Telephonic and Online Conversation with Stammering

Problem Statement

• Lack of visual support : The listener cannot see your facial expressions or gestures, making it harder to communicate beyond speech. They may also have no idea that you stammer, which can lead to misunderstandings or impatience.
• Time pressure : Quick-paced conversations can make it difficult to find the right words without rushing. Even fluent speakers may fumble under time pressure, but for someone who stammers, the challenge can become significantly greater.
• Fear of interruptions : Others may speak over you if there is a pause, mistaking it for the end of your turn.
• Unprepared responses : Unexpected questions can lead to more hesitation.
• Missed opportunities and misunderstandings : Not being able to express yourself clearly can cause lost chances, misunderstandings and confusion.
• Inability to refuse or clarify : If you disagree or don’t want something but can’t explain your point effectively, it can lead to unfavourable outcomes or losses. Many people who stammer find it difficult to say “no” or provide further clarification, and may end up agreeing or complying instead of giving a proper explanation.
• Weak negotiation and persuasion : Stammering can limit your ability to negotiate or convince others.
• Negative perceptions : Being misunderstood as unprepared, problematic, or lacking knowledge – something that often happens in online classes and similar situations.
• Reduced participation and involvement : Hesitation can lead to giving fewer inputs or avoiding engagement in discussions.
• Performance anxiety : Anticipation of stammering can increase nervousness, worsening speech blocks.

Most Important

Avoidance through Agreeable or Untrue Responses : Instead of giving a full explanation, people who stammer may choose to let the matter pass by saying something manageable or even untrue. While this can seem like the easiest way to escape the moment, it can harm their credibility and damage their public image over time. This was a persistent bad habit I struggled with a few years ago.

Below are strategies to help you speak with confidence in telephone and online calls :

1 : Solving the Speech Problem

You can explore our free 3-Step Solution Program along with Tools, Life Guide & Resources. When it comes to calls and online communication, addressing your speech challenges directly is essential – there’s no other way around this. With consistent effort, you’ll start noticing improvements within the first six months.

2 : Boost Fluency for Important Calls with DAF and Humming

For every important call, such as interviews or critical discussions, do a quick 2-3 mins DAF (Delayed Auditory Feedback Tool) session along with humming beforehand. This practice can produce noticeable improvement within the first few months. Over time, it helps you handle complex communication confidently, and eventually, you may not need these tools at all.

3 : Prepare key points in advance

Note down key topics as short bullet points before the call. Keep a small pocket-size notebook or diary in front of you as a quick reference. Before starting the call, do a 1-minute quick rehearsal of the main points. Structure your conversation into three phases: the start, the main topic and the conclusion with possible outcomes. Prepare replies for each possible outcome (yes, no, or maybe) during your quick rehearsal itself so you are ready for the next step. This is especially useful when speaking with authority figures, handling complex discussions or talking to seniors as it ensures you stay prepared and maintain high-quality communication.

Being prepared will help you avoid going blank in most situations or struggling to find words. At the same time, avoid writing or memorizing full statements, as it can become a bad habit. Instead, think in bullet points – over time, you’ll naturally develop the skill of forming conversations from bullet points.

4 : Maintain your speed

Anticipation and nervousness often make people who stammer speak too quickly. Begin by slowing down to set a steady rhythm, and keep a counter in your mind to maintain pace. Check our Stammering 3-Step Solution Program – Step 1 or a Metronome Tool can help you control your speed.

Identify your trigger points like during complex discussions, explanations or Q&A, watch for any increase in speaking speed – it signals a trigger. Consciously slow down and over time, maintaining a steady pace will become a natural habit.

5 : Breathing  : Natural Flow over Forced Control

Many speech therapists recommend conscious breathing exercises, but in practice, controlled breathing primarily promotes relaxation, calmness and does not directly reduce stammering. Excessive focus on deliberate breath control and heightened self-monitoring can inadvertently act as a trigger, generating anticipatory tension and amplifying stammering.

Instead of enforcing rigid breath control, aim for a natural, relaxed and fluid speech pattern. Utilize brief, intentional pauses for inhalation and emphasis, rather than attempting to rush through sentences. This approach smoother, more fluent communication while minimizing self-induced pressure.

6 : Acknowledge your stammer if needed 

A simple statement such as, “I have a speech difficulty and may not speak clearly,” can reduce pressure for both parties. It makes the other person aware of your stammer and allows them to be patient, giving you time to communicate effectively.

For most calls with unknown individuals, it is acceptable to acknowledge your stammer. For particularly important calls such as with banks, authorities or critical matters, disclosure can be helpful. However in your career like office calls etc, consider keeping it as a last option, as unnecessary disclosure may create complications. This topic is discussed further in the Life Guide section on career, workplace and leadership.

Always continue working on your stammering; with consistent effort and the right strategies, improvement and in many cases, fluency is definitely achievable.

7 : Avoid Over-Practicing: Focus on Natural Speech Flow

Avoid excessive mock calls or memorization, such as repeating pre-written sentences. While this may help you speak fluently in one-on-one practice but this way you its common problem of stammering people they speak fluently better that anyone in one to one but struggled a lot in actual communication.

The issue lies in your default speech mechanism, which Step 1 of our solution specifically targets. Over-practicing can become a trigger, creating anticipation and tension, and does not contribute to genuine improvement.

Instead of constructing full sentences in your mind before speaking, focus on simple words and ideas. Speech is not a literal translation of thoughts; think of yourself as a writer conveying ideas naturally, rather than reading a script. Let it flow naturally.

8 : Most Important – Avoid Misunderstandings

Stand Your Ground: Avoid Misunderstandings Despite Stammering

People who stammer often try to avoid difficult moments by saying something manageable or even untrue. While this may seem easier in the short term, it can harm your credibility and position over time. Always stand up for yourself and don’t let stammering limit your opportunities. Avoid creating situations where others might misinterpret you or assign false blame.

If your stammering is severe, it is advisable to disclose it when necessary. Take a time and moment to collect your thoughts, and consider alternative ways to communicate, such as writing, rather than providing inaccurate information. Over time, avoiding this habit of “saying what’s easy” not only helps maintain your integrity but also supports your progress in managing stammering.

For me, over the period of time, it was my bad habit and only recently have I overcome it along with my stammering problem. Explore more in Life Guide Section : Self Advocacy and Common Misunderstanding with Stammering People.

Summary

1. Start the 3-Step Solution to manage stammering effectively.
2. Quick DAF and humming sessions before important calls can improve fluency.
3. Prepare key points in advance in short bullet form for reference.
4. Avoid over-practicing; focus on natural speech rather than memorizing sentences.
5. Breathing: Emphasize a natural, relaxed flow rather than forced control.
6. Be honest and transparent: Don’t lie or avoid explanations; disclose your stammer when necessary and take your time to communicate.

Telephone and online calls are an essential part of daily life and cannot be avoided. The strategies outlined above will help you communicate your points confidently and progressively overcome stammering.

Wishing you strength and success on your journey.