Communicating While Under Stress

Stress affects how our brains work and often prompts changes in communication styles. Some individuals may become more withdrawn, finding it challenging to express themselves openly. Others become more talkative with notable difficulty making a clear response. And others may adopt a defensive or confrontational tone. Regardless of your communication style in times of stress, we can all agree that these shifts in communication styles can create barriers to meaningful connections and reduce your confidence in communicating.

Here are some tips to support word finding difficulties during conversation:

• Stop, pause and breathe (or take a sip of water). Then start again.

• Describe the word or provide the function or purpose of the item.

• Replace the “missing word” with a synonym.

• Ask your communication partner for help so you can finish your thoughts.

• Avoid negative thoughts like, “Why am I struggling?” Or “I should know this word…”. Those internal thoughts will divide your attention further from the point you are trying to make and make it harder to express yourself. Remind yourself that what you have to say matters, even if it takes (more) time.

Stress can make it hard to think clearly, process information, and communicate effectively. It may affect our ability to express thoughts, convey ideas or make decisions.

Using the strategies above, we can offer a a more supportive environment to our conversation partner and encourage confidence and clarity in communicating.

Want to learn more? Here are a few options to support your communication skills:

• Reach out with any questions or to schedule a SLP consult with Amy atAmy@SLPAmyKaras.com

• Join a cognitive-communication group in person or online at SLPAmyKaras.com/store

• Click on the link to purchase a 2-part on demand video about the role of stress on our cognitive and communication skills www.slpamykaras.com/stress.