The Thing Is, I Stutter: Megan Washington at TEDxSydney 2014

Megan Washington is one of Australia's premier singer/songwriters and in this surprising talk Megan reveals her secret problem. Since childhood, Megan has been afflicted with a stutter which has hampered her ability to communicate. Except when she sings.
Megan also performs a haunting new song, 'To Or Not Let Go', from her yet-to-be-released album. The work is a meditation on the notion of beauty and a fitting follow-up to her highly personal and arresting talk.
Megan Washington is a two-time ARIA Award winner and multi-platinum album seller. The full depth and breadth of Washington's talent is perhaps best demonstrated in her critically acclaimed 'Insomnia' EP which was released in early 2012. Where most artists would have pursued obvious commercial routes, 'Insomnia' presented a darker, more intimate side to Megan's writing.
Megan headlined the Sydney Festival and sold out the Sydney Opera House Main Concert Hall with the ACO before relocating to London to commence work on her upcoming album with Sam Dixon (Sia, Adele). Megan Washington's first new studio recording in more than two years will be released in the second half of 2014.
TEDxSydney is an independently organised event licensed from TED by longtime TEDster, Remo Giuffré (REMO General Store) and organised by his General Thinking network of fellow thinkers and other long time collaborators.
TEDxSydney has become the leading platform and pipeline for the propagation of Australian ideas, creativity, innovation and culture to the rest of the world.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@OfficialLoopingBeats]

I would never have balls to do this! Mad respect for her!

[@zthreetwo9874]

My balls aren't strong enough

[@童响]

yes thunmbs up for her,she is so courageous

[@kshitizshrestha7119]

You just need mouth strong

[@Darekia]

maybe because ure a girl

[@elremarrelyvanwyk9585]

I also wouldn't have the courage to do this...she's now my motivation to try and talk in public

[@OlivertheJoyboy]

I have a stutter too so this is super inspirational. Thank you Megan Washington.

[@CaptainAgario]

same

[@jimboyacer7267]

Winner of a video, I've been looking for "do i have a stutter" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Rincaas Stammify Blocker - (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some amazing things about it and my mate got excellent results with it.

[@cottontaelle]

heyy ik this comment is A Year Old but do you have any advise for writing a character with a stutter?? idk if i should spell out every stutter or like.. what

[@mommyallred]

Oliver the Joyboy same 😭😭😭

[@najibcasa2745]

Winner of a video, I've been looking for "where does stuttering come from" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Rincaas Stammify Blocker - (just google it ) ? Ive heard some amazing things about it and my partner got excellent results with it.

[@GhostOfTiffany]

I have the same problem as her and could feel her tension while she struggled with her words but felt so proud that she was able to get through it. her singing was breathtaking and am glad she was courageous.

[@Luke47895]

I remember as a kid (I'm 21 now) public speaking used to terrify me. My stutter was far from the worst but it was bad enough, I felt so humiliated whenever I had to speak in front of the class. People used to openly take the piss out of me to my face about it. I used to respond with anger and I hit a few people who made fun of me. But I realised I was looking at it all wrong. We all face obstacles in life, some much worse than others but my stutter was just another one I had to deal with. As I got older it started to ease off and by the time I was 16 it was virtually gone. Keep your head up things will get better you aren't alone :)

[@johnathangd]

are you writing singing right now? because i didn't see you stutter, you lying bitch

[@GhostOfTiffany]

Johnathan Garcia what's wrong with you

[@rogerahern]

Johnathan Garcia Jesus man, that's horrible.

[@sugafoot777]

tiffany same here

[@chrisharwood5448]

This TED Talk made me teary eyed, being a fellow stutterer... She really nailed it! AWESOME!

[@mananmaharjan]

awesome .. yah

[@Kathmandoe]

Same here :)

[@matthewdebbarma9858]

me too

[@abhinavgupta9722]

Online stuttering training - 918650685442

[@Emperorpenguin31]

I just saw this now and while watching it, I was like crying so hard because I can feel her. This is so heartwarming.😍

[@Rajankumar-ly1bt]

I stutter,my brothers stutter,my father stutters,my uncles stutter from both (mother and father) the sides. And the funny thing is my brother in-laws also stutter who have no blood relations with us. Whenever we meet we make it a funny reunion, making fun of each other and nobody gets offended. There are around 10-12 people in my joint family who stutter, whenever we meet we give rankings to each one, one who stutters maximum gets 1st position.

[@dhavalgedia7872]

Thats Ausome

[@rusrs9630]

Omg thats so fun! I have never met a person who stutters like me its sad

[@soccerball7828]

ಥ‿ಥ

[@alexalexandra8747]

That's so sweet and it's awesome that you're being sarcastic about the disease.What I'm trying to say is you're doing exactly what she is doing,she is accepting the stutter as part of her,part of her life and doesn't let that overcome her and her dreams.

[@Ss-hn5rf]

So wholesome🤣🤣

[@pavitra7234]

"Singing is the only way I feel so fluent" - God that hit so hard! I sing all the time just to hear myself be so fluent.

[@Jeni_hehe]

Same here :)

[@jasto254]

Me too

[@judepowell4780]

High five to that me too.... Something we folks do well.

[@RACAPE]

Same! I know that my voice is terrible, but I start singing random in the house just to train my mind and my voice to work like that every time.

[@naveenkumar-mh3rt]

@ Pavithra Saravanan neenga Tamil ah?

[@adaralexus]

This really hit home for me . Recently as a teenager, my stuttering has become very noticeable. When school starts, I start therapy. Seeing how she does the same things I do like word replacement and singing is almost a refuge, makes me feel better about my stuttering. I hope someday people will be more understanding about stuttering. People thought she was drunk. People think I'm not very smart, when in fact, I am the first in my class . I have a 4.0 .

