Speakers clubs | Speaking Circles | Books and tapes | Reasonable adjustments

Speakers clubs

The Association of Speakers Clubs and Toastmasters International are two organisations which exist to help people improve their skills in public speaking. You can join a local group, simply as an observer to begin with, then proceed at your own pace to practice making short speeches, receiving support and constructive feedback from other members.

These are general organisations, not in any way focussed on stammering, but many people who stammer have found them helpful as a way of gaining confidence in a supportive setting. There is an article by Rob Bloom on his experience with Toastmasters as someone who stammers: 'You Think YOU'RE Afraid of Public Speaking?' - www.robbloom.com/creative/toastmasters.htm

To find a local group, use the following websites:
The Association of Speakers Clubs: www.the-asc.org.uk
Toastmasters International: www.toastmasters.org

Speaking Circles

Speaking Circles^® can be helpful for people who are uncomfortable speaking in groups.

"Speaking Circles are a natural and supportive approach to speaking in front of people. The format can benefit people who stammer in a number of ways - changing self perceptions, overcoming performance tendencies, increasing self-acceptance and improving listening skills. Speaking Circles enable people who stammer to actively confront some of the issues at the core of the problem."
Allan McGroarty, who stammers and is a trained Speaking Circle facilitator.

The value of Speaking Circles for those who stammer Article by Allan McGroaty.

www.speakingcircles.com The website of Speaking Circles International, founded by Lee Glickstein. Two of his books are available from our members' library.

The City Lit run occasional Speaking Circles specifically for people who stammer, and various self-help groups/speech therapist led groups incorporate Speaking Circles in their sessions. There are also more general Speaking Circles held around the country.

Books and tapes

There are books and tapes on public speaking in our members' library and shop.

Reasonable adjustments

It is worth remembering that there may be an obligation for employers, universities, schools etc to make reasonable adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act in respect of presentations. For some examples, see:

Working with students who stammer (pdf file - external link) On the De Montfort University website, about how lecturers can support students who stammer in higher education.

www.stammeringlaw.org.uk/ra Employment examples on a website about the DDA and stammering.

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