Stuttering/stammering at interview

[K and A 0]

Hello All,

I would probably be having my visa interview in the next 2 months. My BIG problem is that I have a mild stammering/stuttering problem. In my daily life it is barely noticeable but anyone with some knowledge about stammering would know that the speech worsens under conditions of stress like the visa interview.

In all likelihood I will stammer during my interview. Would it be advisable to tell the CO before the interview starts about my speech impediment. I mean the last thing I need to worry about is my speech causing a misunderstanding between what I am trying to say and what the officer perceives. My family thinks I should just be honest about my problem as it will lessen my anxiety and reduce my stress levels.

I am perfectly fluent in English and have no problems while talking to other people. Any comments/advice will be appreciated. Thanks

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I agree with your family. I would let the CO know when you first get in there that you have a speech impediment so they're more understanding, and so your stress levels are lower. I definitely think it would put you more at ease.

[Cybele 0]

I agree with your family. I would let the CO know when you first get in there that you have a speech impediment so they're more understanding, and so your stress levels are lower. I definitely think it would put you more at ease.

I agree, you should consider telling the CO that you have an impediment and your pattern of speech has nothing to do with being nervous at all! I think it would go a long way to alleviate any tension and 'break the ice'.

[ann and aties 9]

There is no shame in your impediment. I would go ahead and tell them upfront so hopefully they will be understanding.

[Mike&Cherry 45]

I would have your condition documented by a doctor and bring the records or letter with you just in case.

[mrkhan 0]

Stammering is a painful thing those who go through it will understand ..but if you think it will help you if you inform them about your speech impediment then you should do so.. if but for some odd reason you don't or cant... then just try to stay calm and relax your mind and take your time on answering it helps because the answers should be short that's what they are excepting.

but giving them the heads up it`s always safe good luck

[Anh map 2,098]

The CO's ought to be well aware that the interview is a stressful moment for the person being interviewed. Telling the CO at the beginning of your interview makes a lot of sense.

Best of luck to you.

[beejay 123]

If only for the reason that it makes you feel more relaxed I would tell the CO.

best of luck

[K and A 0]

Thank you everybody. I think I will tell the CO just to be on the safer side. I will also be taking a letter from my speech therapist just in case the officer wants to see it. Thank you once again.

[LoveinPeru 2]

my fiance has a similar-ish situation. He has a condition where his hands always shake. He is worried that the CO is going to think he is lying because of it, and I think his plan right now is to tell the CO at the start of the interview, just to give them a heads up.

[Afrikan Queen 11]

Hello All,

I would probably be having my visa interview in the next 2 months. My BIG problem is that I have a mild stammering/stuttering problem. In my daily life it is barely noticeable but anyone with some knowledge about stammering would know that the speech worsens under conditions of stress like the visa interview.

In all likelihood I will stammer during my interview. Would it be advisable to tell the CO before the interview starts about my speech impediment. I mean the last thing I need to worry about is my speech causing a misunderstanding between what I am trying to say and what the officer perceives. My family thinks I should just be honest about my problem as it will lessen my anxiety and reduce my stress levels.

I am perfectly fluent in English and have no problems while talking to other people. Any comments/advice will be appreciated. Thanks

I agree with everyone, you should tell the CO before the interview starts because like you said you don't want their to be any misunderstandings. I hope it goes well.