Facts About Stuttering
True or False: Stuttering is caused by being nervous.
False!
True or False: People who stutter should not go into jobs where they need to be public speakers.
FASLE!
True or false: if you stutter, you need to use strategies to make your speech smoother.
False!
Name one feeling you might have when you stutter.
True or False: People who stutter, usually stutter the same amount in every situation.
False
What percentage of people stutter at some point in their lives? (around)
5-10%
Name one famous person who stutters or used to stutter.
Example: Samuel L. Jackson, Emily Blunt
What’s one strategy that can help make speech smoother?
Easy onset, reduce rate, stretch vowels, light contacts
What's one thing that makes talking easier for you?
Possible answers: Supportive listeners, positive self-talk, familiar environment
What is a situation where speaking is more difficult for you?
Name at least 5 parts of the speech machine.
Lungs, brains, larynx/voice box, tongue, teeth, tongue, ears
Which U.S. President famously worked on his stuttering?
Joe Biden
What’s one way to reduce tension when stuttering?
pause, relax, breath, notice area that feels tense... other answers?
Why is it important for people who stutter to talk about their stuttering with others?
Builds confidence, and teaches others what stuttering really is.
What are 2 things you would want your teacher to know about stuttering?
Possible answers: you're not nervous when you stutter, just give me time, please don't interrupt
What are three types of stuttering?
Repetitions, blocks and prolongations
This singer of “Shape of You” has talked about his stutter and how rapping helped him.
Ed Sheeran
What’s a “voluntary stutter” and why do people use it?
Choosing to stutter on purpose to feel more in control or reduce fear
If you’re feeling anxious before speaking, what’s one thing you can try?
If a classmate interrupts or finishes your sentence, what could you do?
Possible answers: Politely say, “I wasn’t done yet,” gesture of holding up a hand
You’re explaining stuttering to a friend who doesn’t understand it. What are 3 key things you’d want them to know?
Possible points:
It’s not caused by nerves or lack of confidence.
It doesn’t mean someone isn’t smart or doesn’t know what to say.
It’s okay to stutter — everyone communicates differently.
The movie, The Kings Speech, is a historical drama that documents this person's stuttering journey.
King George VI
What's "self disclosure" and why do people use it?
Letting someone else know that you stutter. It can help someone who stutters feel more comfortable when talking.
How might your feelings impact your stutter?
Negative feelings may increase tension, leading in more stuttering. Positive feelings may reduce tension, leading to less stuttering.
Imagine you’re giving a class presentation. What’s one strategy that can help?
Possible answers: Practice in advance, pick a positive thought, slow rate/pausing, cancellation