I am not a doctor nor a speech therapist, neither of which I consulted at any time with my problems. I am not saying what worked for me will do the same for you. This is my story. This is what I have done and continue to do each and every day. What Marty gave to me, the gifts of how to learn, of how to practice, have changed my life; have given me a whole new life. I have gone from a person who literally could not say thank you, to someone who makes his living as a television commentator and public speaker. I have also become a spokesperson for the National Stuttering Foundation. I urge you to contact the Stuttering Foundation and give it your best shot. As we say in basketball, "Never up, never in".
Slow your thoughts down---think about what you are saying now, not 3 or 4 sentences ahead---don't be in a hurry---you will not successfully communicate with speed, but rather with concise, analytical content.
Chew sugarless gum---to strengthen the muscles in your jaw and to get your mouth/jaw moving.
Read out loud---it doesn't matter what the subject is, just do it…a lot. When you are comfortable reading out loud, move in front of the mirror and watch yourself, as others will see you speaking.
Identify the sounds that cause you the most trouble-for me they are D's, H's, S's, Th's and W's (although on some days I can't say a single one)---find written material that contain a lot of these sounds and go back to the start of this list and start over.
Become a teacher - to anyone, anywhere, on any subject---start with young children with a topic that you know-they won't care about your limitations-all they care about is that you are willing to spend time with them and are trying to give them the gift of knowledge.
Move forward and don't be afraid to fail---confidence will come from repetition---if I can do it, why can't you?
When you stumble---stop, then start again---find your pace, your rhythm, your game---everyone makes mistakes---it's what you do after those mistakes that will determine your ultimate success and happiness---turnovers out of commission are what people are looking for---they mean you're a player.
That's it. For me, no magic, no medication, no gimmicks, no shortcuts, no tricks…Just a plan, a vision, a dream that maybe someday?…And a lot of hard work.
Good luck and let me know how I can help. I know it's not easy and it takes a lifetime, but believe me the rewards are incredible.
Your friend always…let me know how you're doing.