Owning Your Voice in Fast-Paced Industries

Fast talkers always get the spotlight, right? Nope.

In today’s high-stakes careers, what you bring to the conversation, fresh ideas, and confidence in your own rhythm are way more important than how fast you talk. People who stutter prove that fluency doesn’t define success.

This blog post discusses how people who stutter can own their voice and thrive in any fast-paced job.

Two men in suits discuss over a tablet showing graphs and text, sitting at a table by a window with frosted squares, palm trees outside.

Do You Have to Be Fluent to Work in High-Pressure, Fast-Paced Jobs?

Absolutely not.

Industries like public relations, advertising, and sales often carry a reputation for fast pitches, rapid brainstorms, and meetings where voices compete for airtime. For people who stutter (PWS), it might feel like the job description includes "must speak quickly and flawlessly at all times." But that's more myth than reality. And frankly, it's outdated.

What Actually Matters in High-Pressure Jobs

Effective communication is key, but great communication isn't about speed. Clarity, creativity, and connection matter way more. Success in high-communication industries comes from generating bold ideas, crafting compelling stories, and listening with intention. These are qualities many people who stutter bring in abundance.

“Stuttering hasn’t held me back in a high-stakes work environment as I’ve had to overcome a lot with my stutter. Those experiences have helped me to develop thick skin and persevere during challenging times.” — Christopher Monello-Johnson, Director of Marketing, Scientific American

People who stutter are thriving in careers such as:

Public relations and crisis communication
Broadcast media and journalism
Tech startups and product management
Sales and business development
Event planning and production
Healthcare and emergency services
Law and courtroom advocacy
Teaching and academia

These industries may be high-speed, but what truly sets professionals apart is resilience, creativity, empathy, and vision, not fluency.

“My stutter has given me the superpower of empathy and listening. There were some stressful situations while working at Disney, and verbal communication can sometimes be a high-stakes priority when you have a line of people to get through with all different requests. I won't lie and say it was always easy; it was actually really hard to learn to be patient with myself and give grace to others, but I feel like this experience has taught me a lot of important life lessons.” — Maddie Tice, former QuickService cast member for Festivals in Epcot Disney World

Navigating Fast-Paced Meetings? You’ve Got This

Yes, some meetings move fast. But you don't need to perform. You're not on a race track (unless you're Mason Massey). You can show up just as you are because what you have to say matters more than how you say it.

Set the Tone Early

Much like branding, setting expectations can shape the experience. Starting with a calm, confident statement can establish a supportive environment.

"Just so you know, I'm a person who stutters. You might hear repetitions or pauses. Please give me time to speak at my own pace."

"I'm excited to contribute to this project. As I'm speaking, you may hear my stutter. I appreciate everyone's patience. Thanks!"

These brief disclosures create room for your voice and encourage others to listen with intention. Now you're free to contribute your ideas with confidence.

“In interviews, meetings, and conversations, I will disclose that I am a person who stutters. It doesn't spark up a different conversation, but it helps to give the audience or the individuals that I'm interacting with some understanding to give me some time if it takes me a few extra seconds/minutes to answer them or if I block. I also openly express that I am a PWS at work. It is in my e-mail signature and my Microsoft Teams headline.” — Travis Ackerman, Systems Operator at Walmart

It’s the Message, Not the Manner

Nobody closes a deal or lands a campaign just by speaking fast. Strong ideas, clearly and authentically delivered, are what stick. Visuals, written summaries, and multimedia tools are assets that can enhance your communication, no matter how your words come out.

“I once worked for two large companies that required me to constantly have a sales pitch using rigid, mechanical scripts. It never felt natural to me. What helped me excel in sales positions was to shift away from the generic pitch that they trained new employees with. I adapted my approach to sound like myself with my manager's permission. This eliminated the pressure of memorizing exact wording and allowed me to connect more genuinely with others. As someone who stutters, I’ve also learned not to compare myself to others. I discovered that my pitch won’t sound like others, and that’s perfectly okay. What truly mattered to me was delivering my pitch in a way that felt authentic to who I am.” — Kaleb Brown, Job Coach, Hope Group

Let’s Talk About the Pressure

Often, the hardest voice to quiet is the internal one insisting you need to "sound fluent enough" to belong. Let’s be clear:

You don’t need fluency to be brilliant.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for existing in the room.
You are allowed to lead, pitch, create, and show up just as you are.

Young man in white shirt and tie talks confidently to another person in an office with glass walls. Calm and professional setting.

Want to Shift the Narrative?

Every time a person who stutters steps into a high-stakes role and owns their voice, they change our culture towards a more understanding and patient one. Here’s how you can help move it forward:

Share your story or help uplift others within your industry. The NSA's Career Success Profiles is a great place to start!
Encourage workplace training. Bring stuttering awareness to your team through a lunch presentation or a larger HR initiative. Need help? The NSA’s WeStutter@Work Committee can collaborate with your organization.
Reflect on your strengths. Make reflection a regular habit, not just something you do before a performance review. Consider how your stutter has shaped your communication style, resilience, and ability to connect. Celebrate the wins it has helped you achieve. Recognizing these moments builds confidence and momentum for continued growth.
Connect with peers. Join NSA Connects or an NSA Chapter to engage with others who understand your journey. The NSA hosts monthly virtual events on various topics, including career growth and shared experiences.

These fields aren't just for fast talkers; they're for deep thinkers, strategic communicators, and brave storytellers. In industries built on voice, it's not speed that makes an impact. It's authenticity, clarity, and the confidence to say, "This is me and I have something to say."