Unfortunately today stuttering is still seen as an impediment to
employment and a barrier to promotion. People who stutter are often
discriminated against in the workforce and continue to experience
ridicule and unfair treatment by fellow workers and supervisors.
In the workforce it is important to note that:
- Stuttering does not limit a persons ability in a job. A person who
stutters can be highly successful in their chosen career
- Many people who stutter take jobs below their qualifications and
abilities. This includes choosing jobs where they perceive verbal
communication will not be required very often
- People who stutter often perform badly during an interview. The job
interview process is stressful for anyone and particularly for a person
who stutters. This, in fact, can make the person stutter worse than they
normally would
- Severe stuttering at an interview does not translate into severe
stuttering in everyday life
- A person who stutters often only needs one chance to show that they
are as capable of doing the job as a person with equal qualifications,
who does not stutter
- People who stutter can be excellent communicators and use their
listening skills and non-verbal communication skills to enhance their
communication skills and job performance
People who stutter are as intelligent and well adjusted as someone who
does not stutter.
- Don't assume the person who stutters is nervous, shy or anxious
Stuttering is not the result of emotional conflict or fearfulness
- People who stutter often have excellent communication skills
- People who stutter have the same ambitions and should be offered the
same opportunities for advancement as a
non-stutterer
- Stuttering varies over time and days. People who stutter often have
good and bad days
- Job interviews are the most difficult speaking situation for most
people and are not indicative of how someone would speak on the job
- Consider the job requirements and conditions before ruling someone
out because of their speech
- Some people are not open about their stutter for fear of being
discriminated against at work. This can cause enormous stress and
can affect job performance
Honest two way communication is best. Discuss issues such as how a
person who stutters would like to deal with their stutter in the work
environment, whether they want employers to let others know, whether
they need more preparation time when speaking in meetings, and if they
need more time allowed to discuss issues.
- Refrain from making assumptions about a persons ability
- Try not to finish sentences for the person who stutters
- It does not help to give advice such as relax or slow down
- Be patient, especially on the telephone. It can be the hardest place to
talk
- Show you are listening to what they are saying and not how they are
saying it
- Maintain natural eye contact and wait patiently for the person to
finish
Resources for support and referral for therapy (if appropriate) are
available. The Australian Speak Easy Association is able to offer advice
on job selection and interviews. Contact the Association for further
information.
