It’s Christmas! Tips to Support a Stammer During the Festive Period

Christmas can be fun, busy and chaotic all at once. The usual routine that helps many people who stammer often disappears, sleep is disrupted and there are more social expectations and more talking than usual.

For some, a break from school or work can lead to a period of increased fluency because there is less pressure to speak. For others, stammering may feel more noticeable during this time. Either experience is valid. Here are a few gentle reminders to help support communication over the festive period.

Avoid Praising Fluency

Bouts of reduced stammering can be completely natural and temporary. Praising fluency, for example “You’ve barely stammered today,” can make it harder when routines return and stammering increases again. This can lead to disappointment or pressure to keep speech sounding a certain way. Instead, focus on what has been said rather than how it sounded. Show appreciation for ideas, stories and participation.

Prepare Guests Gently

Not everyone understands how to support a stammer. Family members or friends may interrupt, finish sentences or comment on speech without meaning harm. If you feel comfortable, you can let guests know ahead of time that the person who stammers benefits from time and patience when talking. A simple “They might take a bit more time to get their words out, it helps if we just wait” can reduce awkwardness and protect the speaker from feeling rushed.

Keep Communication Supportive

The festive season often involves lots of questions, storytelling and group conversations. Continue to use the strategies that work throughout the year. Give plenty of time to speak, comment rather than quiz and make sure the person who stammers is included without pressure. You might say “I’d love to hear what you think when you’re ready,” rather than asking rapid questions.

Managing Christmas Anxiety

For some people who stammer, big gatherings with unfamiliar faces who might not understand their stammer and fast paced conversations can increase anxiety. This can contribute to more effortful speech or the urge to avoid talking. Remember support is not only about speech. Emotional support, reassurance and permission to take breaks if needed can make a big difference.

At The Stammer Space, we support children and adults who stammer, along with the families and professionals around them. If you have concerns about communication over Christmas, we can help you adjust the communication environment and manage the emotional pressures that can come with social events. Speech therapy can support communication strategies and CBT can help with anxiety, confidence and self-advocacy.

If you would like guidance over the festive period, please get in touch.

Happy Christmas from The Stammer Space.