1. Let the person finish

Wait patiently and politely for them to continue speaking, at their own time.

Avoid finishing off the person's sentences or words. This can be very frustrating for the person who has a stutter.

2. Maintain the connection

Have appropriate facial expressions and maintain eye contact (don't look away). It shows that you respect them and that you're listening to what they're saying.

3. Don't exclude the stutterer from the conversation

People with a stuttering problem may be slow in expressing their ideas, but you can be sure that they will go straight to the point.

4. Don't make assumptions about the stutterer's intelligence and emotional state

People who stutter are not lower in intelligence. They don't lack confidence, nor are they unsure about what to say. Stuttering is a physical disorder that involves the loss of fine control and coordination of the speech muscles.​

5. Don't make fun of the way the person speaks, for example, by mimicking the stutter

Yes, there are people this rude, and no, it won't lighten up the situation. Some will just burst out laughing out of sheer panic and embarrassment. Instead, encourage the person you’re speaking with by giving lots of positive feedback, especially if the person knows that you’re aware that they stutter. You can support them by saying things like, “Wow, your speech is sounding great!” or, “I’m so proud of you for giving your presentation at work!” The goal is to allow the other person to feel positive about their speech, no matter the outcome. Everyone deserves the chance to feel confident and satisfied with how they communicate.

6. BE YOURSELF!

People who stutter are just like everybody else, so act like yourself and speak with them as you would with anyone! All of us want to experience respect, compassion, and fulfilling human connection.

If there are concerns about your speech, please consult a doctor to obtain a Speech Therapy referral.

You may also click on the links of the SingHealth Speech Therapy Departments with the relevant services to find out more or obtain contact details:

• Changi General Hospital (CGH)
• Sengkang General Hospital (SKH)
• Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
• KK Women's' and Childrens Hospital (KKH)

Ref: U11