There are various workplace situations that can be challenging for people who stutter. Situations such as delivering presentations, communicating with co-workers and facilitating project meetings can become more difficult when you stutter. We are here to help you become a better employee and to deliver your best when on the job.
The NSA® has developed a free webinar series to address relevant issues people who stutter face in the workplace. These 1-hour webinars are informative, interactive and lead by people who stutter.
2024 Webinar Schedule
Navigating the Ups and Downs of Remote Work as a PWS
November 20, 2024
What are the benefits of working from home, as a remote employee? Many of us found ourselves working from home during the pandemic, and have continued to do so as employers and employees discovered increases in employee productivity and improved employee morale. Simply not having to commute to work has been hugely important for many remote workers.
What about for those of us who stutter? Are we happy working from home or does it create more stress than we may have anticipated? Join hosts Pamela Mertz, Anabel Augustin, and Carl Coffey as we discuss balancing our work lives, dealing with issues such as isolation, challenges with using video platforms, and perhaps more freedom to plan out our days.
This will be an interactive session where we invite people to think about the pros and cons of working from home.
Archived Webinars
Multilingual Stuttering in the Workplace
April 23, 2024
Having a stutter has its own challenges, but stuttering in different languages or perhaps stuttering in a specific language can be significantly harder to comprehend and to experience in the workplace. Reasons include the structure of the language, the phonetic sounds, or the rhythm of the language.
Stuttering in the workplace as multilinguals can be very challenging at times, since different fluency strategies may not work with the different structures of the languages spoken. Oftentimes for multilinguals, the severity of stuttering occurrences can depend on what language is being spoken.
We’ve often been conditioned by several myths about multilingual individuals who stutter. Myths such as, speaking more than one language increases the risk of an individual having a stutter, or an individual learning more than one language may increase the likelihood of stuttering moments.
Today we will be speaking with several individuals who will be shattering those myths, showing us the strengths of being multilingual and to demonstrate to us all that a multilingual stutterer can achieve success in the workplace.
Join host Anabel Augustin and panel members Michele Ayoub, and David Apulche for an interactive conversation on the strengths and challenges of stuttering in the workplace being multilingual.
How to Get Promoted as a PWS
March 27, 2024
Are you curious about how to advance your career as a person who stutters? This webinar is an open conversation between three professionals who have gotten promoted and are people who stutter.
Christopher Monello, Director of Marketing at Scientific American, John Ontiveros, Construction Specialist at Southern California Edison, and James A. McClure, public relations professional share their respective journeys in climbing the career ladder. You’ll also learn the keys to job success and how being your genuine self can make all the difference.
Establishing Employee Resource Groups
November 29, 2023
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that promote a sense of belonging and support inclusivity within the workplace. Typically, an ERG will focus on supporting employees who share a common identity, as well as their advocates. An employee resource group fosters connections between an underrepresented group and the rest of the company to give its members more opportunities to learn, teach and engage.
ERGs are generally based on providing support, enhancing career development, and contributing to personal development in the work environment. In this interactive webinar, learn how to start an ERG, the benefits to employees and the company, and how to get employees to join. We also examine what a successful ERG looks like.
Tyler Clemens from Starbucks and Logan Hall from PriceWaterhouseCoopers and NSA Moderator Pamela Mertz discuss the importance of ERGs in today’s workplace. Tyler and Logan have both led successful ERGs on stuttering and disability in their companies.
Sales and Entrepreneurship: How to sell yourself and your ideas as a person who stutters
October 25, 2023
Do you want to pursue a career in sales or entrepreneurship but feel held back because of stuttering? You’re not alone. Join the NSA community for an informative panel discussion with people who stutter who have also chosen high-profile careers in sales and entrepreneurship. During Sales and Entrepreneurship: How to sell yourself and your ideas as a person who stutters, you’ll learn from active, working professionals in highly visible roles about life on the job, the struggles they’ve endured, and their advice for breaking through barriers to achieve success in your career path.
Panelists share their experience and guidance for:
Pursuing a career path in sales or entrepreneurship as a person who stutters
Disclosing stuttering to coworkers and prospects
Responding to the pressure of sounding fluent
How to lessen the impact stuttering may have on job performance
Panelists
Maya Chupkov, Media & Democracy Program Manager at Common Cause; Host, Creator, Producer at Proud Stutter
Zach Cohen, Senior Product Manager at Numerator
Michéle Ayoub, Interior Designer and Sales Associate at B&B Italia
Moderator
Ariel Mahlmann, Marketing Specialist at RackTop Systems and author of aarielrenee
Workplace Webinar – How Do We Choose A Career?
