fluency shaping
A stuttering treatment approach that teaches new patterns of speech production to establish fluent speech.
Full Definition
Fluency shaping is a behavioral treatment methodology for stuttering that focuses on teaching clients controlled, modified speech patterns to achieve and maintain fluency. This approach emphasizes slow speech rate, gentle voice onsets, continuous airflow, and relaxed articulation to prevent stuttering moments from occurring. Unlike stuttering modification techniques that work with moments of disfluency, fluency shaping aims to establish entirely new motor speech patterns. The approach requires intensive practice and gradual transfer from clinic to real-world speaking situations.
Usage
Usage note: Use as a compound noun; hyphenate when used as an adjective (fluency-shaping techniques).
In Context
- "The fluency shaping program resulted in 95% fluency across all speaking contexts." — Treatment outcome report
- "Fluency shaping techniques require consistent practice for generalization." — Treatment plan