How to talk to a person stutterer? A valuable guide comes from the Stuttering Foundation, an American non-profit organization that dedicates a sort of decalogue to conversation with children and adults affected by stuttering.
The first rule for parents is to take all the time necessary to speak at a speed that facilitates fluency language. Avoid talking to the child in an excited manner, taking frequent pauses and waiting a few seconds after the child finishes his sentence before responding. So avoid asking questions one after the other and give him time to answer. Pay full attention to the child when he speaks, but without exaggerating. You don’t have to stop any activity every time he says something. And even on the discipline front, the stuttering child must receive the same rules as his siblings.
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Everyone in the family should speak according to a “turn” pattern, that is, listen and finish the sentence before speaking. It is essential to work onself-esteem of the child, highlighting his positive characteristics or actions that we appreciated, such as his sports performances or his kindness. Finally, carve out some oases of peace to dedicate only to him during the day, away from your cell phone or television. Even 5 minutes a day makes a difference.
When conversing with an adult with a stuttering problem, even with the best intentions, avoid advice such as “Slows”, “take a deep breath”, “relax” because in addition to being useless, they could be humiliating. Also avoid completing “her” sentences, even if you have guessed what she wants to tell you. Speak in a relaxed manner, but not so slowly that it appears unnatural. During the conversation, body language must convey an attitude of listening (for example by maintaining eye contact) and attention to what the interlocutor is saying, not how he is doing it.
People who stutter often have more difficulty speaking to telephone; therefore try to be patient; even if you don’t hear anything, don’t hang up; on the other end there may be a person with a stuttering disorder who is trying to start a sentence.
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