Welcome to Speakeasy
What is Speakeasy?
Speakeasy is a support group for People Who Stutter (PWS), their family members and friends. Meetings are used to discuss issues around stuttering, to share new ideas and experiences, discuss feelings and to practice one's speech techniques.
History
In 1992, Speakeasy was started by a group of People Who Stutter, their parents and speech therapists to address the issue of prevention and treatment of stuttering in South Africa through:
- Education
- Self-help groups
- Enhance the training and skills of Speech Therapists
In June 1998, Speakeasy organised a very successful three day International Stuttering Conference which was held at JCE in Johannesburg. Many prominent international speakers, and People Who Stutter (PWS) attended.
Speakeasy meetings are held on a regular basis.
Suggestions
When speaking to PWS (People Who Stutter)
- The PWS should be listened to patiently, not be hurried and not interrupted
- NEVER finish a PWS word unless asked to by the PWS
- Don’t fill in words or supply answers
- Don’t look pained, pitying or impatient
- Do not withdraw eye contact, glance nervously at the PWS or stare vacantly into space
- Speak naturally
- Maintain an unhurried, calm and interested manner