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SNL's stuttering skit prompts mixed reaction |
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Written by Lisa Wilder
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Saturday, 29 September 2012 04:06 |
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 Last week Saturday Night Live featured a skit about a drill seargent who stuttered, played by guest host Seth McFarlane. Some people who stutter have found it funny, while others disagree, prompting a flurry of debate about among members of the community. There is a very good discussion of the issue on Stuttertalk.
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Read more...
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 13 September 2012 15:45 |
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 Most people seemed to like Michelle Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention on September 4. But some pundits and commentators pointed out a habit she had of stuttering on certain phrases. While some people called her out for being "fake", others thought it enhanced her speech by making her seem humble and honest. It was a genuine "part of her rhetorical style", and had been "practiced" .
A writer on the online gossip/news site Gawker, Hamilton Nolan, referred to it as a “studied stutter” to “build sincerity”. This prompted a debate in the comments section as to whether it was natural, from nervousness, whether it was endearing or irritating.
Many a stutterer who has got the side-eye after simply telling someone their name, or been treated like a potential terrorist at airports and border crossings, might find the idea that stuttering engenders trust rather amusing. During Michelle Obama's speech, it did seem like she had selected certain phrases to stutter on for emphasis, or perhaps she was just waiting until the crowd stopped cheering at what she had said previously, and filling in the gaps with repetitions instead of silences. In any case, it is certainly the luxury of a non-stutterer to be able to use stuttering for "effect".
LINKS
Gawker
Globe and Mail
Media Bistro
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Supporting organizations that help people who stutter |
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Wednesday, 22 August 2012 14:40 |
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 Many people who stutter, in Canada and around the world, know of the Speech and Stuttering Institute. It was last winter that Greg O'Grady, a graduate of the Institute's Precision Fluency Shaping program, thought it would be a good idea to show his gratitude by helping to raise money for the place that helped him improve his life. Something simple, like a Walkathon, seemed like the best idea. This could not only benefit the Speech and Stuttering Institute, but it could raise awareness of stuttering in general. Now, with help from members of the stuttering community of the Greater Toronto Area region, that idea is about to become a reality.
You can help! If you live in the area, please come out and participate! You can register online for a fee of $20, which entails you to a souvenir t-shirt, snacks and beverages, as well as entertainment on the day of the walk. If you can't participate, you can donate to the Speech and Stuttering Institute through the Running Room website.
Plan a race for your city
If you live in a different Canadian city, why not start a walk of your own to raise money for any recognized, registered non-profit organization that helps people who stutter? You can register your race with the Running Room, which makes it easy to get participation, pledges and donations. They have locations all over Canada, from Charlottetown to Vancouver.
The Toronto 1K/5K Walk takes place September 23, 2012. For more information see the website.
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