TEDxLansing-Sharon Emery-The Disabled Listener: They can talk, they can hear, they just don't listen

Sometime way-back-when, humans figured out that we need to interact in a meaningful way, so language -- talking and listening --came to be. That was then. Today we focus on the production of sound rather than the thoughtful receipt of it. Our culture celebrates the glib, which poses a real challenge for people like Sharon, who stutters. Banter is not something stutterers do, which makes it very hard for you would-be listeners. Anything that veers from that standard throws you off course. They see you wince when they are speaking, look away or actually break out in what can only be assumed to be nervous laughter. Sharon presents on the social stigmas faced in life as a stutterer and how to listen, to really listen and hear, what one of our region's most experienced communicators has to say.


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[speakingout2]

Very good, Sharon!

[Anna Margolina]

How very true. The same goes for an accent. Many Americans just stop listen to you as an intelligent human being when you have an accent. Since I had a thick accent AND a severe stutter, you can imagine how it felt when I saw that they were unable to focus on what i was saying - only how I was saying it. Bravo, Sharon! Anna

[Pieter Thewis]

Respect Sharon !

[wrongdogmedia]

I do not stutter when I speak, but I get so nervous that I feel like I'll throw up or pass out! Typically when I am finished, I cannot remember anything I said Or how it went.

[bubbaperry1]

Well done Sharon, especially the bit about the drive through in Mac Donalds, I admire the spirit in you your courage and determination is incredible.

Anthony in Ireland

[berniewin]

Thank you so much for being so open with your stuttering and "educating" people about stuttering. You are a great advocate for people who stutter and for people with disabilities

Bernie Weiner ( National Stuttering Association North Central Regional Chapter Coordinator )

[Glenda Lee]

so excellent thank you Sharon! :)