If you stutter, small things like using the phone and answering questions can feel really challenging. And most people feel nervous before presentations and interviews! Here are some tips that might help you.

Using the Phone

• Be prepared
• Listen to other speakers on the phone - everyone has hesitations and nonfluencies
• Write down the key points that you want to talk about
• Make a practise phone call with a family member or a friend to warm up
• Make the call- don't back out of it!
• Take your time and slow your speech down
• Remember that silences occur in all conversations - so don't worry about them!
• Don't start talking immediately when the person answers
• Think about your speech during the phone call
• Learn from the experience - it's not the end of the world if you did stutter - you can improve for the next call!36,38

At School

Tips for answering questions

• Take your time, wait a few seconds before answering
• Think about your answer
• Use your treatment techniques if you are having treatment

Tips for asking questions

• Write the question on a piece of paper
• Read the question to yourself
• Visualize the words before you say them
• Use your treatment techniques if you are having treatment

Tips for Reading Aloud

• Participate in discussions before the reading task to help you warm up
• Read slowly and try not to feel rushed
• Use pauses to help slow your speech down - pausing makes it easier for listeners to understand
• Use your treatment techniques if you are having treatment

Giving a Class Presentation

• List what is important to you - e.g. to speak fluently, to present an interesting talk
• Write out your presentation in full first
• Write notes on cue cards including when to use diagrams and pictures
• Practise your presentation using your cue cards several times
• Use diagrams and visually interesting displays to spice up your presentation and take the focus off yourself
• Use a computer presentation
• Think about some questions you might be asked by your class and research the answers
• Practise your presentation with friends or relatives concentrating on slowing your speech, making eye contact and using your treatment technique38

At an Interview

• Write out things you want to say in your interview
• Think about some questions you might be asked and practise the answers
• Practise the interview with a friend or family member
• Get your friend or family member to put you on the spot by asking new questions
• The more you practise the easier it will be!
• Use a speech reminder such as a sticker on a folder to remind you to use your treatment technique
• Consider what you will say if you do stutter38