Hi my name is Argineh, I’m a current SLP graduate student at Baylor University. In my current course, we discussed how job interviews can be particularly challenging for people who stutter, as others might have preconceived notions or misinterpret their communication abilities. What are some of the most effective therapeutic techniques for promoting fluency and managing stuttering in individuals who are preparing for high-pressure situations, like job interviews or public speaking?
Hi Argineh!
Thank you for your question!
In the management of communication and how people who stutter may experience for example their job interviews more effectively, meaningful and authentic, would alternatively be to address the stuttering in a way which the person find natural and real for him/her in that particular setting. For many people I know, to mention and that they stutter/beeing open, have helped them to put everyone involved at ease. If I may recommend a platform or website which gives lots of relevant information about this topic, I would visit the following link: https://stamma.org/get-help/work-job-hunting/job-interviews. I am pretty sure that you will find several other resources as well, depending on where you live, and which resources you have access to. Maybe you also could ask your question to the members in “Talk to a PWS”. Then you might see that there is a variability within a group as well, because different people are experiencing their stuttering differently.
I know that my response can be regarded as short, but I hope it may lead you in an informative direction further.
Best wishes for your further SLP education and practice!
Hilda
Hello Argineh!
I would like to propose a different way of thinking here- instead of teaching our clients to manage their stuttering and promote fluency during higher-stress situations … how about we guide them to do less? If your client is ok with it- you can ask them what it might be like to go into an interview and introduce themselves as a person who stutters and just stutter openly and freely without having to restrict themselves? This might be the first time that person hears that they have a choice to not worry or care about how others perceive them, it could be very empowering for the client. Or, contrastingly, it could be very stressful for the client. It is 100% ok if the client says, no I do not want to stutter openly during this interview, I would like strategies. As a therapist, it is your job to honor the client’s wishes, but to present them with their options first and honor their choice!