September 27, 2023
Choosing a career can be one of the most difficult decisions of adulthood. It can be the most complicated question to answer, and for many individuals it can be nerve wracking and really makes you question your skills and strengths. Many people know what they want to be from childhood and find ways to go about accomplishing it.
For people who stutter, it can be significantly harder. We’re often conditioned by myths and stereotypes that we cannot do certain things. Even knowing our skill set, there’s always that fear that we won’t succeed. Today, we will talk with several individuals who bust those myths and show us that people who stutter can achieve any level of success in the careers they are most passionate about.
Host Anabel Augustin and panel members Ashleigh Givens and Ben North offer an interactive conversation on choosing the work we love to do.
Workplace Webinar – Careers In Marketing: A Candid Conversation
May 31, 2023
Are you curious about a career in marketing but feel hesitant to pursue one because of stuttering? This month’s webinar will be an open conversation between two individuals who are passionate marketers and also people who stutter.
Moderators Chris Monello, Head of Marketing at Scientific American, and Ariel Mahlmann, Marketing Specialist at RackTop Systems, will share their respective journeys into marketing and how they handle the verbal demands of the job. You’ll also learn the keys to career success and how being your genuine self can make all the difference.
Workplace Webinar – Should I Go To HR?
April 26, 2023
Discussing and disclosing stuttering in the workplace is a personal decision. Some people who stutter are very comfortable with stuttering openly at work, with colleagues, managers and clients. Some of us are ok with disclosing to the Human Resources office so that stuttering is not a taboo topic and to open the door to request workplace accommodations if needed.
But it’s not easy deciding when and how to disclose at work. Should disclosure be pre or post hire? What language should be used? And if we choose to disclose to employees and HR, what happens when someone says or does something that feels inappropriate or discriminatory? If a co-worker laughs at your stutter, and you’ve stood up for yourself and asked them not to, and they continue to laugh or mock you, should you go to HR?
Moderated by Pamela Mertz and Rebecca Bambusch, SHRM-CP, HR Manager discuss a tricky topic that can pop up at work and navigate the ins and outs of asking for support.
Workplace Webinar – Keys To Career Success
March 29, 2023
Our webinars have covered themes such as disclosure, resilience, mindfulness, and self-advocacy — all things that can directly contribute to finding success at work as a Person Who Stutters (PWS). Although each of our career paths vary, one thing we all have in common is that each day presents an opportunity for growth. This interactive webinar, facilitated by our We Stutter @ Work team, prompts each of us to reflect on our individual career journey and evaluate lessons learned over time. The NSA community is filled with individuals from a diverse background of career paths, experiences, and perspectives to share. As you look over your own experiences… what have your keys to success been?
Intersectionality in the Workplace
November 16, 2022
The ability to “bring your whole self to work” has often been used to describe a workplace environment that promotes diversity and inclusion. In this exciting and interactive Zoom webinar, we explore how this applies to people who stutter with intersecting identities (i.e., gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity).
Check out this valuable discussion powered by our community about the challenges – as well as opportunities – of stuttering and intersectionality in the workplace.
Strengths and Challenges of SLPs Who Stutter
October 26, 2022
Stuttering and Customer Service Jobs
September 28, 2022
Stuttering and K-12 Educators
May 25, 2022
Many people forget that K-12 classrooms and schools are workplaces. Public school education is often taken for granted, with society expecting teachers to “do everything.” Teachers are employees, many of whom may face challenges with stuttering and stigma while teaching our children. Stuttering can also be an advantage in education, as it provides a platform to discuss diversity and inclusion. Our panel of teachers and school administrators will share navigating stuttering, disclosure, and debunking false assumptions in the K-12 environment. Join us for this exciting and illuminating panel, with plenty of time for Q&A and feedback.
This panel was moderated by Pamela Mertz, with distinguished panelists Lucas Cognini, Middle School Math and Science Teacher, Huntington Park School, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Dr. Saundra Russel-Smith, Elementary School Principal, Joliet Public Schools, Joliet, Illinois and Sarah Onofri, ENL Teacher, Snug Harbor Community School, Quincy Public Schools.
