In speech-language pathology, prolonged speech is primarily used to manage which aspect of speech?

In speech-language pathology, prolonged speech is primarily used to manage which aspect of speech?

• A. Enhancing voice volume
• B. Reducing speech rate
• C. Improving speech fluency
• D. Correcting articulation errors

Answer: (C)

Prolonged speech is a therapeutic technique commonly employed to improve speech fluency, particularly in individuals who stutter. This approach involves extending the duration of phonemes and the spacing between words or syllables, which helps to create a smoother speech output. By emphasizing a slower and more deliberate speech pattern, individuals can reduce instances of disfluency and experience a more controlled oral expression. This technique targets stuttering directly, aiming to promote fluent speech patterns and help in managing anxiety related to speaking. Other aspects, such as voice volume or articulation errors, may be addressed through different therapeutic methods. While manipulating speech rate may occur incidentally with prolonged speech, its primary purpose is to enhance fluency rather than simply reducing the speed of speech production. Therefore, the focus on fluency distinguishes this intervention from approaches designed for other speech-related issues.

Prolonged speech is a therapeutic technique commonly employed to improve speech fluency, particularly in individuals who stutter. This approach involves extending the duration of phonemes and the spacing between words or syllables, which helps to create a smoother speech output. By emphasizing a slower and more deliberate speech pattern, individuals can reduce instances of disfluency and experience a more controlled oral expression.

This technique targets stuttering directly, aiming to promote fluent speech patterns and help in managing anxiety related to speaking. Other aspects, such as voice volume or articulation errors, may be addressed through different therapeutic methods. While manipulating speech rate may occur incidentally with prolonged speech, its primary purpose is to enhance fluency rather than simply reducing the speed of speech production. Therefore, the focus on fluency distinguishes this intervention from approaches designed for other speech-related issues.