6 answers
Sam
Student
Albany, New York
1
Question
Asked
836 views
How do i deal with stammering?
My name is Sam, im 16. School has always been challenging for me because i can hardly express myself due to my stammering nature. Is there any stammerer out there? And does it get any easier in College?
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6 answers
Tori McDevitt
Human Resources
5
Answers
Brigantine
Updated
Tori’s Answer
Hey Sam,
Thank you for being so vulnerable. I would first recommend you seek insight and assistance from a medical professional on your specific needs and available interventions. I recognize the most difficult thing about stammering or a stutter can be your own confidence when it comes to speaking and connecting with others, I encourage you to be authentic and confident in your abilities and knowledge.
There are medical resources available, such as Speech and Language Therapy. In terms of non medical resources, I recommend building your confidence through finding safe spaces, clubs, and extracurricular activities where you can practice public speaking and engaging, I know this is hard and takes courage, but I believe you have that courage.
Thank you for being so vulnerable. I would first recommend you seek insight and assistance from a medical professional on your specific needs and available interventions. I recognize the most difficult thing about stammering or a stutter can be your own confidence when it comes to speaking and connecting with others, I encourage you to be authentic and confident in your abilities and knowledge.
There are medical resources available, such as Speech and Language Therapy. In terms of non medical resources, I recommend building your confidence through finding safe spaces, clubs, and extracurricular activities where you can practice public speaking and engaging, I know this is hard and takes courage, but I believe you have that courage.
IIRC, President Biden used to have a stutter. He worked hard to get past it and it doesn't seem to have affected his confidence.
Karin P.
Sumant Bang
Assistant Manager at Deloitte USI
3
Answers
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Updated
Sumant’s Answer
Hi Sam, I have a friend who used to stammer a lot but I had suggested him some tips and now sharing with you as well, which can benefit you as well:
1) Speech Therapy: Consider seeking help from a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who specializes in stuttering. Speech therapy can provide you with techniques and exercises to improve your speech fluency and confidence.
2) Slow Down: Speaking slowly and deliberately can help reduce stammering. Take your time when speaking and try to relax your muscles.
3) Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing exercises to help relax your body and control your breathing while speaking. Deep breaths can help reduce tension and improve speech fluency.
4) Practice Speaking: Practice speaking regularly, both alone and in front of others. Start with simple sentences and gradually increase the complexity as you become more comfortable.
5) Positive Thinking: Maintain a positive attitude and avoid negative thoughts about your stuttering. Remember that stuttering does not define you as a person, and it's okay to seek help and support.
6) Seek Support: Don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals if you're struggling with the emotional impact of stuttering. Counseling or therapy can help you develop coping strategies and build confidence.
1) Speech Therapy: Consider seeking help from a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who specializes in stuttering. Speech therapy can provide you with techniques and exercises to improve your speech fluency and confidence.
2) Slow Down: Speaking slowly and deliberately can help reduce stammering. Take your time when speaking and try to relax your muscles.
3) Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing exercises to help relax your body and control your breathing while speaking. Deep breaths can help reduce tension and improve speech fluency.
4) Practice Speaking: Practice speaking regularly, both alone and in front of others. Start with simple sentences and gradually increase the complexity as you become more comfortable.
5) Positive Thinking: Maintain a positive attitude and avoid negative thoughts about your stuttering. Remember that stuttering does not define you as a person, and it's okay to seek help and support.
6) Seek Support: Don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals if you're struggling with the emotional impact of stuttering. Counseling or therapy can help you develop coping strategies and build confidence.
Pothuri ashok Kumar
software Employee
6
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Pothuri’s Answer
Hi,
Its a great question. These days world is very much welcoming and everyone understands others pain and react well. find a right friend , he/she will make you comfortable and don't worry and don't even think of your issue. Be open and let others be okay with you. Though they laugh at you today , tomorrow they will smile with your selfless and open minded nature. Be positive and open.
Its a great question. These days world is very much welcoming and everyone understands others pain and react well. find a right friend , he/she will make you comfortable and don't worry and don't even think of your issue. Be open and let others be okay with you. Though they laugh at you today , tomorrow they will smile with your selfless and open minded nature. Be positive and open.
