How to Cope With a Stutter
Living with a stutter can be frustrating, no matter what your age. Although common in
children
with growing mouth muscles, stuttering is generally considered abnormal in adults and is usually treated as a psychological problem. It is unknown why people stutter, or if everyone stutters for a reason different from everyone else. This writer has had to deal with a stutter almost all of her life. This advice is geared more for the moderate stutterer.
Things You'll Need:
Doctor, dentist or pediatrician
Internet connection
Thesaurus
Library card (optional)
Cassette tape recorder or other recording device
That's Easy For You To Say
1
Go to your doctor, dentist or pediatrician to be sure there isn't any physical reason like a growth that may cause you to stutter. This is especially important if you are an adult who suddenly starts stammering for no reason. If you don't find a physical reason, your doctor may advise you to see a speech therapist or psychologist, suggesting that you have a fear of communication with others.
2
If you are sure that the diagnosis is wrong, record yourself speaking with a cassette tape recorder or other recording device. Record for a couple of hours so that you are sure to record yourself speaking when you don't feel so conscious of being recorded. You want to hear yourself as others hear you.
3
Make note of what sounds you have the most trouble pronouncing. When you are talking from now on, try to substitute other words for those words that give your trouble. Use a thesaurus to find other word options.
4
Read out loud when you can to your pets, toys, artwork or non-judgmental friends. Choose a story you can really get lost in, so you enjoy the exercise.
5
Sing and listen if you stutter. Record if if you think it will help. If you do not stutter when you sing, then pretend that you are singing in monotone or rapping whenever you are speaking.
6
Read as many books on stuttering as you can. Even if you don't agree with the authors, they can still give you some good tips. Check out the website for the Stuttering Foundation of America, too.
Tips & Warnings
Talking in an accent sometimes helps you to speak more clearly, because it is a bit like singing.
A good book to read about stuttering is "Trouble With Explosives" by Sally Kelly (Scholastic, 1976).
Remember, lots of celebrities stutter and are still successful. These celebrities include world-famous singer Carley Simon and the actor James Earl Jones.
Things get better!
Don't think about your stuttering all of the time. Be sure to live as busy and normal a life as possible.
Don't think you have done anything to "deserve" being a stutterer. These things just happen. You wouldn't blame yourself for getting a cold, would you?
http://www.ehow.com/how_4421162_cope-stutter.html
Living with a stutter can be frustrating, no matter what your age. Although common in
children
with growing mouth muscles, stuttering is generally considered abnormal in adults and is usually treated as a psychological problem. It is unknown why people stutter, or if everyone stutters for a reason different from everyone else. This writer has had to deal with a stutter almost all of her life. This advice is geared more for the moderate stutterer.
Things You'll Need:
Doctor, dentist or pediatrician
Internet connection
Thesaurus
Library card (optional)
Cassette tape recorder or other recording device
That's Easy For You To Say
1
Go to your doctor, dentist or pediatrician to be sure there isn't any physical reason like a growth that may cause you to stutter. This is especially important if you are an adult who suddenly starts stammering for no reason. If you don't find a physical reason, your doctor may advise you to see a speech therapist or psychologist, suggesting that you have a fear of communication with others.
2
If you are sure that the diagnosis is wrong, record yourself speaking with a cassette tape recorder or other recording device. Record for a couple of hours so that you are sure to record yourself speaking when you don't feel so conscious of being recorded. You want to hear yourself as others hear you.
3
Make note of what sounds you have the most trouble pronouncing. When you are talking from now on, try to substitute other words for those words that give your trouble. Use a thesaurus to find other word options.
4
Read out loud when you can to your pets, toys, artwork or non-judgmental friends. Choose a story you can really get lost in, so you enjoy the exercise.
5
Sing and listen if you stutter. Record if if you think it will help. If you do not stutter when you sing, then pretend that you are singing in monotone or rapping whenever you are speaking.
6
Read as many books on stuttering as you can. Even if you don't agree with the authors, they can still give you some good tips. Check out the website for the Stuttering Foundation of America, too.
Tips & Warnings
Talking in an accent sometimes helps you to speak more clearly, because it is a bit like singing.
A good book to read about stuttering is "Trouble With Explosives" by Sally Kelly (Scholastic, 1976).
Remember, lots of celebrities stutter and are still successful. These celebrities include world-famous singer Carley Simon and the actor James Earl Jones.
Things get better!
Don't think about your stuttering all of the time. Be sure to live as busy and normal a life as possible.
Don't think you have done anything to "deserve" being a stutterer. These things just happen. You wouldn't blame yourself for getting a cold, would you?
http://www.ehow.com/how_4421162_cope-stutter.html
