I've battled shyness my entire life and have been trying to overcome it as much as I can. When I'm with people I get shy around, sometimes I try to force myself to talk. Unfortunately, when I do this, I tend to either fumble over my words or stutter slightly when I start to talk. I get so self-conscious about it and was looking for some input for an outsider's perspective.
What goes through your mind if you're with someone like that and notice they're fumbling?
2007-03-12 09:09:49 · 20 answers · asked by Chelsea 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I realize your brain is working faster than your mouth, so I start paying close attention... You're probably super-intelligent, so I'd better listen.
2007-03-12 09:14:42 · answer #1 · answered by cancelcodeyellow 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Instinct tells us to attack this person because we think speech impediments are a weakness.That doesn't make it right because i was shy when i was a kid and it's tough to make a good impression when you speak especially if you stutter.However you can make it easy on yourself by taking a big breath before you answer.That should relieve the tension a bit.Also remember not to look down when you talk.Concentrate on what you say and not on your surroundings.
If you get discouraged think of James Earl Jones.He stuttered but overcame it.He is of course the voice behind Darth Vader in Star Wars and has a terrific voice and someday you could too.
2007-03-12 16:23:25 · answer #2 · answered by tylee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually feel bad or embarassed for the person who's stuttering. I've never been a shy person, but I know how it feels to be in an uncomfortable situation. I try to help the person feel at ease enough to be able to converse the way they would with anyone they know and are comfortable around. I would hope they would eventually be comfortable talking to me because I'd hate to make anyone feel that uncomfortable.
2007-03-12 16:33:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This right here is why you are shy. You worry too much about what other people think. Stop doing that, and you will stop being shy (which will take care of some of your stuttering problem).
What other people think of you does not determine who you are; you decide that yourself through your actions.
Most people are kind and understanding of your mistakes; as for the ones who aren't, then they are worth knowing anyway.
2007-03-12 16:23:21 · answer #4 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I tend to think they are a shy person, not comfortable talking to a group. Or, they are not really prepared/ knowledgable about what they are fixinb to talk about.
I don't really know how to tell you to stay calm. I am naturally a public speaker. I don't mind being the center of attention if the time calls for it(imagine that!?!).
Two things I know for sure that will help most. If you're talking in front of a group, make sure you are prepared. How does this apply to everyday speaking? I guess, make sure if you are going to talk, you know what you are going to say.
The biggest thing I can think of is to specifically think to yourself "talk slower". When you are talking in front of people, you naturally tend to talk too fast. This would cause you to stumble throught the words, as you put it. By mentally telling yourself to slow down, you will relax, as well as make it easier to pronounce what you are about to say.
2007-03-12 16:16:58 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just tell a person who stutters to slow down, or try and complete their sentence. I won't lie I do sometimes wish they would just not talk until they have all their thoughts together, but I've noticed that i stumble over my words a little too when I get nervous. But I handle it by talkin super slow. I'm from the south so talking slow is kinda expected.
2007-03-12 16:15:30 · answer #6 · answered by b_mb3100 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I support them as much as possible, look into their eyes while they're talking, and keep the conversation at a slower pace. I realize that this person is probably so embarrassed about their speech that it hurts. Suggestion - try to think how it would feel to walk in that person's shoes.
2007-03-12 16:15:53 · answer #7 · answered by Bud's Girl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would probably see them for what they are - nervous. I might be inclined to try to help them - you know how when someone has something hanging off their face, YOU start wiping at your own? Like that. I'd be straining with effort for them!
I find myself doing that every now and then and it just pisses me off no end. I stop, take a deep breath and then just spit it out already!
The more you force yourself to speak in those situations, the better and easier it'll get.
And remember - act as if!
2007-03-12 16:13:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can relate. I stutter as well. I find myself doing this when I am anxious, nervous or tired. I try to slow down or find other ways to say what I want to say.
Most people are very patient and wait for me to finish. I don't recall anyone getting annoyed or impatient.
Take your time and finish what you have to say. Decent and kind people will wait for you to finish.
Don't worry (or try not to worry) about those jerks who can't wait. It's their problem, not yours.
2007-03-12 20:04:33 · answer #9 · answered by Lizzie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's cronic? That they need to get one of those new hearing devices that helps people who stutter. the device creates a delay in sound entering the ear ans seems to work very well. I heard about them on NPR radio.
2007-03-12 16:16:39 · answer #10 · answered by Michael B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just pay attention to what they're saying. I work with people who don't talk or can say only a word or two at a time, so it's not a big deal to me.
2007-03-12 16:19:50 · answer #11 · answered by wendy_da_goodlil_witch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