[dfinninger]

I have a mild stutter, I generally just call it a "vocal catch" because it's usually getting stuck and not being able to produce a sound instead of repeating a syllable. Usually only happens a couple times a day during normal conversation. More so when emotional.

IM is awesome. Very glad that's a thing.

I have a penchant for looking up a new word's synonyms. Which usually results in having a couple of "escape hatches" if I feel myself getting caught up. Sometimes, however, that's not the case and I just have to accept that I'm getting tripped up. At that point I'll audibly sigh, which usually un-sticks me enough to proceed.

When I give presentations, they are usually to my team. I've explained to everyone and they are understanding (I also asked them to not fill in the word they think I'm trying to say). There's mutual respect and they all patiently wait when it happens. Having that understanding really reduces the stress and makes presenting not painful.

[Humdeee]

I am the same way. Also have a mild stutter since childhood. I have found over the years that pausing mid sentence for just a second will bring back that natural flow. I've never been questioned on it for years, and don't believe it sounds awkward, which is really all I care about. And yes, I will also substitute words if I can predict that they'll get me. It's quite easy to tell when it's coming.

I am still a very confident person in social situations. It doesn't affect my normal adult life. In middle school it was an issue, but I've learned to control it as I got older.

Reflecting on it now, I stutter more often when I'm with people I'm most comfortable with. Family especially, close friends, girlfriend, etc. Perhaps because my 'speech guard' is completely down. But really isn't much at all, if any.

Interviewing for the current job I have now taught me a lesson in humility. I was speaking fast, my brain was racing and it brought out the worst I've spoken in a long time. I was embarrassed because I just couldn't seem to recover, but determined not to show it. I apologized, regardless. Staying calm and collected has always been the key for me.