How to Make Ordering Food Easier with a Stutter

Ordering food at a restaurant can be an anxiety-inducing experience for a stuttering person. The anticipation of stuttering may even lead a person to choose a dish they know they can say fluently, rather than the one they actually want. I’ve done this myself more times than I can count. Fortunately, over time, I’ve discovered a few strategies that have made ordering much less stressful.

1. Choose Your Seat Strategically

I’ve found it incredibly helpful to sit as close to the server as possible. If you’re in a booth, politely ask your group if you can sit on the outside. At a table with chairs, pay attention to which side the server approaches from, and if needed, ask to switch seats. In my experience, it's easier to manage anxiety about stuttering when you're not speaking across or around other people. In addition, being closer gives you a better opportunity to start speaking first, which can reduce anticipation anxiety.

2. Use Gestures Along with Speech

Use the menu to your advantage. When it’s your turn, point to the item you’d like while you say it. When the focus is on the menu item, not just on you, it can make speaking feel less overwhelming. This works best if the server is nearby, another reason Step 1 is so important. The beauty of this approach is that even if you get stuck or experience a block, the server will still know what you’re trying to order. This can help reduce the temptation to change your order mid-sentence just to avoid a stutter. Remember, servers are used to customers using gestures, especially when it’s a loud environment. You wouldn’t be doing anything unusual!

3. Consider Disclosing Your Stutter

While it might feel uncomfortable at first, in situations where anxiety is high, it can be helpful to briefly let your server know that you stutter and to ask for patience. You’ll find that most people, especially those in the service industry, are understanding and more than willing to accommodate people who communicate differently.

These tips are simple, but they’re often overlooked when the anxiety of ordering takes over. Ultimately, the goal is to order what you truly want, even if it comes out a bit choppy. With a few small adjustments, it’s possible to reduce anxiety and make the experience much more comfortable.