[@vinamragehlot572]

+Adara Young i can totally relate to that, even in my branch, being a topper since the start of the session, but the thing that sucks here are the vocal sessions and stupid mass, where i have to teach something to my batch students, or perform a viva,god dammed interviews for recruitment, or even a seminar/presentations, with those topics, that i've literally mastered, and just wish, i had an hour to explain the shit out of those topics without stuttering, and rub it on the student's and teachers face, because they together laugh on my every freakin. stop, they just say, "do you cheat in your written exams or what, you can't even say a word properly about this topic," and stuff like that, if only there was a simulator for those guys, so that they'd know,how it is it walk a mile in these shoes. in this world that is strongly based on communication ,what keeps me goin on are those people who lack the ability to speak, that they have to use sign languages, every time i meet them or watch them, it tears me down, hats off to those people.

[@neerajserohi2394]

Hope you are doing fine now!

[@picsbackup6746]

Relatable i also stutter ...but I m topper ...in India there is a exam called JEE MAIN. and I got a rank of 10k out of 1Million aspirants (top1%)

[@vyaas_v]

@@picsbackup6746 Congratulations! That is amazing!

[@RAHULSINGH-rk8nq]

That's amazing..

[@parampreetsingh4524]

i stutter too, today i got rejected by 10th organisation because i stutter..but this made me cry and boosted up my confidence..thanku so much

[@platform-cv6eh]

Parampreet Singh dont give up

[@Ss-hn5rf]

Bro, tension ni leindi hundi. Appan kandi aa, te appan kandi hi rehna🤘

[@user-dl1ch3yg5i]

Hi you're not alone, we are who have stutter we are brave and strong 🌹

[@namuuntumenzorig6412]

I stutter too.Dont give up😊✨🙆🏻‍♀️

[@user-rx8tg6yz4t]

Hello veer

[@Darkdreams79]

People who stutter are smarter than others. We are constantly thinking about speaking better while in conversation. So we r not only thinking about the content of the speech but also how to say it. More power to you all.

[@anibalcampos4626]

Thank you

[@satwikarora]

Thankyou so much

[@shubham1234]

Absolutey

[@nevejones]

thank you😔

[@angelrosales901]

Yes, we are I think the same way

[@kyuster90]

As a stutterer living in Seoul, Korea, I could say that it is pretty much the same as to how people around you react. It's considered not normal and ppl think of it as something that you can casually make fun of. Over the years growing up, I have developed my own ways of not stuttering so I would oftentime look fine. But the truth is that I am spending enormous amount of energy in every moment I speak. Shout out to all the stutterers around the world!!

[@Ghaid3]

I need your method and your own ways

[@stenyethanmathews945]

Same. Am Indian, I felt it too growing up Alot of painful memories.

[@nalbinalbii888]

are you korean? I've never met a korean with a stutter, but I guess stutterers are everywhere! 잘 계세요! 하고 화이팅 !

[@ameerali5383]

Shopkeeper: What's your name? Me who strutter: Aaaaaaa........ Uhm... What did you ask? SK: Your name sir? Me again: aaaaaa.... *Looks sideways* aaaaammm.... SK: *looking at my face* Me: *puts hand on my mouth and forcing the damn words out* aaaaaaaaaammmmerrr... Ameer. Sk: excuse me? I didn't catch it. And the whole process repeats again lol.

[@sujitgupta7004]

Hahaha...i thought only i do this..

[@tarunlohani263]

Hahahaha i have being there

[@offy444]

i feel your pain

[@worme2988]

MEEE TOOO OMG!!!

[@FirstNameLastName-se8px]

I have a stutter and when someone asks your name your brain explodes

[@alejandrointhetux9938]

As a stutterer myself, she's absolutely right about those "ST", they get me everytime. This really got me teared eyed as I also struggled with his problem along with alot of you in the comment section. I hope we'll all overcome in time

[@ksilofo]

Hello how is your stutter now?

[@Ben-gt5px]

@@ksilofo As someone that stutters, and always have been. Thats not how this works. He was using hopeful thinking. Its life long.

[@mohitdwivedi6386]

I am a stammerer. U need guts to accept who are. And once you do that, there is no turning back. The life is your stage and you are the performer. Give your best shot and show the world who you are. Hats Off Megan !!!!

[@nileyfan1998]

Never saw a person who had the same style of stutter as me. Cause people say "you stutter?" And they think it's not a big deal with this kind. But it is cause they don't know how it is until they live with it....like its so frustrating especially when ur a actress or performer when u have to speak

[@muhammadnasif1496]

+nileyfan1998 what kind of stuttering do you have?

[@nileyfan1998]

nasif fitri Basically I can say a whole sentense. But some words I get stuck on and if I can't avoid it then I use 'blocking' (a stuttering term) and the say the word lol. In these documentrys most people stutter serverley but not like this.

[@ohpedro1]

Me too. My style of stutter =)

[@apandanamedleo2123]

I can totally agree to that. I stutter only with some letters or words. And I have never met anyone who stutters at all

[@duquantran3795]

nileyfan1998 damn.. same here.. I always get stuck in the letters of S - or St- and some words I cannot specifically expect and no matter how hard I try, i stutter btw when I was watching this vid I cried a lot 😭

[@Hbw113]

Her courage to speak in front of all them people is admirable. I have the type of stutter where I 'block' on words and nothing comes out. Very annoying but with practise, I believe a stutter is something that CAN be overcome. Never give up!

