Stuttering

Tips to help you speak with someone who stutters

Listen to the person the same way you would to someone who doesn’t stutter.
Be patient. Try not to finish what the person is saying.
Listen to what the person is saying, not how they are saying it.
Don’t ask the person to slow down or start over (but it might help if you speak calmly and a little slower than normal).
Try to help the person stay relaxed. Don’t pressure them to hurry because it can cause them to stutter.
Don’t interrupt older children or adults, but ask them to explain anything you don’t understand. However, if a very young child is struggling to speak and becoming frustrated, it might help if you say “Just a minute,” and move down to their eye level. Try to ask questions that only need short answers. This will help the child to tell you what they want to say.

Where to get help

For more information about how speech-language pathologists and audiologists can help, contact:

Your doctor, public health nurse, or other health provider
Your local health centre
The Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR)
Canadian Stuttering Association
The Stuttering Foundation
National Stuttering Association

Current as of: February 1, 2021

Author: Allied Health, Speech, Language, Hearing and Audiology, Alberta Health Services

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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