New Member

[Jenn]

I am a 31 year old wife and mother of 2. I have stuttered as long as I can remember. I went through years of speech therapy in elementary school thru High school. I went back to school to finish my nursing degree a couple of years ago. My stuttering as gotten better over the years, but is still very obvious to my peers. I have a oral presentation due in 2 weeks, and I am already losing sleep over it! I went to my professor to explain my concerns, and she told me it is a required assignment. Any suggestions?

[Walt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KtncNtL-SI&feature=related Perhaps seeing this video about a 16 year old in Canada will help.

[kuluhope]

nice to meet you in the stuttering cannt stop me group.

[Burt]

Hi Jenn. I've gone through a lot of oral presentations now (always stressful), but it gets better with time.
Here are a couple of tips:
1. If possible, rely on powerpoint slides. People like to have a backup. If there are words you have difficulties to get through but you have to carry in your presentation, put them on the slide, show the relevant sentence with them to the audience but don't say it, use a paraphrase with easier words. (machiavelic tip isn't it, ah)
2. If your stutter is obvious and you can't hide it, it's better to warn the audience before. Maybe add a "funny" slide on this. it may be tought to say, but humour will ease everything after this and the rest of the presentation will be way way easier.
3. Try to negotiate an extra time with your professor. She should understand it and maybe you even have a right to it. Even if you don't use it, it will ease your anxiety.
4. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Reheasre with your husband. And also with your children. This will be a game for them, and you will feel less anxious, which will make it again easier.

I hope all of this help.

[Jenn]

Thanks to all for your suggestions and help! I was able to get thru the presentation by using powerpints, video, and did a voice over from home. I only had to take questions at the end of the viewing. I will find out my grade this week, and will let you all know!

[Burt]

Excellent. The voice over idea was great. May I ask you if people knew that you stuttered before you made the presentation? And how did they react to the Q&A session ?
I hope the best for your grade.

[Jenn]

I got an A on my presentation! No one had any idea that I studdered prior to the presentation. I am generally quiet and try not to draw attention to myself. The Q and A session at the end was short and sweet, and went ok, although I was very nervous. I have one more presentation to get through next semester, then I hope to be done with them 4ever!!!!!!