[@iWolfy103]

Ben Wallington Same!! I don't stutter but when words start with certain letters, such as all vowels and some other letters, my mind blocks me from saying that word..it is very frustrating and I get bad anxiety when teachers start calling on students randomly and when I have to present a speech

[@aur.sanne77]

I block on words too. Ffs

[@brenenfn5020]

@@iWolfy103 yeah presenting is the absolute worst😭 But I’ve noticed I’ve gotten way better as I got older

[@ActionTube-mk4ns]

@@brenenfn5020 i have a block to but i do go though it ?

[@tickledonions9483]

it's all about restructuring how you speak

[@bosgotnojams]

What a beautiful person.

[@WhateverIsTrue01]

I am seriously in awe of this articulate, wise, beautiful, and incredibly talented young woman!

[@1permil.comremovestutteron427]

She seems as great person. She mentioned changing hard words with easy words, but that's bad idea on the longer period. Every time she avoid certain word, it becomes a little harder to say it next time. Over the years it could slowly develop to big problem.

[@diypro233]

This is truly inspirational. I have struggled with my stutter for 34years, tried so many therapies, watched so many videos, used anxiolytics. Now I have admitted it's who I am. I wish I could speak fluently like everyone else (actually, I feel jealous when I hear people speak fluently). I am an intensivist working in the UK, but sometimes I feel i would achieve more if I knew how to speak better. It hurts when you know the right words to use but you had to replace it because you knew you were going to have a block. I have never spoken to anyone about these challenges because I feel no one would understand. I do hope we get a cure one day, I really do. But until then we keep working hard and dreaming big.

[@OfoeNelson]

You've heard this before but try to add this twist. Speak very slow then speak very fast. See which one you feel more comfortable with and which produces more fluency. Now pick that and stick with it since this is now your identity and this has nothing to do with your age. You can reinvent yourself at any age. No matter how uncomfortable it might feel or how much people laugh or stifle their laughter just keep it at it because now you have fluency on your own terms. And once people listen and hear you speak and make sense no matter how fast or slow they'll accept and respect you eventually. Just get over yourself and do it. Doing it and sticking with it is the hardest part

[@lucyintheskywithdiamonds91]

​B bbbbb bhbbbbbbbbbbbb.hbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbhbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbhbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbnbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbnbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbnbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb bbbbbbbbbbbb tbbbbbbbbbbbb bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb bbbb bbbbbbbbb bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb bb bbbbbbbbbb b bbbb bb b b b b z,Q

[@VequahHD]

I also have a stutter I had my most worst experiences in middle school but now no one really cares about it and it's hard for me to read out loud in class because I stutter on almost every word it's frustrating and embarrassing I just wish I can speak more fluently and not get nervous when I talk to people or girls especially but glad to see this women come out strong :)

[@shadone3682]

Listen, man there's nothing to be embarrassed about. I live my life on the principle of "it's not embarrassing if you're not embarrassed" you need to embrace every single part of you and just say to yourself, "this is who I am, and I am brilliant" once you believe what you're saying when you say that, there's nothing you can't do. Have a great day!

[@ojwestwood]

+akaVequah Keep your head up. If you haven't heard of the McGuire Programme, do a search on it. I have 2 videos uploaded on my channel showing a before and after of my speech. Best thing i have done in my life. Im not 'cured' but i am very happy, articulate and always working on and improving my speech.

[@bahaaal-sharif3778]

hello , my friend :) i advice you to read "understanding and controlling stuttering " for d.william good luck , and i wish you the vest :)

[@kathleenwalsh8522]

After fifty years tonight I accepted my stutter tonight and I have been looking up who stutters - she said everything I feel and how I handle it too. Thank you

[@yusukeigarashi1584]

Hm.. I'm a Japanese teenager who have stutter like her, to me that speech was really impressive and just awesome, that I can't find appropriate words to compliment haha. Mine is not as bad as hers, but I'm also the one who shares those struggles among stutterers. The thing is, I recently think that if there wasn't stutter I have, I wouldn't be who I am right now. On that point, I don't hate my stutter itself. What I don't feel well is, the moment I have to speak in front of people, I mean a lot of people, and start stuttering, and realising the all audiences are looking at me like "what the hell is going on in him?" And I'm like, "well nothing's going on but stuttering, what is it with you people?" Before I heard this speech, I wasn't so afraid of being known myself as a stutterer because it will be known as so eventually... just let it be.

[@platform-cv6eh]

yusuke igarashi i teared your precise

[@eburnsid3168]

自分も吃音持ちの高校生です！英語うまいですね。バカなんで最後のbeforeがよくわからなかったけど笑

[@tamaldas9216]

Megan Washington you became my inspiration.... thank you for that....

[@oldenvye6432]

Finally, a TEDx talk that is brilliant.

[@WumpInterviews]

cap

[@my69mind]

What name the song

[@webba0000000069]

As a life long stutterer this really hit home. For much of my life singing was the only way I could communicate. That and word replacement just like she says. It is nice to see someone else who has the same exact problem. Good for her.

[@Xilotl]

Mine for life too. I do the same. I never talk at school and I get really ashamed at myself when I talk to people (even family) because I sometimes can't say what I want, so I say nothing at all.

[@Xilotl]

It cost my group grades when we had to do group projects because I usually always have the right answer and I can't bring myself forth to say that what they have is wrong.

[@loveshell6945]

@@Xilotl I’m so sorry. I have been through this many times. It’s painful!

[@aprilk2858]

Very honest, lovely, talented girl x

[@gua726]

"their laughter became my motivation, my weakness became my strength." i like that!

[@ashton9699]

5:42 perhaps little did she know that just a few years later, she would use that very voice to play the role of none other than, a very serene kindergarten teacher.

