Stuttering Commencement Speech with Parker Mantell at Indiana University

“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.””

— Parker Mantell

College grad Parker Mantell delivered wisdom beyond his years and went viral as an eloquent and inspiring Indiana University commencement speaker (who stutters). Parker is a friend and an outstanding citizen - and he continues to pursue his path in the world of politics. I met Parker at the National Stuttering Association conference and the impact of perseverance and insight he left me with then, still remain today.

His spoken words ring true today, as they did in 2014 by his commencement! Watch the video below for the full clip:

““As a person who stutters, I can be no more certain that, in this room and in this hall, are thousands of people who far more talented at public speaking than I am.
At the same time, I can be no more certain that the message I have to share is one that must be heard.””

— Parker Mantell

Parker Mantell, an Indiana University senior from Memphis, Tennessee, addressed his fellow graduating students at the IU Bloomington undergraduate commencement ceremony on the afternoon of Saturday, May 10, 2014. Mantell graduated with a degree in political science from the College of Arts and Sciences with a minor in public management and a certificate from IU's Political and Civic Engagement program.

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PODCAST with Parker

Listen to Stuttertalk podcast with Parker Mantell.
For StutterTalk page click here.

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TED TALK

Boldly breaking through barriers not only opens doors for you, but it opens doors for others. Parker Mantell talks through how people in history, working through their challenges, empowered him to work through his stutter. He challenges the audience to do the same for the next generation.

“Boldly breaking through barriers not only opens doors for you, but it opens doors for others. Parker Mantell talks through how people in history, working through their challenges, empowered him to work through his stutter. He challenges the audience to do the same for the next generation.” (TedTalk, description)

Uri Schneider and Parker Mantell
National Stuttering Association Conference