What do Hugh Grant, Emily Blunt, and Winston Churchill have in common? Well, besides the fact that they are British. They were affected with severe speech impediments when they were children and young adults.
Hugh Grant
Hugh Grant who is best known for his roles as urban, eloquent leading men spent much of his childhood as a shy, quiet boy who spoke little. His effortless charisma and satirical wit are however, fruits of hard work. Grant has consistently and honestly addressed his struggles over the years in an effort to create awareness and acceptance of the speech defects.
Emily Blunt
Emily Blunt has spoken candidly recently about her struggles with stuttering. An active supporter of the scientific study of speech impediments, Blunt spoke about being bullied for stuttering as a child and the misrepresentation of people who stutter in our society. She chafes against defining anyone by their speech defects and recalls fondly her mother’s support when she consulted a speech therapist to combat her difficulties.
Winston Churchill
It might shock many to learn that the magnetic Winston Churchill who led his nation to victory in World War II fought an internal battle. Though journalists have often noted Churchill’s difficulty in pronouncing the letter ‘s’, few know about his disciplined practice of tongue twisters and diction rehearsals. His patient and persistent work with speech specialists hidden behind the iron curtain of his firm resolve remain largely unknown.
Hrithik Roshan
Most celebrities like Hrithik Roshan and Rowan Atkinson who have spoken publicly about stuttering stress that empathy is essential. Irrespective of age, cultural norms or professional, the struggle that comes with not being able to voice your opinions should be treated with sensitivity. Stuttering is not a manifestation of a nervous personality or anxiety. It occurs due to a genetic pre-disposition to the speech defect and can be overcome with persistence and acceptance. A strong support system is essential irrespective of whether you are a child, teenager or adult battling stuttering. A support system of friends, family, and informed professionals who can guide you through the process.
Speech therapists treat a wide range of speech disorders and can help boast confidence in communication skills. With vocal and cognitive exercises, speech therapists help overcome the hurdle of stuttering and other speech impediments. Access to speech therapists, the vulnerability of opening up to a stranger keeps people from seeking the help they need. Stamurai with their personalized programs and step-by-step guidance offer intimacy and anonymity taking the sense of being judged away. It is important not to get frustrated with hesitations and self-doubt, seeking help is the first step of the journey.