[@RaySunnyday]

Just wanted you to know that your comment make me double check the video title and had an realization

[@davesolemnmon6020]

As a stutterer myself, oftentimes severe where I just choose not to speak, this was comforting and inspirational. Thank you Megan

[@pierreduchesne0001]

Still watching this seven years later in 2021, with the same emotions.

[@shotgun1739]

such an inspiration.... I come here once in a while to be motivated watching her stutter, and to know that shit is okay

[@The_Wandering_Nerd]

5:24 Oh, so that's how she got the job as Calypso on Bluey :)

[@firebowl1]

Hello guys, I am 30 years old stutterer since childhood. I found out that talking to group of people makes my speech better. As much as i speak to people my speach becomes more fluent. Maybe we can create a group and we can make video conferences and by that way everyone can talk to group of people. Maybe this can help to make our speeches better.

[@mykolakuleshov926]

i was looking for that specific group but havent found nothing so far.

[@kal-el6035]

Check reddit /r/stutter they have like a group thing where you can skype each other.

[@Larry-sv2fx]

Thats an awesome idea. I also have a stutter. Add AdamusSoul on skype and please write here if you do, otherwise i wont log in there. Thanks

[@ankitchaudhary1282]

Any progress guys? i would also like to join 🤔

[@muzammiljavedshaikh2903]

Someone Instagram me so that we can discuss about this stutter @_PlainBlackTs

[@nowiknowishallnotsee30]

My wife has a stutter, and I hate when people give her odd looks when she gets stuck on a word. She says that it doesn’t even bother her anymore, but it pains me to see. If you have a stutter, it doesn’t take away from who you are and never should. The people that judge those who stutter are the ones at fault. If you have a stutter (or any unique trait, for that matter), you are just as valid as everyone else is.

[@sophielee8181]

She is awesome, I never understood how when someone sings, their accent disappears, and so does their stutter. It's so cool and yet such a mystery. She was amazing thank you for sharing

[@rachnarajan7780]

seeing her I feel so proud.. and I also stutter but my type is different, my mouth arches in different shape at that time it's purely devastating.... but everybody says that they don't stutter while singing but hell I stutter even when I sing... hate this thing...!!! but I am trying my best to overcome it.. wish everyone good luck with their quest. !!!

[@rajasingh2425]

+Rachna Rajan the worst part of stuttering is,when you are not able to say your name .my first name is kumar and i have problem in saying k .it feels embrassing but again u cant let something ruin your life .so i am trying to work it out .and i have understood that the best remedy is self confidence

[@balakrishnantp9958]

Rachna Rajan hi

[@kushalsharma5381]

Keep it going...Good Luck

[@dhavalgedia7872]

Can We do Some task Like Giving Task To eachother To Overcome Over Every situation of Our life And Be Open To evey circumstance if You Intrest Den DM me Or Reply Me i Will Connect You

[@zainhottson7393]

@@rajasingh2425 nuhh.. the worst thing is it's heridetry.

[@boris5891]

What an intelligent and kind person! I love you, Megan. Let's go get'em, my stuttering brothers and sisters!

[@kini699]

I love her, the way she can actually joke about her own stutter is really encouraging, its nothing to be ashamed of and m trying to take it this way too. 🤗

[@willprytz]

The first TED-Talk I saw related to stutter. Thanks for sharing! It was really brave of you and it made me feel a bit less lonely in my stutter. This is one of the videos that inspired me to share a bit of my story as well. Thank you!

[@loveshell6945]

I absolutely love her. I stutter too and it’s so painful sometimes. Lately it hit’s so damn hard. I’m downloading her on iTunes right now! What a strong woman. 🥰

[@Ghaid3]

Are you getting better?

[@ilzj]

@@Ghaid3 ع حسب اذا كان في حل خخ

[@sumaiyaansari8536]

i love how despite this she got up and started talking. stuttering is physically draining. after a while, you VISIBLY get tired of speaking and your throat actually hurts. i am a stutterer and i don't mind that i do. i don't really care when people laugh at me for this, but sometimes it builds up and it gets me. i cant explain how happy it makes me that she is brave enough to talk in front of such huge audience. keep going!

[@photojunkiefl1]

Hi Megan, Thanks for doing this TedTalk. I'm twice your age and have lived through everything you talked about. The worst for me was talking to girls, or trying to hide the fact that I stuttered only to find out that the high school band did a cheer song called’ ”Let's Talk Like John”. Kids can be cruel, but adults can be just as bad. Today, stuttering is less of a stigma for us. Even young kids know what it is to stutter and so when you have a stuttering moment, they actually pause to let you finish. But it still doesn't help us when we have to get through all of those embarrassing moments in our life. I'm single again and although I am more fluent than I was as a young man, it is an anxiety-filled moment when I have to speak to someone who I like for the first time. Love your voice and the song you sang on TedTalk. I will start looking for a concert near me in the East Tennessee area and for your music on Amazon. You have an amazing talent. John Paul M.

[@pankajbhandari4180]

Brave girl, she also sing very nice. You are the inspiration for not limiting yourself being a stutter.

[@lcottrell3]

My life story, thank you Megan.

[@童响]

honestly I have read all these 446 comments,I am so moved by the same struggle we are sharing.Your guys let me know that I am not the only one , Megan Washington you became my inspiration.... thank you for that....

[@brianbarnicle7253]

Not sure which is more inspiring, the bravery of her talk, or the beauty of her song. Either way, I am glad she provided both. An amazing woman.

[@tonyjohnsen3160]

She is so brave and so so charming, despite AND because of her stuttering

[@aoihana1042]

I'm 23 and i have a stutter ever since i've known myself. I get this sense of comraderie when I see other stutterers. And I definitely use the word replacement loophole.

