The do's and don'ts

   


                      

     


       I will list the best ways to approach and speak with people who have speech impediments and as I create this list I will explain why. 

• Be patient: When you are patient to those who stutter, they will feel more comfortable around you. The best way to have a conversation with anybody is to listen.

•  Encouragement: A lot of people believe that those who stutter hate talking but that is quite the contrary. People like myself want to speak but what we are afraid of is others not believing in us.

• Monitor your facial expressions and body language: If you are feeling discomfort or are becoming inpatient your body language can tell the person who is stuttering that you are uncomfortable around them. In a situation that is discomforting a stutter can increasingly get worse and anxiety kicks in.

•  When speaking to someone who stutters: Talk to them like you would with anyone else. They know what you are saying and don't need somebody to explain everything. Treat people who stutter the way you would like to be treated. Always be aware that even though people may stutter it does not make them "slower" or needs to be treated like a child. Normal people, all that's noticeable is a speech impediment. 

•   Maintain eye contact: Keeping good eye contact is a great way to let another person know you are listening to what they are saying.

•  Know that Stuttering is OK: Most people view a speech impediment as something that is wrong but in reality it forces non-stutters to listen. To slow their mind down and feel the words when these people speak. 

 I will now tell you the Don'ts when you're around people who stutter. 

• Do not speak for the person unless they ask you to: When you speak for the person it is considered as an insult. From our perspective it shows that you are impatient and don't want us to have a voice. 

• Do not ask them to write down what they want to say: Unless the person is timid about how they speak then okay but if you see a person raising their hand in a public meeting or volunteering to speak, do not ask them to write their ideas down. 

•  Do not avoid talking to people who are different: This can include anyone. If someone is dressed different or has a disability, old, young, homeless or not. Speak to everyone. There have been so many times when people have avoided speaking to me because I talk slower and it really hurts. As I have said before, treat others the way you would like to be treated.

• Let the person live their life: I plead with you to not do things for people who are fully capable of being independent. 

• Don't interrupt: Just like communicating with anybody you know how rude it is to be interrupted by others. 

• Restrictions: In general nobody likes to be restricted from something they love. Do not limit someone from speaking even if it may be uncomfortable for you or others.

  

Keep these in mind throughout your life because if you ever do interact with somebody with a speech impediment, they will appreciate how you treated them.