subject: Learning and Applying Deep Breathing to Your Speech [print this page] Proper breathing can play a significant role in controlling your stutter. It is a good, healthy habit which you can learn on your own, and put into practical use.
You can begin by mastering deep breathing by yourself, in the privacy of your own home. Start by taking slow, deep breaths, inhaling purposely, and then exhale just as slowly. Doing this in a calm, quiet environment where you will not be disturbed by other people or outside noise is preferable. The fewer distractions you have, the better. Practice this easy, deep breathing technique once or twice a day -- however long you need for it to feel natural.
If you wish, you can add some rehearsal after you have learned how to do this. It can boost your self-confidence if you practice this new technique on an inanimate object, or your pet. While this may sound unusual, you may be surprised at how well it can work! You can rehearse by implementing this deep breathing technique prior to, and during, your "conversation" with your pet. Do the deep breathing technique before you begin to speak, and briefly during your "conversation."
Deep breathing during speech provides a number of benefits. First, when your emphasis is taken off your speech and focused on your breathing, you will be more confident when you are speaking. In addition, deep breathing prepares your body for smooth, effective speech. It relaxes all of the muscles that you use when you are speaking, helping your speech to flow smoothly.
After you have learned how to do this, you can try it out on a person. It is important to keep in mind that after you have mastered this habit, the person you are speaking to will probably not even notice you are doing it. Your speech will be more purposeful, well-thought, and with less chance of stuttering.
Learning and Applying Deep Breathing to Your Speech
