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From: Alan Badmington
Date: 10/22/03
Time: 6:27:52 PM
Remote Name: 195.92.67.70
Hi Russ,
I have lost my stuttering mindset. What I mean by that is I never think about stuttering, nor expect to stutter. Stuttering no longer occupies my thoughts. If a minor dysfluency occurs, I treat it as such and move on. That's exactly what 'fluent' speakers do - why should I treat such infrequent blips any differently?
I think it would be dishonest of me to portray myself as a stutterer when speaking to community groups. During the talk, I give them examples of what I used to sound like and relate numerous anecdotes to illustrate the difficulties that I experienced.
I also have other evidence of those days when thoughts of stuttering constantly occupied my head. I show them the Edinburgh Masker, the portable electronic device that became my mechanical crutch for more than 20 years.
My eyes never fail to water as I recount the immense discomfort that I experienced whlst wearing it. I suffered frequent headaches (due to the infernal buzzing sound that was emitted every time I spoke) and ear infections (because of the lack of ventilation caused by the ear moulds).
I also have a copy of the report that a senior police officer once wrote about the manner in which I performed in court proceedings. It reads, "When this officer gives evidence in court, he is an embarrassment to all concerned".
Russ, they are left in no doubt that I had a serious speech problem for more than 50 years.
It would be great to chat soon.
Kindest regards
Alan Badmington
PS Any truth in the rumour that you have been studying the Welsh langauge in your spare time?