[@CHS77759]

I have stutter to so every time I see someone stutter because they have one I feel not alone, love you all.

[@ra8929]

♥️

[@Kardash_xx]

She is exactly like me. I also hate how at some moments (usually when I'm by myself) I talk perfectly fine, then when I'm around others my speech impediment is active. At school we have to do a speech task but hopefully I'll be getting special provisions.

[@aman_s_96]

It's a special form of social anxiety.

[@jennyphan800]

I also stutter as well, and this speech is so inspirational. She is so brave to go up to talk in front of all of the people :)

[@abolacadernos7164]

Lee Lovetts’ How to Stop Stuttering & Love Speaking & WSSA program will help if you diligently immerse yourself in the authors methods. I’ve improved massively from it and I hope the same for you.

[@OzDracula]

I used to stutter as bad as that, maybe worse. After taking medication for anxiety and working retail for over 5 years where I had to talk to complete strangers... well it's 99% gone. I rarely ever stutter now and when I do it's usually just the once.

[@shadone3682]

That's good to hear. I hope your stutter is gone for good now and may you have all the opportunities that every human being should get. Have a nice day!

[@1permil.comremovestutteron427]

+RedKobra It could be problem with side effects of drugs, especially on longer period. Notice that they are not anti-stuttering drugs, but anti-anxiety drugs. So, they help with anxiety and then as a consequence you stutter less. So, you can work on anxiety on many different and healthier ways to get same results, non?

[@OzDracula]

1PerMil Stuttering Therapy After several years on medication for anxiety, I completely stopped taking it for two years. Even then, I still had over 95% less stuttering than before I started taking it. It's Mirtazapine just in case anyone is wondering.

[@1permil.comremovestutteron427]

+RedKobra Please accept that 95% less is great. So called fluent people also have blocks and repeat words occasionally (They are fluent 96-98% of time). But, they usually don't even notice it. It is not part of their reality. So, to completely get rid of stuttering you also have to accept your own imperfection. Don't ask for 100% fluency because nobody else can get it anyway.

[@OzDracula]

+1PerMil.com Remove Stutter Online I don't think fluent people have a *block* in the same way that someone who stutters has a block. It is not as simple as an error in thought or pronunciation, it's a form of speech anxiety that temporarily produces an inability to use normal speech processes. It can some times be detected in advance as an anxiety spike associated with a word. The only way to get around it is to avoid words where that happens. The down side with word avoidance is that you're forced to construct sentences that make you seem unintelligent. :/

[@thomascussans9844]

She is seriously brave, seriously smart. The terrible point about any stutter is that it is as painful for the listeners as it is for the speaker. To confront her demons in this way, to lay herself bare, to confront, to admit, to tell the the truth, is wholly admirable. I love her. Because she is truthful. What a gal she is. Just wonderful.

[@hanimk4105]

Everytime I feel down, I watch your Video. Thank you.

[@timobloozer]

As a stuttering musician myself, I’ve watched this video dozens of times. And every time I do, I want to marry her. The courage it takes to do that is something most people don’t have, to face your fears and let your flaws show. Your flaws actually help you there and you end up shining like a diamond through your flaws when you face your fears head on like that. Incredible!!

[@NickMcC]

I'm a stutterer as well. I have my degree in music performance - and I totally confirm what she's saying about performing versus speaking. Not a singer, but I did my share of it in college. I never stutter when I sing and I'm not nervous on stage. I really admire her for seizing the opportunity to do this. It's nice to know that others have the same struggle.

[@Vivekpalplays]

She has guts. People made fun of me in my class including my teachers. It was just so bizarre. I felt so bad that once I was so ashamed But then I got away with it. Now I am watching this I almost cried because people doesn't understand the pain and struggle we go through. Respect her man.

[@jayz2484]

hello guys to those who stutter, is it exhausting? cause watching her talk looks like stuttering takes so much of your energy. i hope i dont offend anyone im just asking a question.

[@mcelroynat]

Jay Z All of you wants to say a word that you just can't. The more you force the word out the harder the word fights back. It is tiring for your vocal cords and emotionally draining.

[@shash3391]

Jay Z imagine you wanna say something and it just gets stuck on the tip of your tongue just stuck there with your mouth twitching everywhere. In a nutshell, is exhausting af to even speak for 5 mins straight... Speaking as a fellow stutter myself. Tho I only stutter with hard letters like M's, T's, D's.

[@whodinijonas6411]

it's like forcing words out of your mouth and through that you sometimes run out of breath .

[@ja9marije]

Jay Z yes it is very exhausting 😂 good question btw!

[@purechi_]

It's like trying to reach something with your hand and falling, then getting back up to take it.

[@speechnirvana]

A delicate balance of self deprecation, gentle humour, honesty, vulnerability, courage. I try and struggle to find the right words to describe my problem and I never quite get there. Megan explains to me what I'm doing so beautifully and eloquently. Thank you..55 years a stutterer and still trying to figure it out

[@manipurivlogs9555]

I have stutter too and this makes me feel confident and motivated,lots of love to this lady...❤

[@JohnAckerman93]

I too have a stutter. I have been working so hard to control it. This video makes me confident and motivated to stop stuttering, and control my speech

[@arhamami4872]

made me cry, relatable

[@lauran.9427]

Thank you so much for this!! My son who is about to be 10 has stuttering issues and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your kindness for sharing this!

[@leifwelhaven5568]

Megan Washington is a Totally Courageous Individual who I find to be completely Inspirational. I have a Daughter age 18 who also has a stutter and she also signs beautifully like Megan. We both appreciate her boldness and her overcoming fear to be an inspiration to so many! God's Blessings to Megan and her Journey as well as to my Daughter "Hope"!

