People are often caught by surprise and do not know how to respond to a colleague who stutters.

What is stuttering?

“Stuttering, also known as ‘stammering’, is a communication disorder in which the flow of speech is broken by repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (lllllike this), or abnormal stoppages (no sound) of sounds and syllables”, explains the Stuttering Foundation. Up to 30% of those who stutter also have a related articulation (pronunciation) disorder such as a lisp.

Stuttering can make the speaker feel awkward and vulnerable and “sometimes when we stutter, our bodies try to compensate with facial movements”, explains Daniele Rossi, himself a stutterer. He adds that while anxiety or stress can fuel stuttering, they don’t cause it and “that’s why we may appear like we’re falling apart during a workplace crisis but really, it’s only the same adrenaline rush in getting things done that ‘fluents’ experience”, he says.

Although stuttering is a neurologically-based condition that may also have genetic roots, it has nothing to do with low self-esteem or anything psychological. Most importantly, it has zero influence on intelligence as the many famous people who stuttered can attest to. Winston Churchill was a stutterer as was James Earl Jones, well-known for his voice as Darth Vader in Star Wars and film star Marilyn Monroe, whose sexy, breathy voice was said to be cultivated in response to her stuttering. The late father of Queen Elizabeth of England, Prince Albert’s life and effort to overcome his stutter were immortalised in the film The King’s Speech.

Do’s and don’ts when speaking with someone who stutters

We are usually surprised and caught off guard when someone stutters. Unfortunately, without intending to, it shows in our facial expressions and body language, which makes it even more difficult for the stutterer to speak normally. It is most important that we recover from this initial shock quickly and regain composure fast so that we can take control of our reactions and help instead of hinder the person who stutters.

Here’s how you can help:

    • Don’t make unnecessary remarks or become uncomfortable. Telling a person who stutters to “slow down, relax or take a breath” is not helpful.
    • Let the person know by your manner that you are listening to what he or she says, that is to the content of the message, rather than to how the message is coming out.
    • Maintain natural eye contact. This is an important part of communication and shows the person who stutters that you are interested in what he or she has to say.
    • Try not to finish sentences or fill in words. “We know you mean well but my fellow people who stutter and I already know which words we want to say – we just need a little extra time”, explains Rossi.
    • Be especially patient when speaking over the phone. People who stutter usually find it very difficult to control their speech while talking on the telephone.
    • Try using a slower, more relaxed speaking tone yourself. Show them that you have time to listen and talk to them.
    • Be aware that people who stutter often have trouble saying their names. “It’s pretty common for us who stutter to have trouble saying our names. It also makes for some nerve wracking moments during conference call intros”, says Rossi!
    • If you begin group meetings by having colleagues introduce themselves, ask the person who stammers to go first or second. This will prevent them becoming stressed out while they wait for their turn.
    • Don’t equate hesitant speech with confusion or uncertainty. Pausing before words or using phrases such as “you know”, “well actually” or “it could be said” may be strategies to avoid stammering.
    • Ask the person how best to respond when he or she stammers.
    • Treat the person who stutters with the same level of dignity and respect as you treat other people. People who stutter have performed successfully in the widest range of occupations.

 

Sources

Mullenmaster, S. Do’s and don’ts when speaking with someone who stutters. Retrieved from: https://www.d.umn.edu/~cspiller/stutteringpage/do’s.htm
Rossi, D. 2014. How to talk to people who stutter in the workplace. Retrieved from: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20141022154745-8158659-how-to-talk-to-people-who-stutter
Six tips for speaking with someone who stutters. Retrieved from: http://www.stutteringhelp.org/6-tips-speaking-someone-who-stutters