Do you finish a word/thought or do you wait for the person to stutter/struggle to complete the sentence?
2007-03-25 22:51:12 · 8 answers · asked by bones316 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
The tips given by The Stuttering Foundation of America are the best guidelines for reacting to someone who stutters:
6 Tips For Speaking With Someone Who Stutters
Stuttering may look like an easy problem that can be solved with some simple advice, but for many adults, it can be a chronic life-long disorder. Here are some ways that you, the listener, can help.
1. Don’t make remarks like: “Slow down,” “Take a breath,” or “Relax.” Such simplistic advice can be felt as demeaning and is not helpful.
2. Let the person know by your manner that you are listening to what he or she says — not how they say it.
3. Maintain natural eye contact and wait patiently and naturally until the person is finished.
4. You may be tempted to finish sentences or fill in words. Try not to. Use a relatively relaxed rate in your own speech — but not so slow as to sound unnatural. This promotes good communication.
5. Be aware that those who stutter usually have more trouble controlling their speech on the telephone. Please be patient in this situation. If you pick up the phone and hear nothing, be sure it is not a person who stutters trying to start the conversation before you hang up.
6. Speak in an unhurried way — but not so slowly as to sound unnatural. This promotes good communication with everyone.
You can print out a brochure from this page on their site http://www.stutteringhelp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=131
2007-03-26 02:36:35 · answer #1 · answered by Bud B 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's nicer to let them finish. If you finish the words/sentences for them you show that you are impatient and give the impression you don't really want to listen to them. I think the best you can do is to not look frustrated or impatient. Just be calm and patient and listen. In many cases it makes them nervous when people get frustrated with their speech problems and it only makes the stutter worse, plus many people who stutter have problems with their self-confidence, so I think in most cases you'd only make them feel worse by finishing the words for them.
2007-03-26 06:03:54 · answer #2 · answered by undir 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is best to let them finish. Not easy when you are trying to have a conversation, but a good friend of mine has a severe stutter and hates when people try to finish things for her.
2007-03-26 05:54:43 · answer #3 · answered by Sarcasma 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
EMPATHY--Key to Kindness and Compassion
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2002/4/15/article_01.htm
To finish thoughts & sentences for them is impatience.
I've had 2 close friends with severe stuttering problems.
Use the experience to build or strengthen the quality of self control/denial.
2007-03-26 06:06:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Patience. Let them struggle through the conversation. Finishing the words for them will be insulting.
2007-03-26 06:41:17 · answer #5 · answered by bugs280 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just be patient with them. The best thing that you can do for that person is to not show your frustration.
I have a mild stutter problem when I'm excited. It's so irritating to me.
2007-03-26 05:56:12 · answer #6 · answered by beckini 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is a conversation. Let the person complete their thought in their own time. Respect.
Don't play "mother".
2007-03-26 11:35:46 · answer #7 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let them finish, and make eye contact with them so they know you`re still interested.
2007-03-26 11:18:48 · answer #8 · answered by lost2day 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