Stuttering is a term that refers to a language disorder that causes continuous interruptions in verbal fluency. Words may be prolonged or repeated, in some cases accompanied by physical symptoms of fatigue, such as rapidly blinking eyes and making lips tremble. Stuttering can affect people of all ages, but is usually more common in male children.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Reduce the Effects of Stuttering
Step 1. Schedule a visit with a doctor or speech pathologist
Health professionals and speech therapists can help you overcome the effects of stuttering. If you stutter, it is best to treat the problem right away as treatment can become more difficult over time. See your doctor if you notice any of the following in your stuttering:
- Stuttering that develops in adulthood
- Muscles that harden or visible difficulty in speaking
- If stuttering negatively affects your social, professional life or the quality of your life;
- Stuttering that causes anxiety, fear or loss of self-esteem
- Stuttering that lasts for more than 6 months
- Stuttering that occurs in conjunction with another speech disorder
- If stuttering gets worse in you or your child.
Step 2. Practice checking your verbal fluency
By speaking quickly or in a hurry, you will stutter more during conversations. Conversely, by slowing down and speaking in a more controlled way, you can learn exactly when you stutter and what causes the problem.
- Speak slowly and simply. Try saying one-syllable words, one at a time. Try to pronounce each word clearly before moving on to the next.
- Analyze your speech, trying to identify which words or mental states cause or worsen stuttering.
- Don't be afraid to take breaks or be silent while you speak. When practicing, proceed at the pace that suits you best.
- Practice the words that give you the most trouble.
- Gradually increase the length of words and sentences. Over time, you will work to integrate even the words that give you problems into your vocabulary.
Step 3. Ask your doctor for advice on electronic devices that can reduce stuttering
Today, there are two main types of devices that can help you. Some are small enough to be worn all day by the stammerer.
- One type of device sends the person's voice back to their ear, with a delay. This delay causes her to speak more slowly, with the effect of stuttering less.
- Another method makes it appear that your words are being spoken at the same time as those of another person. Even hearing yourself talk like this can help you stutter less.
- You can also install and use apps for stutterers available on iOS and Android.
Step 4. Work with a cognitive behavioral therapy specialist
By applying the techniques and practices of cognitive behavioral therapy, a person who stutters can learn what mental states are causing the problem to worsen. Another benefit of therapy is the reduction of anxiety, stress and self-esteem problems that can result from stuttering.
Step 5. Relax when you speak
By speaking slowly and thinking carefully about what you want to say, you may be able to stutter less. Give yourself all the time you need when talking and try to stay calm.
- Avoid constantly changing words or what you want to say.
- Take your time and say the words you intend to use.
- By relaxing and reducing the anxiety that accompanies conversations, you will be able to stutter less.
- Don't force words. Say it at your own pace. If you try too hard, they will become even more difficult to pronounce.
- If you stammer while saying a word, don't panic. Take a deep breath and continue. Pretend nothing happened.
Step 6. Find out what are the main causes of stuttering
At present, there are three recognized causes, which determine the nature of the problem. The two main forms are termed evolutionary and neurological. The third and rarest is known as psychogenic stuttering.
- Developmental stuttering occurs early in a child's life as soon as he or she learns to speak. Most children stutter a little as they grow up, but for some, the problems persist. There is also some evidence that this type of disorder is genetic and can be passed down from parents to children.
- Neurologic stuttering can occur after serious health problems such as heart attacks or head trauma. The connections between the brain's language centers and the muscles used for speaking are weakened or severed.
- Psychogenic stuttering is caused by exposure to an emotionally traumatic event.
Method 2 of 2: Talk to a Person who Stammers
Step 1. Don't finish your sentences
When you talk to someone who stutters, you may be tempted to finish a sentence they are stuck on. This can be even more frustrating for him. Avoid interrupting him and finishing what you think he is going to say.
Step 2. Stay calm
When you are talking to an adult or child who stutters, it can be helpful to keep the conversation straight and relaxed. By speaking slowly and without showing signs of impatience, both people will be able to communicate without pressure, reducing the effects of stuttering.
Step 3. Be involved in the conversation
When you talk to someone who stutters, give them the same attention and respect you give to everyone else. Focus on him, make eye contact and listen actively.
Don't assume you know what he's going to say and don't lose interest
Step 4. Praise and accept children who stutter
If you are talking to a child who has difficulty speaking, always avoid criticizing him or showing your frustration. Badly treating a person who stutters will only cause problems with self-esteem and confidence in them.
- Praise children when they speak clearly. Always avoid punishing or criticizing them when they stutter.
- Accept them as they are, offering them encouragement and support.
Advice
- Don't rush when you practice to stutter less. Progress can be very slow.
- Maintain a positive mindset as you strive to stutter less.
- Always be polite when talking to someone who stutters. Avoid completing their sentences.
- Get in the habit of reading aloud.
- Always take a deep breath before speaking.
- If you stammer while speaking, be silent for a few seconds, take a deep breath, and then continue.
- Always avoid making fun of those who stutter. You would make him feel discouraged and cause him to stutter even more.
