For those with a family member, loved one, or community member who stutters or possesses a speech impediment, navigating conversations can be daunting. That’s okay, and those feelings of nervousness are completely normal! That’s why the SpeechEasy team has come up with these tips to talk to people with stutters.
Don’t Make Remarks While They’re Talking
Stuttering in adults is a common condition, and it doesn’t mean that they can’t communicate the same. In fact, in most cases, adults that stutter formulate the thoughts with the same process that those who don’t stutter do. Adults with stutters just have a different path to communicating that takes more effort.
The best thing to do when an adult with a stutter is speaking is to let them talk! There is no need for remarks such as “relax,” or “slow down.” It would be the same as telling them to “stop studdering.” This can come off as demeaning and not helpful to the conversation.
Maintain Eye Contact
When having a conversation, maintain natural eye contact until the person is finished. This shows that you are engaged and actively listening to what they have to say.
Don’t Fill In
One of the most important tips for stuttering in adults is to not fill in their sentences for them. They are fully capable of formulating the sentences in their brain, it just takes a little bit more effort to communicate that to the listener. When speaking to an adult with a stutter, allow them to finish their sentence, without interruption.
Speaking on the Telephone
For stuttering in adults, it is not uncommon that the ability to control speech becomes harder when speaking over the phone. If this is the case, be patient. When picking up the phone and hearing nothing, wait a few extra seconds to make sure that you are not hanging up on someone who has a stutter.
SpeechEasy | Stuttering Devices
SpeechEasy wants to help those with stutters to stop stuttering. Our mission is to break the language barrier through our state-of-the-art electronic speech devices that are similar to hearing aids. To learn more about our stuttering devices that will help stuttering in adults, visit our website or contact us today.