I think my moment of improvement was realising that 1) many non-stutterers also struggle with starting/continuing conversation 2) 99% of people you speak to don't care that you have a stutter, they have other issues. Most reactions to my stutter such as grimacing or finishing my words for me are just natural/automatic social responses. As far as specific techniques go, they vary in effectiveness from person to person. Maybe try some stuff (deliberate stuttering, breathing, holding eye contact etc) and see what works on family/close friends or total strangers you will never meet again.