Awkward Interactions at Work for People Who Stutter
April 27, 2022
While advocating for yourself and your stutter in the workplace is empowering, it doesn’t come without its challenges. We’ve all likely experienced some awkward moments while communicating in the workplace that have caused us to go into a downward spiral of overthinking. Moments like stuttering on the phone and having people think you got disconnected or struggling to speak up in a group conversation can tend to leave us feeling awkward and uncomfortable.
In our current world, various workplace environments can present their own unique opportunities for awkward workplace interactions for people who stutter. Zoom meetings can be tricky because they rob us of nonverbal cues, which forces us to rely more on our voices. It can be hard to jump in when everyone is talking over each other, while also being unsure of who is speaking next. And for those who are returning to work in person for the first time since before the pandemic, there may be a challenged with interacting with new colleagues and re-integrating themselves into a new in-person environment.
We’ve all likely experienced a host of nitty-gritty awkward interactions that come along with stuttering in the workplace. In this webinar, we hear from an esteemed panel of fellow people who stutter on how to get through some of those moments (that occur both in person and over Zoom) by sharing real life experiences, giving some hard-won lessons learned, suggested prompts to have at the ready, and our favorite – input and advice from you, the listener!
Chat transcript for Awkward Interactions at Work for People Who Stutter
Managing Stress & Anxiety at Work (part 2)
March 30, 2022
Kicking off our Spring 2022 webinar series, we welcomed back co-hosts Carl Coffey and Heather Najman to continue the conversation on stuttering & anxiety in the workplace. If you joined Part 1 during our Fall webinar series, you’ll remember we talked through a lot of foundational knowledge including the nervous system, stress responses, utilizing our senses, and self-talk.
In Part 2, we dive deeper to explore practical strategies that can be used to battle anxiety at work and discuss resources that can empower us to do our best work and thrive in an emotionally fulfilling way. In this informative and interactive session Carl and Heather share their perspective and invite participants to share their own experiences as well.
Managing a Team as a Person Who Stutters
November 17, 2021
Managing people always has its fair set of challenges, but leading a team as a person who stutters adds another layer of complexity to the fold. In this webinar, our panelists are all people who stutter who also manage teams. You’ll learn how they managed anxiety and communication to advance their careers.
This panel is moderated by Derek Mitchell, Senior IT Service Strategy Analyst at Westrock and Christopher Monello, Senior Marketing Manager at Scientific American Magazine. Panelists are George Daquila, Engineering Manager at Google, Lisa Barone, Chief Marketing Officer at Overit, and Christopher Monello, Senior Marketing Manager at Scientific American Magazine.
Chat Transcript for Managing a Team as a Person Who Stutters
Managing Stress & Anxiety at Work
October 27, 2021
Do you find yourself experiencing the “Sunday scaries” as you anticipate the impending return to work the next day? If work has become a stressor and you find yourself constantly staring at the clock, we invite you to join this webinar.
In this interactive session, co-facilitated by Carl Coffey and Heather Najman, you’ll gain a better understanding of anxiety and learn methods on how to “flip the script” to challenge limiting thoughts and befriend your body to help you better manage stress.This workshop aims to provide you with tools that you can implement in the workplace and beyond. Are you ready to face your workday with optimism and a sense of resilience?
Stuttering and Academia
September 22, 2021
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that universities and colleges are workplaces. Stuttering can be challenging for professors who stutter, as well as for students and colleagues who are not familiar with stuttering. In this engaging panel discussion, we will hear from several professors who stutter, who will discuss how they navigate stuttering across a variety of academic environments. Participants will be invited and encouraged to ask questions of the panel.
This panel is moderated by Charley Adams, PhD, CCC-SLP, Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders at University of South Carolina. Panelists are Scott Thompson, PhD, Professor in the Philosophy Department at West Virginia University and Adams State University, Ai Leen Choo, PhD, Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Georgia State University, William Webster, PhD, retired Dean, Faculty of Health Professions at Dalhousie University and Jeffrey Brown, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Associate at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
Stuttering as an Advantage in the Workplace
June 21, 2021
What do we gain from the stuttering experience? Can stuttering be an advantage in the workplace?
Often, communication at work is superficial, with people just going through the routine of “Hi, how are you?” rather than really speaking to, or with, someone. The irregular rhythms of our speech allow for open and honest communication, which is invaluable in the workplace. Stuttering makes us interesting and memorable to our speaking partners. This is something we gain by stuttering. After technical difficulties with this webinar in May, we presented this topic again. Hosts Catherine Moroney and Pamela Mertz discuss a topic that many may not have considered to be an advantage in the workplace.
