Graduate tackles stammer to deliver 'defining' speech

A university student has described the joy of being able to deliver his graduation speech after using Michael Jackson songs to deal with a stammer. Aaron Agbanu said it was a "defining moment" alongside presenting his dissertation research on blood sciences without any audio support, as part of his master's studies in haematology at Chester University. With help from his lecturers and fellow students, he practiced speeches to the beat of several catchy songs, including many by Jackson. The 26-year-old, who previously graduated in medical laboratory science in his home country of Ghana, was described by his Chester tutors as demonstrating "academic strength and personal courage". Many people with stammers find music can minimise the condition's impact by improving fluency, as highlighted in the Oscar-winning film The King's Speech and TV documentary Educating Yorkshire. Agbanu described delivering his graduation speech in the medieval Chester Cathedral as one his "defining moments - both an honour and a reflection of the journey". Agbanu said his studies were "deeply rewarding" and offered him "excitement for making a real impact in patient care". "Haematologists often build long-te