Many students with speech impairments will be hesitant about participating in activities that require speaking.  Even if the student has adjusted well to speech impairment, new situations may aggravate old anxieties.

• Allow the student time to express him or herself so that confidence can be gained.
• Accept and respond to all appropriate attempts at communication.
• Resist the temptation to complete words or phrases for persons with speech impairments.
• Give students opportunity--but do not compel speaking in class. Ask students for a cue they can use if they wish to speak.
• Permit students time to speak without unsolicieted aid in filling in the gaps in their speech.
• Do not be reluctant to ask students to repeat a statement.
• Address students naturally. Do not assume that they cannot hear or comprehend.
• Patience is the most effective strategy in teaching students with speech disabilities.