UPDATES: TISA Foundation Program
TISA will soon be offering a 10-week online course for PWS (People Who Stammer) who:
- have not done TOPG earlier,
- left it midway in the past,
- or simply need a structured refresher.
The course will be facilitated by:
The course will use the Google Classroom (MOOC-style) interface. Both Hindi and English will be used.
What will participants do?
This is not a passive “watch-and-listen” course. Participants will actively engage in:
- supervised journaling,
- video and audio recording,
- speaking tasks,
- calling strangers,
- Zoom interactions,
- and communication exercises.
You will receive thoughtful, supportive and objective feedback on:
- communication,
- body language,
- clarity of thought,
- and speech techniques.
Selection Process
We plan to select only 8–10 PWS, so that participants receive close attention and meaningful feedback.
As part of the screening process:
- applicants must complete the Self-Introduction Tasks (Module 1) by 28 May, 7 PM.
In the next stage, shortlisted candidates will deposit a small amount as earnest money — “skin in the game.”
- If you complete the course successfully, the amount will be fully returned.
- Otherwise, it will be treated as a donation to TISA Trust.
This is simply to encourage commitment and reduce drop-outs midway through the course.
Weekly Structure
- Main Zoom Session: Every Sunday, 7:30 PM – 9 PM
(with both Dr Amit and Dr Satyendra) - Optional Support Session: One weekday Zoom session may be organised by volunteers, depending on demand.
Participants must complete all assignments, journaling tasks and practice activities on time. Weekly MCQ tests will also be conducted.
A dedicated WhatsApp group will provide ongoing support, accountability and feedback.
Overall, the expected time investment is about 3–4 hours per week, which has been found manageable in earlier TOPG batches.
Technical Requirements
You only need:
- a smartphone or laptop,
- an internet connection,
- basic familiarity with Zoom etiquette,
- and the ability to use Google Docs.
What is New This Time?
The aim of this course is to work deeply with a smaller group and demonstrate measurable impact.
Since the beginning of TOPG, the faculty has learned a great deal from participants and experience. This batch will therefore include:
- deeper insights into stammering,
- more objective and constructive feedback,
- supervised technique practice,
- counselling support,
- and greater individual attention.
More details will be shared soon. Get ready and apply!
Course Philosophy
Many PWS are not aware of recent developments in speech science. Others know the techniques but do not practise consistently — especially in real-life speaking situations where it matters most.
Some practise speech techniques but receive no objective feedback. Many view stammering only as a speech behaviour, while ignoring the deeper cycle of thoughts, emotions and avoidance that maintains it.
Some chase superficial fluency or a magical “cure,” forgetting that the real purpose of speech is meaningful communication and human connection.
Others spend years hating themselves, as if stammering were a curse that defines their worth.
This course attempts to address all these issues — gradually and realistically, over ten weeks.
We cannot promise instant transformation. But we do believe that by the end of the course, you will:
- understand your stammering much better,
- gain practical tools,
- receive honest feedback,
- discover a workable roadmap,
- and develop greater confidence in communication.
Many participants may still need continued practice afterwards — and that is completely normal.
We Need Two Facilitators
We are also looking for two volunteers to serve as facilitators for the course.
If you think you may be a good fit, please get in touch.
Course Rules (Non-Negotiable)
- Bring your best self to all TOPG spaces, Zoom sessions and interactions.
- Learn about and practise gender sensitivity.
- Respect personal boundaries at all times.
- Never share TOPG media outside the group.
- Only faculty may occasionally share selected participant media on TISA platforms for educational or motivational purposes.
- Never make inappropriate contact with participants on phone or social media.
Violation of these rules may lead to removal from the course.
For any query, suggestion or comment, please email:
Who We Are
We are a voluntary association of Indian People Who Stammer, founded, run, driven by people who stammer (PWS) for people who stammer! A non-profit organization, our volunteers are PWS or transfluencers who have taken the path of self-help, transcended beyond the stammering mindset and are now helping others in need of help. We do not offer therapy or claim a cure, but we certainly empower you with better attitudes, knowledge, courage, confidence, communication skills and in general the life skills to live a better and successful life.
Inline Video: Noted Bollywood stars help spread the word of TISA!
Ready to take the leap?
Start engaging with TISA by enrolling in the self-help initiatives offered by our volunteers. Explore the services below and get rolling! Begin with this Hindi playlist:.