Stuttering as an Advantage in the Workplace
May 26, 2021
After technical difficulties with this webinar in May, we are presenting this topic again in June. Attendees will need register in advance for this meeting below, even if you registered for the May webinar of the same topic. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Public Speaking at Work for People who Stutter
April 28, 2021
Public speaking is one of the most common fears people experience. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, public speaking anxiety affects about 73% of the population. People who stutter especially have a high level of fear and anxiety when it comes to public speaking. That fear can present major challenges to reaching professional goals.
This webinar explored ways to confront and overcome the challenges that come with public speaking to reach our professional goals and attain the careers we are working towards. Derek Mitchell, Frank Stechel and a panel of professionals who stutter discussed how public speaking impacts one’s career and shared personal stories about facing the fear of public speaking in the workplace. (Read the chat room transcript from the webinar.)
Resilience at Work for People Who Stutter
March 23, 2021
All of us have experienced being knocked down in our career. It could be a failed entrepreneurial idea or not doing as well as you wanted to do on a big presentation at work. Having resilience matters for people who stutter because resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or toughness. People who stutter often display great resilience in many situations at work. This webinar explores resilience in the workplace and shares incredibly valuable perspective from webinar attendees. The chat transcript also shares smart perspective.
Unpacking Career Success Barriers: Job Searching, Resumes & Job Applications (PART 1)
October 27, 2020
People who stutter face the same career success barriers as people who don’t stutter. However, we also have experiences that are unique to us. In this webinar we discuss the barriers to job searching, resume development and job applications as well as how to overcome those barriers as a person who stutters. You’ll learn practical ways to utilize your skills, abilities and capabilities in job searching, resume writing, and how use them when you get the job! (Read the chat room transcript from the webinar.)
Dropping the “C” in Covert Stuttering at Work
September 22, 2020
Recent studies in the United States reveal that fully 61% of employees hide something about themselves in the workplace. This concealment is often due to fear of judgement, shame and/or a desire to conform and “fit in” at work. People who stutter often try to be as covert as possible at work, so they are not exposed and labeled as less intelligent, anxious or emotionally unsound, all of which we know are myths about stuttering. Stuttering covertly denies opportunity to bring one’s full self to work, which is needed for relationship building, creativity, teamwork and innovation. This webinar discussed the benefits of dropping covert behaviors at work and offer some suggestions to transition from covert to overt stuttering. (Read the chat room transcript from the webinar.)
Job Searching During COVID
August 25, 2020
Searching for a job during the COVID pandemic affects all people in all industries. This webinar discussed a variety of topics ranging from ideas on updating your resume to using effectively using social media in the job search process to participating in free practice job interviews from the NSA to helpful advice on video job interviews. NSA Special Projects Co-Chairs Pam Mertz and Carl Coffey led this invaluable and highly interactive discussion. (Read the chat room transcript from the webinar.)
Celebrating 30 Years of the ADA: A Stuttering Perspective
July 26, 2020
Many people who stutter have found protections through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but many are not aware of available workplace protections. The ADA was enacted 30 years ago to protect Americans with disabilities from educational and employment discrimination. The goal of the ADA is to ensure that persons with disabilities are afforded the same rights and opportunities as non-disabled individuals. This webinar celebrates the past 30 years of ADA accomplishments and shares helpful advice for how people who stutter are protected and how to access their rights in workplace situations. (Read the chat room transcript from the webinar.)
Creating Allies in the Workplace
May 19, 2020
Being the only person who stutters in a workplace can feel isolating. We may try to cover it up and feel at risk of exposing ourselves if found out. What if you intentionally disclose stuttering at work and cultivate allies? In this webinar, you’ll learn strategies to build allies at work and with external colleagues. You’ll also learn the benefits that come from being authentic and building strong relationships at work. (Read the chat room transcript from the webinar.)
When You’re the Interviewer
April 28, 2020
Job interviews are stressful for many people, especially people who stutter. As we advance in our careers, to supervisory or management roles, we may be sitting on the other side of the table, being the interviewer rather than the interviewee. That can be daunting. In this webinar, you’ll gain advice on how best manage stuttering from the other side of the table while also finding the best candidate for your organization.
You Got the Job! Now What?
