How do you recover from a slip of the tongue?

Question

So 2 questions here. I have suffered with a slight stammer all my life, but cope by thinking carefully before I speak, and rehearsing. Sometimes though in my rush to get the sentence out before I 'hang' either the wrong word pops up, or a word gets mangled.

It happened the other day when I was a group of people, some who I know, and some strangers, we were talking about films, and I was horrified to hear myself talking about that well known film "Pulp Fuction"

Question one, should you apologise, explain or ignore it and carry on, especially with strangers?
Question 2 anyone got any tips as to how to get over this?

Answer 1

I do it too. I have lately noticed how other people handle it.

I think the best way I have observed is to not apologize, just say, Oh, I mean and then say it correctly. Just steam right ahead and say no more than that. People will promptly forget it if you don't say more than that.

Answer 2

As for slips of the tongue, I think a simple apology is all that is needed. I think that conversational speed has increased to the point where everyone makes slips, so I don't think you need to explain yourself. The people who know you may notice that you do it slightly more often than other people, but I would imagine that you have already explained to some of them as well. Strangers don't need to know about it, because it happens to everyone.

As for your second question, the only advice I can offer is that you slow down the pace of your conversation. I dated a boy when I was very young who had a very bad time speaking, and got hung up when speaking all the time. Sometimes he had to abandon what he was trying to say because there was no way for him to get the words out. When I met him again, later, as an adult, he had slowed his speaking pace down considerably, and he didn't have as many problems. The first time I spoke with him I was very impressed that he had been able to conquer his speaking problems. He told me that a lot of it had to do with the fact that he knew me, and that he still had a hard time with strangers, but that it wasn't as bad as it had been when he was young.

I wish you the best.

Answer 3

Unless those who heard it acted as if they were offended I would leave it alone. They probably took it for what it was...a slip of the tongue. Your friends may have even explained for you afterwards. Don't make it into something worse by apologizing and bringing it up again. You know.."let sleeping dogs lie..."

I don't think you really ever get over it. I don't know how old you are, but some grow out of it and others just learn to deal with it. There is speech therapy, but stammering is hard to "cure" as it is not completely understood. Mel Tillis an old country western crooner could sing perfectly, but could not speak without stuttering. I know that he did get a little better over the years, but it was always a problem.

Good luck and don't sweat that little slip up.

Answer 4

I'm sorry but I had to laugh when I read that. I've had this problem all my life, too. If your friends and family are like mine, they're used to it and even come to look forward to it. It is horrifying when you hear something like that come out of your mouth but it's not the end of the world. The best thing to do is just laugh and make a joke of it: "Did I really say that?" Then correct yourself and go on. I think everybody does this at least once in a while and most people are pretty forgiving.

Answer 5

You can just say "whoops, Sorry."

Everyone makes a slip now and then.

Practice by having your friends ask you questions.
Start with very easy ones to begin with like your name, age, eye color. Answer them as fast as you can. If no mistakes are made then go to the next level where 3 or 4 word answers are necessary. Questions like where, how, and when would be good. Where do you sleep? In my bed. Stuff like that.
Again, answer them as fast as you can with no mistakes.
Take it to the next level, where you answer in a complete sentence. Who is the best looking guy in the room? Bob is the best looking guy in the room.
If you make no mistakes after 5 or so questions, take it to the next level where you have to form an opinion on the spot. This may be interesting because your friends could really make it funny by asking funny questions to get an opinion. They may ask you why you make a certain gesture when you talk or why you make noise when you drink water. They could ask you why you think ducks quack and dogs bark, goofy stuff like that. But it has to be your opinion.

Again you have to answer as fast as you can and without mistakes.

It is a fun game to help you speak on your feet without feeling embarrassed or apologetic.

Have fun. Remember to answer as fast as you can with no mistakes.

Next, ask your friends the questions. You may be surprised how hard it will be for them not to make mistakes. It is lots of fun anyway.

Answer 6

Apologize if it makes you feels better or ignore it. Everyone slips up when they rush to get there thoughts out. Just slow down and get your thoughts together before talking. I know this can be embarrassing but you probably think about your mistakes more than the people you're talking to.

Answer 7

I would play into it.

"Pulp Fuction. You realize that the only real sex scene in it was in the basement with the guys?.

Overall, I would slow down and take your time to say it the way you wish to say it

Answer 8

We've all done that kind of thing. Just forget about it.

In fact, I was watching Conan O'Brien last night and he showed a clip of Donald Trump saying that "Rosie grabbed her c o c k" and then immediately corrected himself and said "crotch."

Answer 9

Apologize sincerely
Forgive yourself
Move on
good luck

Answer 10

Just apologize directly. Make them laugh-explain that you stutter a little bit. Make it funny.