Tips on How to Stop Stuttering - A Guide

Symptoms of Stuttering

Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by the abnormal flow of speech. Speech is broken up by frequent repetitions or by dragging out speech sounds, and a person's inability to vocalize the beginning of words. The speech interruptions may be accompanied by trembling of the lips and jaw and rapid eye blinking when the stutterer attempts to vocalize words and sentences.

Speaking in front of a group of people or talking on the telephone can exacerbate stuttering. Other situations such as singing may cause the symptoms of stuttering to disappear.

It is estimated that over three million Americans stutter. Stuttering appears most frequently in children between the ages of 2 and 6. Stuttering affects boys 3 times more often than girls. Most children outgrown stuttering. It is estimated that less than 1 % of adults suffer from stuttering.

Causes of Stuttering

Researchers believe there are a variety of causes of stuttering. The most frequently seen cause of stuttering is in young children who are in the process of developing speech. This type of stuttering is usually outgrown.

Another cause of stuttering is a neurogenic ailment caused by signaling disruptions between the brain and the nerves and muscles used for forming speech. Neurogenic stuttering may develop because of a stroke or other type of brain injury.

Other forms of stuttering are psychogenic, caused by the mental activity of the brain. At one time it was thought that stuttering was mostly psychogenic, brought on by emotional traumas and problems, but it is now known that this is true only in a small number of cases. Psychogenic stuttering can occur in a person who has experienced some ordeal or severe stress. The stutterer may develop emotional problems and fears surrounding speech as a result of his stuttering.

Researchers know that stuttering can run in families and it may have a genetic component. No gene has been isolated yet that causes stuttering.

Tips On How To Stop Stuttering

Below are some helpful tips to stop stuttering.

1.) Think about the words you want to vocalize before you try to speak them. Be exactly sure of the word or words you are about to say. When you do begin to speak, speak slowly.

2.) Inhale deeply before you begin to speak. Learn some relaxation techniques so you can relax before you begin to speak.

3.) Practice forming a rhythm to your voice that you can hear in your head.

4.) Say the words in your mind. Project the words you wish to say in your brain and let your brain hear you speak them successfully.

5.) If you have to give a speech, avoid looking at any one particular person. Look above the heads of the audience and focus on something in the back of the room.

6.) Practicing drills such as singing phrases can help learn to regulate breathing, since stutterers normally don't stutter while singing.

7.) As you speak, exhale your breath.

8.) Do not put extreme pressure on yourself. One of the things that causes stuttering is anxiety.

The real method to stop stuttering is to learn how to regulate your breathing while speaking.

Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by the abnormal flow of speech. Speech is broken up by frequent repetitions or by dragging out speech sounds, and a person's inability to vocalize the beginning of words. Instead of expensive speech therapy, which may not even solve the problem, for additional information go to Kill Your Stutter.