[@kylie9587]

I'm 27 and I speak exactly the same! I have trouble with S's and my own name, K's and hard C's and M's, but the sounds and words change all the time so my word changes have to happen instantly, so it gets pretty tiring. Mine was extremely bad when I was in primary school where every second word was unsayable and a nightmare in high school, but it has improved a bit since then. I also understand completely about how you feel inadequate because stuttering like you do isn't as bad as it could be, like people who stutter worse or people with cancer or no hands, and how you feel that when you 'grow up' everything will be better and it will go away. I always feel like people think I'm stupid and maybe a bit retarded, and I can't always contradict them because I can't say exactly what I mean. Not being able to communicate effectively is so hard because it's everywhere all the time and you can't run away or make it magically disappear. ~To anyone who thinks switching words shouldn't be done because it can cause long term problems, or that's stuttering is cute, or it's 'just fear and just talking too fast, and you should meditate and chill out and breathe more, talk slower' (comments I receive from well-meaning people).. unless you are dealing with exactly that and you do only stutter when you're afraid or talk too fast and you do have some fetish with speech impediments, you should keep your opinions to yourself. I understand it's complicated to understand and many people want to encourage and sound helpful, but it makes me angry, especially one fella saying he thought it was 'cute' when I stuttered, although I realise he was just trying to get in my pants. Also, switching words is a life saver in a world full of shame and fear and I personally don't care about my future when I'm dealing with difficult speech right now.I think you're a wonderfully brave person to stand up like that. Thank you for taking the time to be so honest about something that feels, for me, like it should be covered up and blocked out all the time. I hope anyone else dealing with this, no matter how little or how extreme, can take comfort and strength from watching this video and reading the supportive comments from all you lovely people and I truly hope everyone can be as brave as you and ride out the tough times. :)

[@calisthenicsandfruit7467]

+Cerri Fae look into etalon :)

[@kylie9587]

+Calisthenics and Fruit Will do, cheers :)

[@calisthenicsandfruit7467]

Cerri Fae That's awesome, please let me know your thoughts :)

[@KristapsKarlsons]

+Cerri Fae K sucks. :/

[@kylie9587]

+youngfool3000-- Thank you :) It means a lot

[@topYTenjoyer]

2017 when I first listened to this on Ted Radio Hour. I was 18. It completed changed my attitude to my stuttering. Inspired me to accept it as a quality instead of a curse. Now I hardly stutter and when I do I'm okay with it. Thank you Megan, much love! And your music is amazing ❤️

[@nalbinalbii888]

I'm so happy for you

[@awakenyourprowess9542]

What a beautiful and brave speech she made. I think it is very apt to think of Stutterers/Stammerers as "blocked creatives" People who have so much to say or share, but for the fear of stuttering in front of others they hold it all back. There is a really good book I recommend regarding stuttering. Its free and let me know if you want a link to it. Best wishes to all.

[@paolo3779]

Hey what's the book called??

[@alchemy1888]

Paolo Newell Its called "Speech is a River" If you can't find it, send me an email at [e-mail] and I will send you the pdf. I would really appreciate your thoughts and feedback after you have gone over the book. Best wishes, Farooq

[@dineshsharma-yy4xz]

All the stutters out there. Believe or not u HV something unique, something that not everyone has, your talent, potential is far more valuable to other people than u think it is. Keep going, keep trying new things, do what brings u joy and fullfullness.

[@avilesnba]

Thank you Megan, like seriously, thank you

[@sobojetty]

Stutter or no stutter, she is beautiful and so wonderful.

[@westside786asy]

The worst thing I have with stuttering is saying yesterday. I'll be like "You know y-yeeeeeeeeeeeee (recurring)". But when talking to people I try to avoid saying yesterday and say the day of the week but if I stutter on that also, I just say "the day before today", which sounds so ridiculous!

[@DDogg43777]

XD I find it funny, because I have trouble with the word "today"... Similar scenario, but instead I say, "The day after yesterday," or, "the day before tomorrow." Damn, I laugh at myself, but it is ridiculously annoying and stressful.

[@westside786asy]

DDogg43777 Lmao! The day after yesterday! People must get so confused when talking to you!

[@ichiro1717]

Devonic i too have the most difficulty with saying "today"!!! I have to pausr and slowly say "today" but even then i may still studder...

[@tomylim6022]

I stuck with words starting with B's and D's the most

[@theacestop7805]

@@tomylim6022 me with A s and B s ...my name starts with an A ,so i ruin everything at the beginning, which sucks.

[@BubblyBrunette84]

As a fellow stutterer I enjoyed this. And I do hate that I stutter but tonight my son told me he loved me just the way I am. It made me cry. I have up until tonight hated how I talked and tried to hide how I talk but all this time my son and daughter have seen me just as I am. Perfect in their eyes. It made me cry but happy tears. No more hiding it. I did enjoy this ted talk. Ty

[@AliVanSickle]

I love this video so much. You're so beautiful and have so much courage to get up there and speak. I have a stutter too and would be so nervous to do this. You handled it very well!!

[@dudedude5843]

+Ali. VanSickle any solution u find ? it might help me too. thank u

[@smilechynwa]

Try talking slower. It really works. My dad kinda made me start doing that when I was younger and now I can control my stutter when I want to. So naturally I stutter (a whole lot, like even stamping my feet or clamping my fist just to talk) at home but when I am at school or some public place I get away with people not even knowing that I stutter at all. Trust me just start it little by little. If you feel a stutter coming just pause for a sec or 2 secs and try to say the word as slow as possible. It really does work.

[@notahater9473]

+JMJ4life yep it does help my dad helped me too.

