Some people who stutter actually prefer if you finish their sentences for them, especially in high-pressure situations when their stuttering might get worse. Just ask what they prefer!
Avoid looking at your phone, watching TV, or doing anything else that draws your attention away. The person will appreciate your undivided attention.
It can be tough to know if you’re making “the face”—you might do it without realizing it, and that’s okay! Just try to be aware of your expression as much as possible.
For example, you might say, “I heard you say that you enjoyed history class, but I didn’t catch the last part. What did you say you were studying again?” Don’t worry about making things harder on them by having them repeat something. They’ll appreciate the fact that you’re asking them for clarification like you would anyone else.
Instead, be respectful and wait patiently for the person to finish what they’re trying to say. Let them know through your body language that you have time to listen to them, even if it takes them longer to speak.
For example, for many people who stutter, saying their name is one of the hardest things. Making a joke out of it, like asking them if they forgot their name, only draws attention to their problem and makes them feel awful. Similarly, if you hear someone else making jokes about it, call them out! You don’t have to be confrontational. For example, you might say, “I don’t get it. Can you explain why that’s funny?” Asking this question forces the person to acknowledge the cruelty of their joke.
For example, suppose your friend Susan stutters. When you’re in a group, your friends are talking about their pets and you can see Susan start and stop talking several times. You might say, “Susan, weren’t you telling me a funny story about your cat yesterday? I bet everyone would love to hear it!”
Make eye contact with the person so they know you’re talking directly to them, then carry on your conversation as you would with anyone else.
For example, suppose you’re ordering food at a restaurant. Ask the person if they want to place their own order or if they’d rather you do it for them. If they want you to order on their behalf, accommodate their request without mocking or belittling them. Talk to the person about their preferences before you just take over—make sure you’re acting in a way that they appreciate and find beneficial.
The more supportive the home environment, the more the child will find their own space to develop confidence and focus on all aspects of development, not just speech. [12] X Expert Source Devin Fisher, CCC-SLPSpeech Language Pathologist Expert Interview. 15 January 2021.
