Adult therapy and courses
Speak More Fluently
(Fluency-modification techniques e.g. Slowed Speech/ Prolonged Speech)
A number of different Speak More Fluently (fluency-modification) techniques have been devised to help people who stammer.
All incorporate the following features to some degree:
 slowing rate by prolonging syllables
pausing in a relaxed manner
flowing words together
articulating sounds using less pressure than is used in stammering
paying attention to breathing patterns
The aim of these approaches is to replace stammered speech with fluent speech in the clinic setting. The client is encouraged to manipulate and modify their speech pattern in order to develop fluent speech. Once fluent speech has been attained, the client is helped to carry over the fluency techniques into outside situations. It is now widely accepted that it is necessary to combine fluency modification approaches with work on the client's fear about stammering or their avoidance of speaking situations.
Research has shown that fluency techniques can be relatively easily taught and easily learnt. That said, however, not all people are happy with how their speech sounds or the continued effort involved in speaking in a new way all the time. It can be difficult to change a behaviour such as speaking and maintain a fluency technique without continued support and regular practice.
Evesham and Fransella found that, when Speak More Fluently techniques were used in combination with Personal Construct Therapy, clients were less likely to relapse.
 What sort of treatments do qualified speech and language therapists offer?
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