[@dudedude5843]

+JMJ4life thank u Bro, I will try to do that. my first language is Arabic which I stutter a lot in it. but when I speak English I don't stutter alot I don't know why.i noticed than when I put my earphone and play music and I talk I don't stutter, I feel like hearing my own voice makes me stutter, like when I talk to myself I don't. but with people I do. elhamduleallah

[@Bravo1486]

Yeah she did well

[@rudolphpitterman9539]

I am 59 years old and I have had a stutter for as far back as I can remember. I could feel and relate to Megan on a deep level...a VEEERYY deep level.....if you know what I mean. Watching and listening to this Ted Talk resonated with me at an emotional level. Thanks Megan. You inspire me.....I'll definitely be one of your fans FOREVER. All the best. Much love.

[@amit0000]

as stutterer she is having so much confidence to speak to such a large audience.

[@bloodlettings]

As somebody with a speech impediment that absolutely loves to sing I felt this on a spiritual level.

[@SamVikings]

I stutter when I'm upset or nervous or while crying... as a result I avoid talking to anyone whenever I'm emotionally hurt, I don't get to share my feelings with people 😢😔

[@ivaxchho6086]

Ik this is 5 months old, but don't worry I'm with you. Whenever I'm nervous I stutter and completely mess up everything😢

[@SamVikings]

+Ivaxchho I'm glad to see there are others like me... I feel ya 😞

[@xXtuscanator22Xx]

+SamVikings this is old but I'm with you! when I'm nervous my stutter just takes control. and I wanna be an actor! but I just don't know how it's gonna work.

[@boustanisami7513]

same here

[@etashshaikh7358]

Tommy Berger, don’t let stutter define you

[@وسبر]

Just the fact that she built the courage to stand on stage is amazing, she is smart, funny, beautiful, and an amazing singer the people around her are lucky to have her. I am 21 yo and have the same problem, and I know what she feels. Btw Google "McGuire program" it's a 4 days program to help manage stuttering and all the staph have stutter. It's all around the world. HELPED ME ALOT!!! Practice the sport of speaking :)

[@xXtuscanator22Xx]

This touched me because I have a stutter too and I wanna be an actor but I just believe I can't do it. Since my stutter becomes worse when I'm nervous. Even though my stutter is SUPER small like it's only on L,M, and T's but it doesn't even happen with those all too much.

[@wurkout765]

Tommy Berger i want to be an actor and i have a stutter but we still have to pursue our dreams no matter what

[@eribertomacias744]

Tommy Berger Bruce Willis is a stutter and a great actor.

[@hamzatatheer]

Wurk Out Hey man!! I have a dramatics play at my school. I am potreying a shy person who cant talk to girls. For that i need to slutter so can you please tell me the easiest way to fake slutter like exactly what letters to repeat (play in different language) If you are a good actor, i hope, any ideas on how to act a guy who cant look straight into girl and is totally nervous. Should i constantly show nervous smile or what :p any response appreciated :)

[@xXtuscanator22Xx]

Hamza Tatheer Well most people get stuck on certain letters when they stutter. So just pretend to get stuck on certain words. But don't repeat the normal sounding letter like don't repeat the "L" sound in LUNCH a bunch of times before saying the "unch" part. Do like a long lasting "L" sound and incorporated "Un" in lunch into that long lasting L sound. And for acting nervous try talking to your crush if you have one and then imitate that.

[@purechi_]

Tommy Berger I can't even read to my peers at school.. Every time it's my time to read, it just feels like my heart is going to come out of my chest. This is why I'm always scared to my English lessons.. I need help :(

[@dawoodaskani7074]

I also have a stutter, but I usually stutter at the beginning of a conversation & some time in the middle too. Her story gives me motivation and confidence . She is soo brave , Respect for her

[@mckennamartin8049]

I personally have a stutter and it impacts me on a daily basis, I feel like I can’t express my feelings, when I go to a restaurant I have to avoid ordering certain things because I know I just can’t say them. When people ask me what my name is my jaw begins to clench because I know I just can’t say it. The worst thing is when people imitate what I say and laugh as if I can help it or when people start to look away it just shows impatience and doesn’t help at all to the stutterer.

[@hendy553]

I feel u I go through the same thing

[@austinmckinney787]

This is one of the best Ted talks I have seen. I myself have a stutter and have had it for my whole life. Every time that I am in school and a teacher asks me a question, it takes about 20 seconds for me to say anything back. Also another thing that is very hard for me is when someone calls role. When a teacher calls my name, I can't say here and sometimes it takes me minutes to be able to say it. I think she did great because if I get in front of people, I can't even get a word to come out of my mouth. Great job!

[@winiver77]

Wow loved this so funny .. I stutter too and sing and i felt every block. Very brave to go before such a big audience! Well done.

[@beccrowley3251]

I adore Megan Washington. So talented, funny, down-to-earth and kind. Much respect for the courage she showed by doing this!

[@jessiehayes1679]

I stutter too and its very hard to get me to talk to people cause I hate stuttering and the hurry it up looks I get from people.

[@yeahwhatever8179]

I can relate to feeling time pressure as well. There's nothing more stressful and frustrating than the sense of defeat by not being able to express yourself the way you want to. The simplest response to questions become a daunting task of just being able to speak clearly.

[@jessiehayes1679]

yup

[@wowawewah]

It happens mostly to me when I say my name.

[@jessiehayes1679]

me too, and words with "s"

[@coolbrett]

Jessie, I stutter too. Much worse than the woman in this video. I feel like I'm being hurried up as well, but I think that's just all in my head, cos I'm so embarrassed and I just want to get it over with as soon as possible. There's no rush when talking to people. Even if they do want you to hurry up, just remember you don't have to. Just relax and speak as slow as you want to, if it helps get it out right.

