Transforming Zeros

Sometimes we feel like we have a zero in our personal equations: a characteristic, quality, or condition that serves to undermine our efforts in other areas. It can be frustrating when we work hard to develop skills and capabilities only to feel like they are negated by just one part of who we are.

Core Concept

• The feeling of having a "zero" is common when facing a condition like stuttering, where the difficulty in verbal expression seems to render knowledge and experience worthless.
• The practical question is what support or change of approach would let a person use their other strengths, whether or not the difficulty disappears.

The Example of Stuttering

Stuttering is defined as a speech condition that disrupts the normal flow of speech. It can lead to poor self-esteem, anxiety, and avoidance of social interaction, as daily situations become sources of stress.

Key Insights from Stutterers

• It's a disconnect, not an intellect deficit. Stutterers know what they want to say; the struggle is between having an idea and expressing it conventionally.
• Participation need not wait for perfect fluency. The stories below describe ways people found to speak, perform or pursue their work. They do not establish a single course or outcome for everyone who stutters.

Success Stories of Transformation

• Marilyn Monroe openly talked about her childhood embarrassment and fear of speaking. She worked through this limitation to achieve success in film.
• Emily Blunt found that acting lessons and taking on a role helped her step away from her speech impediment and manage it.
• B.B. King and Rubin "Hurricane" Carter discovered that they did not stutter while singing. They worked to replicate that relaxed fluidity into everyday speaking patterns.
• Carter also channeled the aggression from being mocked for his stutter into a successful boxing career. He later became a compelling speaker by practicing cadences and forced speaking before groups.