CONTROLLING SPEAKING RATE
Rationale: Use of a slowed-speaking rate enhances the spacing and timing
of articulatory movement as well as the coordination and integration of
respiratory, phonatory and articulatory systems necessary for the production
of fluent speech.
Activities/Techniques:
Introduce the concept of a reduced, controlled speaking rate by
attaching a meaningful name to it. "Turtle talk" and "slow, easy
speech" are popular names. "Slowed rate" and "slowed speech" are
more appropriate for the older client.
The clinician provides frequent models of reduced speaking rate.
Emphasis is placed on smooth articulatory transitions, slightly
prolonged consonants and vowels, and natural sounding intonation
and stress patterns.
A delayed auditory feedback (DAF) can be used to facilitate a
slowed rate of speech. The client may begin at a very slow rate
and gradually increase to a level reasonable for fluency. The DAF
is gradually faded and the slow rate is transferred to spontaneous
speech.
Gestural cueing may be used during structured and unstructured
activities to facilitate increased awareness and control over
rate.
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