People who stutter often stutter less when they’re reading. If this is true for you, reading aloud can help you practice speaking. [3] X Research source You might also try this with tongue twisters. To really give yourself a challenge, use tongue twisters that repeat a sound you have a lot of trouble with.

It’s good to practice this on your own until you’re comfortable with the rhythm and the pauses become second nature. Then it’ll feel less awkward to talk like this with other people.

For example, instead of making the “p” sound with your lips, you might make it with the tip or even the sides of your tongue. It won’t sound exactly like other people’s “p,” but they probably won’t notice. You might also try intentionally stuttering with sounds you don’t normally have a problem with. This might sound counter-intuitive, but when you do it voluntarily, you have control over it—you can learn how to better control the muscles in your mouth.

Song lyrics naturally have a different rhythm and lots of pauses between words, which helps you control speed and pacing. When you go to speak, pretend you’re in a musical and you’re going to sing the sentence rather than saying it—then say it. You’re tricking your brain into thinking you’re singing, which can keep you from stuttering. [7] X Research source

Breath control can help when you’re talking if you find yourself stuttering. Just turn your attention to your breath, inhale and exhale slowly and deeply, then continue speaking as though nothing happened. [9] X Expert Source Patrick MuñozVoice & Speech Coach Expert Interview. 12 November 2019. There are lots of apps and YouTube videos that can help you start meditating. Just a few minutes a day can really improve your state of mind.

The audio playback also gives you a record of your progress. You might make a short recording once a week reading the same passage so you can mark your improvement.

Many famous actors have a stutter or once stuttered, including Emily Blunt and James Earl Jones. [13] X Research source

You might say, “I just want to let you know that I speak with a slight stutter, so if I get caught on a word, all I need is a little time to get it out. "

Your SLP will also give you exercises to do on your own at home in between appointments. Keep up with these exercises to get the most out of speech therapy. Speech therapy remains the most well-established treatment for stuttering, with a lot of research to back up its effectiveness. Looking for an SLP? Try checking out the resources linked by the National Stuttering Association at https://westutter. org/who-we-help/find-speech-therapist/.

Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in CBT. They’ll likely refer you to a therapist. It might help to make sure any therapist you use has experience working with people who stutter.

These devices are relatively new and researchers are still evaluating their long-term effectiveness. If you’re interested in this device, talk to your SLP. They’ll know how to get you set up with one.

If you’re interested in trying medication, talk to your doctor about it. They’ll evaluate your other symptoms and get you started on something that might work for you. Keep in mind that these medications don’t usually work right away—it might be several weeks before you start to notice any difference, but that doesn’t mean the medication isn’t working.

If you’re working with an SLP, ask them about support groups in your area—they’ll likely know of one they can recommend. Support groups can be freeing because it’s a true judgment-free zone—everyone there understands what you’re going through because they’re going through it too. [20] X Research source

If they get excited and start stuttering because they’re trying to speak too quickly, don’t tell them to slow down—this comes across as demeaning. Instead, show patience and let them take control of their words on their own.

When you see someone you care for struggling, it’s natural to want to help. Just remember that finishing their sentences or speaking for them isn’t usually helping. If your friend or family member who stutters is open to talking to you about their stutter, take their words to heart—they’ll tell you what helps them and what they want you to do.

If you don’t understand them, it’s better to ask a clarifying question than to ask them to repeat what they said, which they might interpret as making fun of their stutter.

Reflect what they say back to them in a calm and relaxed manner to demonstrate that they don’t need to rush. This works especially well with little kids, who will naturally mimic your speaking pace. [25] X Research source

Never criticize or punish a child when they do stutter—remember, it’s not something that they can control. If you criticize them or get angry at them, they’re likely to develop self-esteem and confidence issues. [27] X Expert Source Devin Fisher, CCC-SLPSpeech Language Pathologist Expert Interview. 15 January 2021.