How to Manage Stuttering

Stuttering is a speech disorder that affects many people. While some children may grow out of stuttering as they get older and learn more speech skills, others have stuttering problems that continue even into adulthood. While for some stuttering is a problem they have to deal as a regular part of their lives, there are ways to manage it.

Things You'll Need

• Speech therapist, practice speaking, to relax

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Instructions

How to Manage Stuttering

• 1

  Relax and take your time when you speak. Being nervous or stressed can make stuttering worse. Many people with a stuttering disorder often stumble over words more than usual when they are nervous. Oftentimes speaking in front of others can trigger this nervousness. Before you speak, take a few deep breaths and try to relax before you speak. Be sure to take your time and get each word out. Trying to rush through what you have to say can also further aggravate stuttering.

• 2

  Work with a speech therapist who specializes in stuttering. Speech therapy will enable you to work on your language skills. Therapy is beneficial by teaching ways to manage stuttering and in some cases, helping the to completely overcome your stuttering problem. Learning to speak more clearly and with less stuttering will boost your self-esteem and help you to speak with more confidence.

• 3

  Practice speaking. In addition to practicing with a speech therapist, practice speaking when you’re alone. Read things aloud or practice speaking in the mirror. If you stutter over certain syllables or sounds, be sure to practice those the most. Make a list of the sounds that you have the most trouble with and spend extra time practicing them.

• 4

  Try to identify the causes of stuttering. Stuttering can be due to a neurological disorder, genetics, or developmental. Developmental stuttering is usually grown out of in childhood as a child develops his speech and language skills. Pay attention to any other speech and language problems that may accompany stuttering.