Stuttering or stammering, refers to a speech disorder in which speech is discontinuous or discontinuous in terms of rhythm and speed. Words may sound too long or repetitive, sometimes accompanied by physical signs of difficulty such as rapid eye blinking or lip quivering. Stuttering can affect all age groups, although it usually occurs in boys.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Reducing the Impact of Stuttering
Step 1. Visit a doctor or speech-language pathologist
Health professionals and specialists can work with you or your child to deal with the effects of stuttering. Stuttering is best treated early on, rather than later in life, as it can be more difficult to treat at a later age. Call your doctor if you notice any of the following aspects of stuttering:
- Stuttering develops in adulthood.
- Tightening of the muscles or noticeable difficulty in speaking.
- Stuttering affects social life, work life, or quality of life.
- Stuttering that causes anxiety, fear, or loss of self-confidence that needs to be addressed.
- Stuttering that lasts longer than six months.
- Stuttering is accompanied by other speech problems.
- You notice the stuttering in you or your child is getting worse.
Step 2. Practice controlled fluency
Speaking quickly or in a hurry can have an impact on the number of stutters that occur in conversations. By slowing down and speaking carefully, a person can learn when and exactly what triggers stuttering.
- Speak slowly and simply. Try saying words consisting of one syllable, one at a time. Try to get each word out clearly before moving on to the next.
- Watch what you say as you speak, noting which words or mental states make stuttering occur or make it worse.
- Don't be afraid to give pauses or silences in your speech. Speak at your own pace as you practice.
- Practice the words you find difficult.
- Increase the length of words and sentences gradually. Over time, you will begin to practice pronouncing the difficult words in your speech.
Step 3. Ask your doctor about electronic devices that can reduce stuttering
There are two types of tools today that can help with stuttering. Some of these devices are small enough to be worn all day by someone who stutters.
- One device works by playing back someone's voice on the ear phone, accompanied by a delay. This delay causes the person to slow down their speech, which can reduce stuttering.
- Other devices work by bringing your own speech into a single unit with someone else's speech. Hearing yourself speak in this way can also reduce any stuttering.
Step 4. Work with a cognitive behavioral therapist
By practicing cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and exercises, people who suffer from stuttering can find out which mental states are causing the stuttering to get worse. An added benefit of this therapy is that it helps reduce the anxiety, stress or confidence issues that can arise from stuttering.
Step 5. Calm yourself while speaking
Saying what you want to say slowly can help reduce stuttering. Give yourself plenty of time to talk and try to be as calm as possible.
- Don't always change the words or things you want to say.
- Take your time and say the words you want to use.
- Calming yourself down and reducing anxiety about speaking can help reduce stuttering.
- Don't force yourself to get the words out. Speak at your own pace. Forcing words can make them more difficult to pronounce.
Step 6. Find the root cause of stuttering
Three causes of stuttering are currently understood. The two main types are called developmental and neurogenic types. The third, and the rarest type, is termed psychogenic.
- Developmental stuttering appears early in a child's life while learning to speak. Most children will have some degree of stuttering as they grow older, but some will have persistent problems. There is also evidence that this type of stuttering is genetic and can be hereditary.
- Neurogenic stuttering can occur after a serious medical disorder such as a stroke or head trauma. The link between the language center in the brain and the muscles used for speech are weakened and severed.
- Psychogenic stuttering is caused by being exposed to an emotionally traumatic event.
Method 2 of 2: Talking to Someone Who Stutters
Step 1. Don't finish the sentence
When talking to someone who stutters, you may be tempted to finish sentences for them. This can make the person who stutters even more frustrated. Avoid cutting or finishing what you think he's going to say.
Step 2. Keep things calm
When speaking to both adults and children who stutter, it can help to keep the conversation calm and relaxed. Speaking slowly and without appearing rushed will allow both parties to communicate effortlessly, helping to reduce the impact of stuttering.
Step 3. Stay attentive during the conversation
When talking to someone who stutters, give them the same care and attention that is usually given in any conversation. Keep your focus on the speaker, make polite eye contact, and practice good listening skills when he or she speaks.
Don't immediately assume you know what he's going to say and don't lose interest
Step 4. Give praise and acceptance to children who stutter
If you talk to a child who stutters, never criticize or feel frustrated talking to him. Mistreating anyone who stutters will only cause problems in the development of self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Praise the children when they speak clearly. Never punish or criticize when they stutter.
- Accept them as they are, by providing encouragement and support.
Tips
- Take your time trying to reduce stuttering or stammering. Progress can be a slow process.
- Stay positive when trying to reduce stuttering.
- Always pay attention when talking to someone who stutters. Never finish a sentence for him.
- Get into the habit of reading aloud.
