BSA's conference call in June, with John Evans as guest speaker, talked about whether stammering can bring some good things along with the difficulties. Here are some of the possible benefits that came up:

greater ability to listen to other people, perhaps gained from wanting others to listen to oneself. Also greater empathy with others;

getting to know oneself, including learning to love and accept different parts of oneself;

working hard at not being upset, at least in the wrong way, as it tends to increase the stammer. So aiming to 'free yourself', to be less angry and resentful when hurt;

inviting in help;

thinking about what is really important in life;

changing career to become a speech and language therapist;

encouragement to get outside one's comfort zone;

one participant had been told he was good at training people, perhaps because with the stammer he spoke more clearly and slowly.

John comments, "Summing up, stammering may encourage us to make better connections with other people and with ourselves."

Conference calls are the first Tuesday of each month. Any BSA member is welcome to call in.

From the Autumn 2008 edition of Speaking Out, page 17.