Stuttering Self Advocacy | Baamboozle - Baamboozle

You want to apply for student council or a club, but you’re nervous about how stuttering might affect your interview. What can you say?

ex. “I might stutter when I answer, but I know what I want to say.”

You had a rough day with a lot of stuttering and feel frustrated. How can you ask for support?

ex. “I need a break right now—I’ll try again in a few minutes.”

Your classmates notice you leave class for speech and ask where you’re going. What can you say?

ex. “I go to speech to work on communication skills.”

Your close friends want to know how they can help when you stutter. How could you explain what’s helpful or not helpful?

ex. “It helps when you wait and let me finish, even if I get stuck.”

Someone imitates your stuttering or makes a joke about it. How can you respond assertively (not aggressively)?

ex. "That’s not okay. Stuttering is just how I talk.”

You’re introducing yourself to someone new and start to stutter. How can you stay confident and handle the moment?

ex. "Hi, I’m [name]. I stutter sometimes—it’s just how I talk.”

You have an idea you want to share, but classmates are talking fast and interrupting. How could you get their attention?

ex. “Can I have a turn to share my thought?”

You have to do a verbal report, but you’re anxious about stuttering in front of the class. How can you talk with your teacher about another option? Example statements:

ex. “I can do the presentation, but I’d feel better recording it or doing it in a small group. Would that work?”

A friend often tries to “help” by finishing your sentences for you. How could you kindly explain what you prefer?

ex. Thanks, but I like to finish my sentences myself.”

A substitute teacher doesn’t know you stutter and calls on you unexpectedly. How can you explain your communication style quickly and calmly?

ex. “Just so you know, I stutter sometimes—it helps when I have a few extra seconds to talk.”

You don’t understand part of the lesson but feel nervous about asking a question because you might stutter. What can you say to advocate for yourself?

ex. “I stutter sometimes, so it might take me a minute to ask—but I want to make sure I understand.”

You want to join debate club or drama but worry about how stuttering might affect your performance. How can you ask the coach or leader for support?

ex. “I really want to be in the club, but I stutter sometimes. Could we find a way for me to participate that works best for both of us?”

You’re giving a presentation and begin to stutter. You notice yourself getting anxious and worried about what others think. What can you remind yourself or say to the audience?

ex. “I stutter sometimes, so it might take me a little longer to say things—but that’s okay.”

You want to talk to a teacher about how stuttering affects your class participation or presentations. How could you explain your needs clearly?

ex. “For presentations, it helps when I can use notes or record my part.”

You’re in line at the cafeteria or a restaurant and start to stutter while ordering. Someone behind you sighs or tries to finish your sentence. What can you do to stay confident and continue speaking?

ex. “I’ve got it, thanks—I just need a second.” “Please let me say it myself.”

A friend or classmate asks, “Why do you talk like that?” How could you respond confidently?

ex. “It’s called stuttering. Sometimes my speech gets stuck, but I know what I want to say.” “Everyone talks differently—this is just how my speech works.”

Your teacher asks everyone to take turns reading aloud. You feel nervous because reading in front of others sometimes makes your stuttering worse. How could you let your teacher know what helps you feel comfortable?

ex. “Sometimes reading aloud is hard for me. Could I read a shorter part or go later in the round?” “I’d rather pass this time, but I can read next time.”

During a small-group discussion, one student keeps interrupting you when you stutter. You want to be heard and stay part of the conversation. How can you let your group know you still want to share?During a small-group discussion, one stud

ex. “I’m not done yet—I just need a little more time.” “Please let me finish my idea.”

You’re called on in class to answer a question. You start to stutter and notice a few classmates looking at you. You want to finish your answer but need more time. What could you say to your teacher or classmates?

ex. “I just need a minute to get my words out.” “Please give me a little extra time to finish my thought.”