I am writing today to express to you my sincere appreciation for the wonderful results I have experienced since returning home from my stay in Norfolk in 1997. Words cannot begin to state how much my life and ministry have changed since I completed the stuttering therapy program at The Precision Fluency Shaping Program. In my profession as the pastor of Modest Town Baptist Church, and as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, I am required to speak in front of large groups of people each week. Since 1969, I was faced daily with my severe stuttering problem. For many years prior to my call to full-time ministry, I often thought that there was no hope for me to ever speak fluently. When I heard about the program at EVMS, I was both excited and hopeful at the results I had seen on the video from previous students.
During the program, I began to see that I could indeed learn to pronounce my syllables and words with proper speed and clarity. One of my many problems centered on my breathing patterns. When I first learned the full breath target, I could physically feel the difference. After I returned home, my wife and congregation noticed the great improvements I had made. I cannot believe that the past three years have gone by as quickly as they have.
There are times when I often fall back into some of my old habits. But, the major difference now is that I know how to immediately stop and correct my speech. When I remember the targets and practice the principles I learned during the program, I maintain fluency. My hope and prayer is that I can be a faithful testimonial for you and the program in the years ahead. As I shared with you on the phone recently, I will be in Norfolk for my Navy Chaplain duty on 14-25 August. I would be honored to come by and see you again. Please accept my humble gratitude for all you have done for me. May God Bless you and your family with His love and grace.
Very Respectfully,
Reverend Robert H. Carpenter
1997 Graduate