YANNELLY SANCHEZ
Manager
4
Answers
Costa Mesa, California
Updated
YANNELLY’s Answer
Hello Sam! If you find that your stammering is triggered by anxiety when speaking in front of others, I highly recommend exploring Toastmasters. I've been an active participant in my local chapter for around a year and a half now. It's been transformative - I can now express myself fluently without repeating words. These groups usually convene about once a week, and some even offer virtual participation. The consistent practice helps you embrace the fact that public speaking isn't about perfection. Just remember to mentally acknowledge your mistakes and keep going. Over time, you'll notice these mistakes diminishing. Toastmasters has been a significant catalyst in my journey. Check it out: https://www.toastmasters.org/
Divya Kumari
Senior Specialst
4
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Divya’s Answer
Hi Sam. I can feel your concerns as I used to stammer when I was a kid. However one of my teachers helped me overcome it. You can try below approaches and see if it works for you:
1. Try thinking and speaking slowly
2. Practice everyday in front of mirror
3. Do not use difficult words or jargons
Be easy on yourself as it would be a slow process but you will reach there.
1. Try thinking and speaking slowly
2. Practice everyday in front of mirror
3. Do not use difficult words or jargons
Be easy on yourself as it would be a slow process but you will reach there.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Sam,
Addressing Stammering: Practical Advice and Insights
Understanding Stammering
Stammering, also referred to as stuttering, is a widespread speech disorder that disrupts the smooth flow and timing of speech. It's marked by repeated or extended sounds, syllables, or words, or unusual pauses in speech.
Stammering's Impact and School Challenges
Stammering touches about 1% of adults and between 3% to 5% of children. For teenagers, grappling with stammering can be particularly tough, especially in school where clear communication is key to success. It might be hard to voice your ideas, take part in class chats, or give presentations.
Boosting Communication Skills
While stammering may not fully disappear, there are ways to help you control it and enhance your communication skills:
Speak Slowly and Stay Relaxed: Try to consciously slow your speech and keep a relaxed stance when speaking. This can lessen the chances of stammering.
Concentrate on One Word at a Time: Rather than fretting over the whole sentence, focus on saying each word clearly and correctly. This can give you more control over your speech.
Use Expressive Gestures: Use gestures and body language to help get your message across more effectively. This can ease some pressure from your speech.
Practice Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises can help lower anxiety and stress related to stammering. Try taking slow, deep breaths before speaking to help soothe your nerves.
Record Your Speech: Hearing recordings of your speech can help you spot patterns and areas where you struggle with stammering. This can offer valuable clues for improvement.
Join Support Groups: Meeting others who have similar experiences can provide emotional support, motivation, and practical tips for handling stammering.
College Experiences
In response to your question about college, it's important to note that everyone's experience with stammering is different. Some may find that their stammering becomes less apparent in college due to reduced stress or increased self-assurance. Others may still encounter communication challenges during their college years. The key is to actively seek support and use strategies to effectively manage your stammering.
Authoritative Reference Titles
Stuttering Fact Sheet. (2021). National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/stuttering
Stuttering. (2020). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stuttering/symptoms-causes/syc-20353568
Stammering. (2020). The British Stammering Association (BSA). https://www.stamma.org/stammering
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Addressing Stammering: Practical Advice and Insights
Understanding Stammering
Stammering, also referred to as stuttering, is a widespread speech disorder that disrupts the smooth flow and timing of speech. It's marked by repeated or extended sounds, syllables, or words, or unusual pauses in speech.
Stammering's Impact and School Challenges
Stammering touches about 1% of adults and between 3% to 5% of children. For teenagers, grappling with stammering can be particularly tough, especially in school where clear communication is key to success. It might be hard to voice your ideas, take part in class chats, or give presentations.
Boosting Communication Skills
While stammering may not fully disappear, there are ways to help you control it and enhance your communication skills:
Speak Slowly and Stay Relaxed: Try to consciously slow your speech and keep a relaxed stance when speaking. This can lessen the chances of stammering.
Concentrate on One Word at a Time: Rather than fretting over the whole sentence, focus on saying each word clearly and correctly. This can give you more control over your speech.
Use Expressive Gestures: Use gestures and body language to help get your message across more effectively. This can ease some pressure from your speech.
Practice Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises can help lower anxiety and stress related to stammering. Try taking slow, deep breaths before speaking to help soothe your nerves.
Record Your Speech: Hearing recordings of your speech can help you spot patterns and areas where you struggle with stammering. This can offer valuable clues for improvement.
Join Support Groups: Meeting others who have similar experiences can provide emotional support, motivation, and practical tips for handling stammering.
College Experiences
In response to your question about college, it's important to note that everyone's experience with stammering is different. Some may find that their stammering becomes less apparent in college due to reduced stress or increased self-assurance. Others may still encounter communication challenges during their college years. The key is to actively seek support and use strategies to effectively manage your stammering.
Authoritative Reference Titles
Stuttering Fact Sheet. (2021). National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/stuttering
Stuttering. (2020). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stuttering/symptoms-causes/syc-20353568
Stammering. (2020). The British Stammering Association (BSA). https://www.stamma.org/stammering
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.