A Born Storyteller Finally Finds His Voice

Vikram is a natural-born storyteller. But at 24, the Washington, D.C., senior associate at a major international accounting firm has only been able to fully put that skill to use in the last two years. Previously, his stutter prevented him from expressing himself and achieving his objectives.

Early Challenges

Growing up in Florida, Vikram knew as early as age 4 that his speech was different. His supportive parents—his father had overcome a stutter of his own—enrolled him in speech therapy. But the focus was always on “accepting” his stutter rather than overcoming it. “It wasn’t a positive experience,” he recalls. “We were frustrated with the lack of success. We couldn’t find the right solution.” By high school, new challenges emerged. Vikram often couldn’t speak in certain situations, and he felt the impact personally and socially.

A Barrier to Job Success

At college, he studied economics and information systems, eventually landing a job at a major IT services firm. Yet his stutter still held him back. That’s when he, like many others, typed “stuttering” into Google. Among the results, he found Stuttering & Anxiety Self-Cures by Lee G. Lovett, co-creator of the non-profit World Stop Stuttering Association (WSSA), and the foundation of their neuroscience method. Initially skeptical—past therapy experiences had left him cynical—he started reading. Soon, he discovered that the book offered free online coaching. “I didn’t believe it,” he said. “It seemed odd that the author of a good book would make time for this.” But he set up a virtual session with Lovett, who introduced him to Prathusha Ravi, a former stutterer and certified coach in the neuroscience method. After that first session, he realized the process was already working. He began by recording himself reading fluently so he could hear what it sounded like. “I knew immediately this was something I could use for life,” he said. “The cost was low, but the value was enormous. I felt I had learned something far more important than any typical speech therapy could offer.”

A Revolutionary Approach

The neuroscience method focuses on stopping stuttering, not accepting it. Its techniques leverage neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself through consistent training. “Neuroplasticity is fascinating and incredibly powerful,” Vikram said. “You’re overcoming a physical obstruction that occurs because of a mental process. Changing your mindset is life-changing.”

Another key benefit he noted was the Speech Anxiety Masters (SAM) program, online meetings where stutterers practice stop-stuttering techniques—called “crutches”—in a supportive, safe space with ex-stutterers. “SAM revealed a part of me I didn’t know existed—a strong, confident man capable of speaking at a high level. Without SAM, I’m not sure I would have fully overcome my stutter.”

Moved to Help Others

Eighteen months into the program, Vikram became skilled enough in the neuroscience method to complete WSSA’s Coach Training Program, which further improved his speech and allowed him to coach others.

“This has improved my life astronomically,” he said. “In my career, I’m no longer afraid to take on speaking roles. Even ordering food in a restaurant, which once felt daunting, is now effortless. Beyond speech, the mind training exercises I learned apply to challenges like depression, anxiety, or other obstacles in life.”

A Love for Public Speaking

Vikram has since landed his dream job with a major multinational accounting firm and earned recognition for his storytelling from his local Toastmasters International chapter. “Receiving the award felt incredible. Looking back, life before the neuroscience method versus now is night and day—not just in speech, but in overall happiness,” he said. “As a WSSA coach, nothing compares to the euphoria of seeing a student make progress and experience fluency. It’s like giving someone a new lease on life. I know I got mine thanks to Lee Lovett and WSSA.”