The strength behind the stutter

Kaleb Brown

Submitted photo/Kaleb Brown

People who stutter bring valuable perspectives to the workplace. Research has shown that people who stutter have a strong sense of communication dynamics. We have a lot of grit and resilience when it comes to challenges navigating work. We have the ability to command the room.”

Learn More

The National Stuttering Association Conference 2027 is scheduled for July 7-11, 2027, at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale. To learn more about speakers, workshops, social activities or to register, visit westutter.org/nsa-annual-conference-2027.

OPINION — When advocating for yourself in the workplace, it takes time to build confidence and develop the courage to use your voice. We must acknowledge that everyone has a different relationship with their stutter. How you choose to advocate for yourself is ultimately up to you.

Personally, I believe that you are your own expert when it comes to your relationship with your stutter. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to advocacy. Your journey, experiences and comfort level are unique to you.

One of the pioneers in the stuttering community, Pam Mertz, coached me before I gave my first Coffee Talk at my first job out of college. I was an intern for a financial company, just starting my professional career and navigating work with my stutter.

Her encouragement helped me develop the mindset of commanding the room and owning my presence. It reminded me of my days playing basketball as a point guard. As a point guard, your job is to command the court and control the pace of the game. And that’s maybe why I found my way into long-distance running also now as a young professional.

The power of advocacy

In many ways, advocating for yourself in the workplace is similar. You have the opportunity to take ownership of your voice, your story and the space you hold. Leadership doesn’t have to look like being the loudest or being the most fluent in the room. You would be surprised how much companies notice the little things.

You may not always feel the most confident at first, and that’s OK. Confidence and courage take time to build. I always kept a reminder: My voice deserves to be heard, and no one understands your own journey with stuttering better than you do.

People who stutter bring valuable perspectives to the workplace. Research has shown that people who stutter have a strong sense of communication dynamics. We have a lot of grit and resilience when it comes to challenges navigating work.

We have the ability to command the room.

Find your people

The National Stuttering Association has chapter meetings across Arizona, virtual and In person. For more information, visit westutter.org/chapter/phoenix.

Glendale native Kaleb Brown is a Peoria High and University of Oklahoma grad who is on staff at Phoenix-based nonprofit First Place AZ. He wrote this for Independent Newsmedia as part of a monthly series dispelling myths about stuttering as the Valley prepares to host the 2027 National Stuttering Association Conference. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.