Communicating Politely with Someone Who Stutters
About 1% of the adult population stutters. It's not uncommon to feel uncomfortable speaking to someone who stutters. Here are some suggestions to help you communicate with someone who is stuttering more effectively:
- Dismiss assumptions you may have about people who stutter.
- Don't provide suggestions to the speaker about how they can speak better ("slow down," "relax," etc.)
- Be an active listener by nodding your head and making eye contact.
- Don't finish the speaker's sentences when he/she gets stuck on a word.
Be open and honest. Let the speaker know that you are willing to listen and are patient about hearing what he/she has to say
Did you know that Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, James Earl Jones, Bruce Willis, Bob Love, John Stossel, and Carly Simon are all famous people who stuttered?
Would you like to learn more about stuttering? Visit http://www.stutteringhelp.org/ Look for the article:
Stuttering: Answers for Employers
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