Stammering is a common speech disorder that many people have. Approximately 1.5 percent of the entire population of the world is affected by this problem. People who stammer have difficulty pushing out words that usually begin with consonants like b, d, g, k, p, and t. Some people may even blink too much, tremble, or have a red face when they stammer. Stammering is actually quite common in children between the ages of 3 and 7 years, which is not a cause for concern as children generally grow out of it. But, if the stammering continues even after the age of 10, then there is a possibility that the child may retain it into adulthood. Stammering affects both men and women, but it is more common in men.
Stammering does not affect a person physically but it can have some emotional, social, and psychological implications. Some may even feel so stressed about their situation that they may lose their motivation to speak. Due to this reason, if your child’s stammering does not disappear with age, you should help treat it as soon as possible. Some of the possible physiological causes of stammering are improper control over the organs of speech, some obstructions to the organs of speech, difficulty moving the tongue and lips, and some neuromuscular issues. In many cases, it may all be in the head. Sometimes, psychological factors like anxiety, stress, loss of confidence, or scorn may trigger stammering. Stammering is involuntary, but there are some ways you can overcome the problem.
1. Clearly Sound Out The Vowels
The best way to get over stammering is by exercising speaking and sounding out words regularly. Exercises strengthen your lips, tongue, jaw, lungs, and trachea which is basically used for speaking. One exercise you can do regularly is sounding out the vowels clearly and loudly. You can open your mouth wide and can even distort your face when you do the exercise.
2. Do Some Tongue Exercises
Open your mouth wider without putting too much pressure on your jaw. With the tip of your tongue touch the roof of your mouth. Slowly run the tip of your tongue to the back of your mouth and stretch it as much as possible without hurting yourself. Hold for a few seconds and pull your tongue outside the mouth. Stretch your tongue and try to touch your chin and hold the position for a few seconds. Repeat this exercise 4 to 5 times and try to do it whenever you can.
3. Do Some Reading Exercises
Take a book and stand in front of the mirror. Read aloud very quickly without thinking about the quality of speech. Only the speed at which you read should be your main focus. Continue this exercise on a daily basis until your speech improves. If you don’t like reading, you can even sing along to your favorite music.
4. Do Deep Breathing Exercises
If your stammering is caused by weak respiratory organs or neuromuscular issues, then you can try deep breathing exercises. Specific breathing patterns can help you voluntarily control your stammering. Sit in a relaxing position and take in deep breaths through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. You can try your own variations as long as you don’t overdo it.
5. Talk To As Many People As Possible
You may stammer because you lack the confidence to talk to other people. If that is the case, then you should make some effort to come out of your comfort zone and to talk to as many people as possible. You don’t have to start talking to strangers initially. Talk with your close friends and family members first then slowly start talking to other people. By developing confidence, you will be able to slowly overcome your stammering issues.
If you feel you need professional help to reduce the intensity of your stammering, then you can even consult a speech therapist. They will prescribe exercises, medications, and will use interventions if they need to. Some may even use yoga and other relaxation techniques to help you calm down when you talk.
