Confidence is something everybody can struggle with. Some fake it until they make it. When you have a life with a speech disorder, however, you’re at a higher risk of struggling with self-confidence.
Speech is something most people are given. It’s natural for them. However, when you have a speech disorder, you can start to compare yourself to others. People compare themselves to other people in their day to day life. However, when somebody with a speech disorder compares themselves to a person who does not, this is unrealistic comparison. However, people with speech disorders live in a world where speech comes naturally to everyone else. So, self-comparisons are almost unavoidable. However, that doesn’t mean we cannot stop them.
With that said, we need to talk about how to raise self-confidence in people with speech disorders. Because we can work on the speech all we want too. However, there’s a whole life outside of the speech therapy room. If a child or adult is suffering from low confidence with verbal expression, we need to call for intervention. Here are some things I have found beneficial:
Learn how to stand up for yourself.
Now, I know standing up for yourself can be difficult. However, when you allow yourself to be walked on, it’s showing a lack of self-confidence. Since people with speech disorders can have a history of bullying, it’s remarkable how to learn how to stand up for themselves. I stand up for myself, knowing my rights, and I also don’t allow others to disrespect my speaking. If somebody treats me poorly for my speech, I will inform them about my diagnosis and tell them to stop. I have learned if you speak up and say something, people will walk around with their heads hung in shame because you’re pointing out their actions aren’t justifiable.
Own your speech difference.
You have a speech difference, so what? Sure, it’s different from society’s norm. But who says you aren’t allowed to have your diagnosis? You could essentially try to hide your speech difference, but I have found that it is so uncomfortable. I have found owning my Apraxia has made me way more confident. Also, it makes other people more confident when I’m just like, “Yeah, I have Apraxia!” Because it’s no longer the elephant in the room. I’m like yes I am Jordan, this is the way I speak, and I have so many more things to say to you besides that one sentence.
Let’s talk about Therapy.
Therapy used to be highly stigmatized. However, in our current year, more people know that everybody should go to therapy. Therapy can help with struggles you are facing in your day to day life, or even a lousy work situation you are going through. Research supports that individuals with speech disorders can benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Therapy. In my experience, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has helped me accept my diagnosis. Once I accepted my diagnosis, I have never felt more self-confident and comfortable in my skin. I will always be such an advocate for all things therapy.
When we increase self-confidence and other factors, we are also increasing these people’s quality of life. These are things that take practice and time. Also, yes, from time to time, you may have to fake it until you make it. We all have certain things we may be more confident towards than others. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t build up our confidence more. Let’s reach for the stars; the sky is our limit.