How to Communicate with Stuttering People
People who do not have speech disorders should exert extra effort in understanding the condition and knowing the proper way to deal with those with disorders. This will definitely promote better communication with those who has speech disorders such as stuttering. Here are some tips that people without speech disorder can do to improve their communication with people that stutter.
1. Be more conscious in controlling your urge in ending their sentences or filling in the words for them. This is indeed a very practical way in promoting better communication with stutterers. The reason for this is that when you fill in the words or finish their sentences, you are aggravating their conditions, especially on the self-esteem part. Once they get the feeling that you are becoming impatient, they will become more conscious and will stutter more. These people want to be respected and accepted. They want to be treated just like any ordinary people.
2. Your good intentions might prove to be more fatal in the long run. Refrain from saying phrases or words such as “Relax”, “Slow down” or “Take a deep breath”. These phrases will only give them the impression that they are not normal and that there is something wrong with them. This is like adding insult to injury and they will feel more left ostracized from the so-called normal society. Instead use encouraging words or phrases such as “Go on” or ” I understand” even if it takes for them to finish their sentences.
3. Do not give them a look like you do not understand what he or she is saying. It is definitely understandable for normal people to have difficulties understanding the words or sentences of people who stutter. But then again, it is very important to show these people that they are not too different from us. Please keep in mind, that stuttering can be psychological. Rejections from a community or even from family members trigger this condition. The most effective way to show that we sincerely care is to understand them even if it really takes more time and effort.
4. Be more patient and understanding when listening to people who stutter. One can show this by allowing a stutterer to finish when he or she is speaking. This is a very important skill and must be done consistently. Remember that people who stutter have low self esteem and social skills. Being more patient and allowing him or her to finish his or her sentence gives him or her the much needed acceptance and self respect. This is a very important aspect of their therapies.
5. Be more extra sensitive when conversing with people with speech disorders such as stuttering. One must be flexible in adjusting one’s pace in speaking. Maintaining a moderate pace is vital since it allows a natural flow in the conversation. Producing a more relaxed and subtle rate of speaking not overwhelming him or her to adapt to a normal person’s rate of speech. Without the usual pressure of the normal society he or she can communicate more effectively.
6. Empathize but do not sympathize. The worst thing one will do is to pity a stutterer. People with speech disorders do not want to be pitied or be treated as a disable person. Give everyone an equal chance to everything. Offer assistance only when asked by them. Do not make them feel inferior.
7. Keep in mind to maintain eye contact when conversing with a person that has a speech disorder. Remember that a sincere eye contact gives him or her a warm feeling of acceptance, belongingness and respect.
8. Do not be pretentious. Pretending that you fully understand what they said is not helping them at all. People with speech disorder will be more than willing to repeat what they said to make sure that they are perfectly understood. Just be honest with them if you need them to clarify some things. One can simply say “I’m sorry, I did not get what you said” will help them exert the much needed effort in communicating effectively.