[@nayeemrejwan6775]

She is amazing. An inspiration for me.

[@ktee5998]

I'm a stutter... everything she said is 100% related to me. Sometimes I feel very down because I stutter; it has a great negative impact on my life. I'm an Engineer who graduated with a 3.97 GPA, and I'm still struggling to find a job because they consider it poor communication skills. There are many nights I cry myself to sleep, wishing I can speak normally like everybody else.

[@ghostofsparta48]

So did you find any job??

[@kakkarotx7467]

I couldn't even think of confessing my stuttering like this way!! SHE HAS SOME BALLS!!! Something about her, her personality inspires me soo much and make me believe, that despite being a stutter myself, i can live a good, normal life like others!! Thank you Megan !!💜💜

[@howtoplaywithfire]

I have a stutter as well. It's funny how many of these things I do...

[@34luko]

Hold your head up high champ, I too have battled a stutter all my life.

[@ourcity6122]

Yeah man.. Same here ..sometimes words just remain stucked in my mouth while trying to say it.. But still gotta carry on...

[@theacestop7805]

hy its been 6 yrs since u uploaded this comment..how are u doing with ur stutter now? (2021)

[@tylerdickow5212]

I am a stutterer. This women did something no other stutterer would even think of doing. Bravo to her for her braveness! I feel like her and I have the same exact stutter, she may be a little better than I am lol. May God Bless her and everyone else who deals with something they struggle with!

[@abolacadernos7164]

Lee Lovetts’ How to Stop Stuttering and Love Speaking & WSSA program will help if you diligently immerse yourself in the authors methods. I’ve improved massively from it and I hope the same for you.

[@my69mind]

What name the song

[@user-zs5of5en5o]

I love ted tv lol. It's always good to see that I am not the only one. Even though I am much more fluent now to the point that many don' t even know that I stutter, but I always put it out there first chance I get. It makes me comfortable, and calms me down. It can be lonely being a stutterer, specially when growing up. Today I look at other stutterers as my brothers and sisters. As a teen I was so embarrassed about it. Oh well, I wrote enough lol. Again, amazing video and I love Ted Tv!

[@ramdadhich8095]

Lots of love nd so much respect for her from Rajasthan(India)....She never lost her heart .... I have become so motivated after watching this video. Thanx to the lady 😍

[@johnjacobs1781]

I wanted to learn new languages, I wanted to talk to new people but this problem never let me. This Ted talk made me cry. Stammering is really bad. No one should have this problem.

[@karinacabrera17]

Colby Covington I’ve struggled with issue since childhood and now through adulthood and everything you said is exactly how I feel! It’s like a curse

[@abdallahhacks8942]

Colby Covington very true bro

[@soccerball7828]

Haha I'm learning French, French is Soo hard to pronounce. I just finished French 1 we had no talking only writing, listing and reading but next year in French 2 we have to talk ಥ‿ಥ I don't know what I'm going to do ಥ_ಥ

[@abdallahhacks8942]

Soccer Ball don't worry bro. Just be yourself and embrace your stutter. Everything will be okay and people less care about your stutter than you think they do. Try practicing on your close friend or family member too it helps with the confidence! You're not alone bro

[@JWs697]

Megan is the voice of Calypso on the show 'Bluey'. She also sings the song at the end of the episode 'The Sign'.

[@krugger911]

i am genuinely in love with this girl. adorable enough as it is, but i honestly thing the stutter makes her even more freakin cute.

[@NigerianBaller]

I stutter as well, it was terrible when I was younger. I hated doing any talking at all, but as I got older I embraced it and it eventually got better. I'm starting to learn what triggers it. When I want to say something too fast, I start to stammer. I have to relax myself, slow down, and think of what I'm going to say before I say it. Because when I read out loud, I don't stammer at all, so when I'm speaking, I pretend like I'm reading and my words come out more smoothly. So for anyone that stutters, don't hate it, embrace it, it's part of who you are and it always will be. It what makes you unique.

[@yasmeenkaram9780]

💯💪👍 big thanks i feel u

[@allysanimalchannel]

Great speech! This will be the perfect thing to share on Facebook for Stuttering Awareness Day (October 22nd) :)

[@emmarisby]

I didn't know that was a thing!! All I know is that is Ray Bradbury's birthday. The next time is that's date, I'm going to harass all my friends and make them stutter, so they sound like me. (((*°▽°*)八(*°▽°*))) xD

[@evejames5062]

Honest, courageous, humorous, talented, inspirational.

[@danielduck2114]

I'm glad I came across this video. She is so brave!! I have stuttered all my life and do everything she mentioned. I replaced words at the last minute to get through. So far in my research, I've found two things. One that our minds aren't programmed correctly because of a past traumatic experience. The other is our breathing patterns aren't right for speech. So far I have seen there is no medicine or way to change our brains to work properly regarding speech. But I've also seen people beat stuttering using different ways. I hope one day more research will be done and find a cure for all of us! Life would be so much easier. I feel like my stutter holds me back from what I could be socially and in the workplace.

[@amalmoukanni1223]

I stutter too and to see her overcome her fear and speak to a crowd like that inspires me so much thank you Meghan ❤️

[@ぬんくん-k9m]

I'm Japanese, and I've learned English for long time. I'm always in fear to stutter when I speak English. Of course, I have problem when I speak Japanese as well. But I have much more stress when I speak English than Japanese. As I want teacher and classmates to praise my speaking skills, I feel I must do well. so, I always frustrated myself , and I stumble every time.

[@rustybaskey9506]

I've stuttered over 40 years. After havin 2 mini strokes, it's only gotten worse. Life goes on!!!!

[@rustybaskey9506]

Same here!!