. We will send out a save the date ASAP.
Enjoy the weather everyone!!!
Roisin & David