Topic: Stuttering

[Scott Burton]

I recommend Toastmasters.  I am a member myself.  I encourage you to visit a local club meeting.

[John Pyka]

Margarette,
The great golden age stage magician Harry Keller also had a severe studder that he had to overcome to become not only one of the greats of his day (competing with Thurston) but one of the greatest of all time!

Does anyone know if there is a Keller biography?

[Margarette]

I suffer from a stutter.  Normally, it is under control, and most people don't really notice it (but I do).  When I am nervous, my stutter becomes more prounounced.  This is one reason why I choose to do most of my magic to music.  It is also one reason why close-up terrifies me so much.  The few times I have done close up magic, you guessed it, my stutter became quite pronounced!  This is one reason why I have never auditioned for community theater stuff.  It is also one reason why I failed one certification exam...the reviewers thought my posture was "too militaristic" and that I "stammered" when I voiced. 

I was intrigued by the movie "The King's Speech".  I only watched it recently, then I read the book....written by Logue's grandson.  It was an inspiration!  Granted, I have never been to therapy or anything for my stutter (because growing up I never talked so my parents never knew I had a problem), but King George VI is someone to be admired for overcoming is deficiency!

Margarette