Why have I suddenly started stuttering?
Many people contact us to tell us that they have suddenly started stuttering. It may be that they stuttered as a child but the stutter either resolved or it was not having an impact on their lives. Rather than starting to stutter suddenly, their earlier stuttering may have come back unexpectedly.
Many people contact us to tell us that they have suddenly started stuttering. It may be that they stuttered as a child but the stutter either resolved or it was not having an impact on their lives. Rather than starting to stutter suddenly, their earlier stuttering may have come back unexpectedly.
It may be that you are feeling stressed or anxious – that you are having changes in your life such as interviews for a new job, going on dates with new people, or making a wedding speech. These situations may lead you to tense your muscles and lead to more stuttering, or that you are noticing the stutter more than before, in the preparation to these important events.
It may be that work situations have changed – since the Pandemic, many people are working from home using video conferencing which may have been something you previously avoided. People report seeing themselves on videoconferencing has made them stutter more and to become more aware of the stutter.
For a few people, stuttering does suddenly start in adulthood as a result of a neurological event, such as a stroke, and is called a neurogenic stammer. Stuttering may also start as a result of an emotional trauma, commonly known as psychogenic stuttering.
Should you start to stutter suddenly in adulthood, following assessment we may need to make an onward referral to rule out a neurological diagnosis or to seek additional psychological support.
Speech Therapy can support you in increasing your confidence, reducing your stress and anxiety around stuttering and developing strategies to make talking easier. Click on the contact us button to arrange a free consultation or email us for more information.
Should I tell my job interviewer that I stutter?
Should I tell my interviewer prior to the interview that I stutter?
You may have thoughts regarding whether you should tell your employer whether you stutter. By telling the employer beforehand, this might reduce the pressure you feel in the interview. This is called self-advertising. We can discuss the pros and cons of this in your therapy session.
We see many people embracing change and applying for new jobs. They are often thinking about the impact the stutter might have on the interview. Its important to remember that you have been invited to interview because they have been impressed by your CV or application – you have met all the essential criteria.
Its also important to remember communication skills are not just about fluency – employers are looking for an ability to listen, problem-solve, be positive, work in a team and be flexible. They will often ask for examples of these skills within the interview questions. Many people who stutter are exceptional communicators – try to focus on your strengths.
There are also some practice interview events for people who stutter such as 50 Million voices
https://www.50millionvoices.org/
Should I tell my interviewer prior to the interview that I stutter?
You may have thoughts regarding whether you should tell your employer whether you stutter. By telling the employer beforehand, this might reduce the pressure you feel in the interview. This is called self-advertising. We can discuss the pros and cons of this in your therapy session. You can additionally ask the employer for adjustments such as extra time. There is more information regarding this on Stammering Law
https://www.stammeringlaw.org.uk/employment/recruitment-promotion/should-i-tell-employer-i-stammer/
What jobs can I do with a stutter?
You are not limited by the stutter. You can do any job. We treat people that are working successfully as teachers, psychologists, actors, radio presenters and many more professions that require public speaking.
If you are not offered a job, it is useful to request feedback from your employers. Some people who stutter may assume it is because of the stutter that they are not offered the job. However, there is a set marking criteria that interviewers use and they can give you the ideal answers to support you in future interviews. This may help increase your confidence as most interviewers are keen to give positive feedback.
Speech Therapy can support you in preparation for an important job interview – to increase your confidence so that you are able to relax and perform your very best.
Here is some additional advice for interviews or employment:
Insider secrets from a human resources professional who stutters
https://westutter.org/wp-content/uploads/ace_your_next_job_interview_july2019.pdf
Reasonable adjustments for people who stutter
https://stamma.org/sites/default/files/2019-06/19%20Reasonable%20Adjustments%20at%20work.pdf
Resources for employers
https://stamma.org/resources/professionals/employers