Why Join Speakeasy?
Support groups such as Speakeasy are helpful for many reasons:
- A problem shared is a problem halved.
- You do not have to suffer with your stuttering alone. 1% of the population stutter. You are not alone!
- You can gain from others like you.
- To educate the public about stuttering.
Self-help groups are held at Donald Gordon Medical Centre in Parktown, Johannesburg. Support groups provide attendees with the opportunity to share fears, frustrations and triumphs; practice therapeutic techniques to help control stuttering in a safe and supportive environment; engage in speaking experiences they might shy away from in their daily lives and perhaps most importantly, assist others in achieving these goals. This is all achieved in a non-threatening environment.
when speaking to PWS (people who stutter)
- The PWS should be listened to patiently, not be hurried and not interrupted
- NEVER finish a PWS word unless asked to by the PWS
- Don’t fill in words or supply answers
- Don’t look pained, pitying or impatient
- Do not withdraw eye contact, glance nervously at the PWS or stare vacantly into space
- Speak naturally
- Maintain an unhurried, calm and interested manner
