Stammering and communication

The main communication barriers for people who stammer are:

• feelings of anxiety, embarrassment, shame, and frustration
• a tendency to avoid situations in which they might stammer (e.g. speaking in groups or using the phone)
• feelings of being judged as less intelligent or not being taken seriously
• difficulties in asserting themselves or expressing their point of view.

Video quote: Campbell

  Audio quote: Claire

Key actions

To support someone who stammers make sure:

• you are patient

Most people who stammer strongly prefer to speak for themselves. Maintain natural eye contact, listen and wait patiently until the person has finished speaking.

• you are a good listener.

Focus on the message and not how it is said.

• you remember that stammering varies

A person who stammers can find it hardest to say words when they are starting to speak and can become more fluent once underway.

Stammering is not caused by nervousness. Nervousness is a result of embarrassment about the stammering, rather than the cause of it.

• you ask the speaker if you are not sure how to respond
  
  

For example:  "Is there anything I can do to make this easier for you?"

If someone is stammering very severely, it may be better to ask a closed question.  For example:  "Would you prefer to go somewhere quieter?" or "Would you prefer to write this down?"

A closed question may be easier because it only requires a "yes" or "no" response.  This can be given non-verbally with a shake or nod of the head.

  Asking questions: how to make it easier for people to answer

  Stammering: further information

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