Speech rate and stuttering frequency

Abstract

The notion that stuttering frequency varies directly with speaking rate has enjoyed widespread acceptance in the absence of empirical support. This study is designed to test this notion.

A review of the literature reveals that there have been a few attempts to investigate aspects of the rate-stuttering relationship, and these will be analyzed. Evidence will also be presented concerning the widespread belief that slowing the rate of speech Improves fluency. This belief has served as the basis for a number of formal rate-control therapies and informal approaches reported by a number of stutterers, recovered stutterers, and parents of stuttering children.