The event titled “A Journey Beyond Words” took place on Monday, October 27, at the K Block Firnas Auditorium. The session was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yelda Ülker, Head of the Advertising Department. Speakers included Özüm Alemdar, Founder and Chair of the Association; Muharrem Karaman, Board Member; and Emre Yıkılmaz, Volunteer Member.
During the event, speakers emphasized that communication extends far beyond spoken words — it is a multidimensional process shaped by emotion, expression, and awareness. They shared powerful insights on breaking societal prejudices about stuttering, raising awareness, and empowering individuals to communicate with confidence. Özüm Alemdar discussed the founding story of the association and the unseen challenges faced by people who stutter, while Muharrem Karaman highlighted the importance of empathy and acceptance in communication. Young volunteer Emre Yıkılmaz shared his personal journey, underlining that speech difficulties are not a “barrier” but rather a unique personal characteristic.
In her closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yelda Ülker stated, “Advertising as a discipline requires understanding every dimension of communication. This event was not just a panel but an eye-opening experience for our students to explore the human side of communication.”
The event, organized by the Department of Advertising, received great attention from both students and academics, leaving a lasting impression on participants by highlighting empathy, freedom of expression, and inclusivity as essential components of effective communication.
