General Tips For Family And Friends
1. Avoid guessing the word or finishing sentences - it is very tempting,
but you may get it wrong or it may just make the person feel cross!
2. Use normal eye contact - this doesn't mean fixed staring! We all
glance around when we are talking to each other.
3. Listen to what is being said, not how it is being
said.
4. It can be uncomfortable listening to a person whose speech is disrupted
by a stammer, but try to show you are at ease and are ready to listen.
5. Try to show that you are not in a hurry - a sense of urgency builds
tension.
6. If you are a fast speaker, this adds pressure and speeds up conversations
- monitor your own rate of talking and "change gear".
When talking to a young child who stammers
1. If you think that a child may be stammering, it is really important
to discuss this with the parents/carers.
2. Don't tell the child to "slow down" or to "
take a deep breath" - the former is too hard for a young child
and the latter can become part of the problem.
3. Having discussed it with the parents/carers, if the child is
aware of the problem, it may be ok to mention it thoughtfully; for
example: "That was a hard word to say - but well done, you
tried your best".
4. You might try to talk more slowly which takes away the pressure
of rapid conversations.
5. Try to show that you are not in a huge hurry; you have time and
will listen. If you don't, then say so... "I really want to
hear what you have to say, but I have to make this phone call now
- can we talk later?" Make sure you remember your promise!
6. Praise the child for the things that he is doing well - without
focusing on their talking.
7. Don't ask lots of questions, one after another. One question
is enough - and give him time to reply.
8. Often children who stammer do so more on long, difficult sentences.
Be a good model and keep your sentences uncomplicated.
9. Listen to what is being said, not how it is being
said.
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