How to respond if the person you are speaking to stutter?
If the person you are speaking too, I can understand that the speaking situation can be quite uncomfortable. There may be also times that you want to end the converstaion or even help the person to finish his sentence.
I have experienced this scenario whenever I stutter. I have friends, out of good will, trying to help me fit the sentence or complete my sentence. As much as it makes the conversational statements more complete, it doesn’t help the speaker much.
I felt what was helpful for me is for the listener to maintain eye contact with me and exhibit postive body language. These postive displays can be facing the speaker, smiling and nodding. In addition, the listener may say “Go on, I’m listening.” and say it with a smile.
This can be very impactful in the sense it gives the speaker more confidence and more affirmation that the conversation is going on well and the listener is genuinely listening.
This can also help to calm the speaker assuming he may also feel discomfort and anxiety plus frustration for stuttering while wanting to share with you something.
Remember, a stutterer is a normal person and he is just like you. Respect the person for who he is and listen to the content and appreciate the effort…>.<
