The Talking Traveller

Along came a day when I realized that there are few common questions that everybody asks about the Talking Traveler that is me. So here follows the first episode of common questions, with some common answers.

No.1.   Q. Your accent!? Where are you from? 
            A. I am from South Africa. 
            Q. Ok, nice. Which part of South-Africa ?
            A. I come from a little place called Lydenburg in the Eastern Transvaal, 350km North East of
                Johannesburg. (300/1.6km =  187.5 miles) 
            A. Oh! Nice! Is that near Cape Town!? (usually very excited ) I know Cape Town!
            Q. No.....(then a detailed visual explanation of where the most southern point of Mozambique is,
                 the Kruger Park as reference point, 130km left of that and there you go!)

No.2. Q. Which countries have you been to so far? 
A. New Zealand, Australia, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Taiwan and of course, South Africa.
Q. Ha ha ha! What do you think of (current country) so far?
A.  It's very nice, the people are very kind to me and here is much to see!

No. 3. Q.You are a recovering stammerer !? What is that ?

• A. A recovering stammerer is a person who used to give into out-of-control stammering. But now he uses a certain technique, mentality and even life philosophy to not be governed by the effects of stammering. A person who is constantly striving and working hard to become a better speaker, who challenges himself to have fun speaking in as many situations as possible. A person who is actively changing his old disempowering speaking and thinking behaviours into more empowering ones. I am part of a speech programme, The McGuire program, which has this aim.

Q. Very nice. Does it work !? (During days when I am really strong and almost totally fluent)
A.  Duhhhh....Yes it does! It is hard work, before I joined the program, I couldn't speak 3 to 5 words without stammering severely, I may seem fluent now, but I still stutter, I promise.

Q. Very nice. Does it work!? (During those turbulence days where I really have to concentrate and use VS (voluntary stammering) to bring down the level of fear)
A. Uhmmm....Yes it does! I am nnnnnnow having some t.......turbulence (then I usually revert back to basics...four words per breath.....intense)...but if I speak....using good technique...I am in control....over how I speak...I have made...excellent winning speeches...and have spoken...to many people.....I promise!  

No. 4. Q. What causes stammering!? Can't you just take some pills or something?

• A. No, If there existed any kind of medication, I would have found it by now.
  It is an age old question, but the truth is there is no real definite answer. I feel that it is a combination of physical, psychological and emotional development and difference than normal fluent speakers. I feel it is a behavior that can be changed if enough focus and intensity is applied over a long period. For more information "google" it. But I would like everyone to know that there is nothing physically or mentally "wrong" with people who stammer, point.

No. 5. Q. Don't you sometimes miss home and your friends and family?
           A. Yes, I do. But I am their eyes and ears, I am exploring the world on their behalf.
               In 40 years time when I am fluently telling stories about my travels to my children
               and grandchildren, this longing would have been worth it.
               I am young, able, independent, unbound, it's now or maybe never baby!

Stay tuned for the next episode of 5 FAQ's coming soon to a computer screen near you!

And always remember this.......When in doubt, fake it till you make it!