March 31, 2020
Navigating the job interview process as a person who stutters is challenging. But just as challenging can be navigating your way after you’ve received the job. In this webinar, you’ll learn advice on how to handle first-day introductions with your new co-workers. You’ll also gain advice on how to network internally, participate in small talk and make the most out of after-work social events.
Including Stuttering in Diversity & Inclusion
November 12, 2019
Many companies around the world tout the importance of Diversity & Inclusion in their strategic plans. However, is having employees stuttering openly more than their corporate culture bargained for? Are companies prepared for people who stutter to “spread their peacock plume” at work? Drawing from themes expressed in the popular book on workplace diversity called, “A Peacock in the Land of Penguins,” this webinar discusses the gains that can be made in the workplace as a result of people feeling free enough to “bring their whole self” to work.
Stuttering and Employment Law
October 22, 2019
Companies and employees who are misinformed about stuttering may (consciously or unconsciously) treat people who stutter differently than “fluent” employees. Employment laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, protect people who stutter from bias, retaliation, and discrimination. This webinar discusses basic employment rights of people who stutter, how to access/ensure those rights and guidance on workplace accommodations. (Read the chat room transcript from the webinar.)
Stuttering and Mindfulness at Work
September 24, 2019
Mindfulness. Everyone seems to be talking about it these days. But what is it? And, more importantly, how can it help people who stutter in the workplace? Mindfulness can absolutely help people who stutter handle stressful speaking situations more successfully in the workplace. This webinar provides tangible insights about mindfulness and down-to-earth practices designed specifically for people who stutter, with an eye toward work challenges and stressors. Watch the webinar and read the transcript of the chat room conversation.
Self-Advocacy at Work
August 27, 2019
Many false assumptions and negative stereotypes about stuttering persist in the workplace. Employers may equate stuttering with anxiety or reticence, and poor interpersonal skills. Left unchecked, such biases can hinder meaningful employment and career advancement. This webinar offers strategies for the person who stutters to feel empowered to challenge and correct harmful workplace assumptions. (Read the chat room transcript from the webinar.)
Overcoming Self-Stigma to Achieve Career Goals
April 23, 2019
Do you feel stuttering holds you back from reaching your full career potential? Do you find yourself not taking initiative in your job? Do you lack confidence in your abilities to succeed in the workplace? As a person who stutters, you are not alone. In this webinar, you’ll learn practical ways to overcome these negative feelings and gain greater self-confidence to help fulfill your career aspirations.
Workplace Accommodations for People who Stutter
March 19, 2019
Employees who stutter have workplace rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. One of the basic rights is requesting reasonable accommodations to enable an employee to do his or her job despite having a disability, which includes stuttering. This can be a difficult path to navigate.
In this webinar, Teresa Goddard, from the Job Accommodation Network, explains the rights of employees who stutter, the process of requesting reasonable accommodations at work, examples of accommodations you can request and resources to contact with future questions.
Job Interview Skills
February 26, 2019
Job interviews can be one of the single most stressful speaking situations for people who stutter. In today’s fast paced world, interviews are often held over the phone or via video chat, which creates time pressures that add to expected nervousness.
In this webinar, we discussed strategies for building confidence, knowing and selling your strengths, and illustrating your ability to perform the job. We will also offered tips on when, where, and how to disclose stuttering.
Disclosure: When, How and Why
October 23, 2018
Many of us who stutter are used to hiding our stuttering at work. But for a lot of us, there comes a time when all that hiding starts having negative effects on our performance, our work relationships, and our potential for career advancement. Opening up about our stuttering feels so scary, but hiding it isn’t working, either. This webinar presentation explores disclosing stuttering in the workplace, including job interviews, during the workday, when meeting new colleagues, and more.
Successful Presentations
May 22, 2018
Presentations come in all shapes and sizes, from giving a project status report to facilitating a team meeting to presenting a PowerPoint deck at a board meeting. Whatever the situation, all eyes are on you. Which can feel intimidating! Learn how to become more at ease and confident when giving any type of presentation at work.
Successful Phone Calls
March 27, 2018
If speech challenges cause you to dread phone calls at work, feel frustrated during them, or feel dissatisfied after you hang up, watch this webinar. You’ll learn practical advice on improving your approach to and experience with using the telephone in the workplace.
Participating in Meetings Successfully
January 30, 2018
Does stuttering prevent you from participating in work meetings how you’d like? This webinar will assist you in creating tangible strategies for how to share your voice during work meetings.