Speechagain Interview with Harrison Craig
Speechagain is thrilled to partner with the talented and inspiring Harrison Craig, who collaborated with us to create our first-ever commercial! It was a wonderful experience that allowed us to expand our product with the help of a prominent advocate in the stuttering community. Check out the final commercial here, and keep reading to learn about Harrison and all the wonderful ways he is positively impacting the stuttering community!
Harrison Craig originally made his mark as The Voice Australia Winner and since that time has achieved two #1 ARIA Albums (one of which went platinum). He also completed a memorable and successful 54 show tour circuit of his ‘Kings of Vegas’ project, international performances in Canada, Indonesia, and the USA, and has had the unique experience of working with the likes of Seal, David Foster, Baz Luhrmann, Diane Warren, Barry Gibb (The Bee Gees) and Olivia Newton-John. Having grown up with a stutter, Harrison’s passion for inspiring others doesn’t stop. In addition to his singing career, he has also just written and released his first children’s book titled ‘Harrison’s Song’ (which is in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library collection). He continues to tour Australia and other parts of the world to speak to students, teachers, and parents alike about chasing your dreams, explaining that no matter what your obstacle is, you can overcome that and Live. Your. Dream.
We were fortunate enough to sit and chat with Harrison regarding his journey as a musician, author, and PWS. His answers inspired us and we know they’ll inspire you too!
Q: How do you feel about your stutter?
A: “My stutter is part of who I am. It has been a challenge but also a motivator to overcome and to do what I can to communicate and connect with people – particularly through song. Above all else, though it has taught me that no matter what the hurdle or challenge is, you can overcome it. Before I went on to win The Voice, people told me I shouldn’t go on it – but I wasn’t about to let the way I speak dictate whether or not I should follow my passions.”
Q: How did you discover your passion for singing?
A: “From a very young age, singing was my escape, a place I could express myself without fears of stumbling through my words.”
Q: How has stuttering influenced your singing?
A: “Having a stutter is like having an invisible wall between me and the world. Experiences like winning the Voice Australia showed me that through singing I could break down that wall and connect with the world.”
Q: What’s it like telling your story through your children’s book “Harrison’s song?”
A: “It is so powerful to read and explain my own story of growing up with a stutter to children around the world. It is something I like to share and encourage children to understand that no matter their hurdle or challenge, you can still live your dream!”
Q: What has your experience been with speech therapy in the past?
A: “Very positive – although the downside is you always need to be with the speech therapist to receive feedback and continue remodeling your speech patterns.”
Q: Why an online stuttering therapy?
A: “The world is online today – and therapy is modernizing as well. Speechagain offers a unique and friendly way to practice and remodel your speech so you can feel confident speaking to others on a daily basis. It is the kind of tool I wish existed when I was a young child!”
Q: What would you say to people using Speechagain for the first time?
A: “Trust in the fact that you can master your speech. Proven methods for slowing and controlling your speech really do work – you must be prepared to work hard and drive yourself to reach your goal of smooth speech. Only you have the power to make smooth speech a part of your everyday…”
We are so grateful to be working with Harrison and his team to continue raising awareness for stuttering and empowering others! All that’s left to do is sit back and watch, as Harrison takes the world by storm with his music, storytelling, and inspiring advocacy for all people who stutter!