Reducing speech disfluencies during public speaking using brief habit reversal

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Behavioral Psychology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Previous studies explored brief habit reversal for speech disfluencies using awareness training (AT) alone or with competing response training (CR).
• Findings indicated that incorporating a CR might yield superior results in reducing disfluencies during public speaking.
• This study sought to build upon prior research by examining the combined effects of AT and CR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate and extend previous findings on brief habit reversal for speech disfluencies.
• To evaluate the efficacy of awareness training (AT) combined with a specific competing response (CR) – a silent pause.
• To assess the impact on both speech disfluency rates and the occurrence of competing responses during public speaking.

Main Methods:

• Employed a brief habit reversal intervention incorporating awareness training (AT) and a competing response (CR) – a silent pause.
• Participants engaged in public speaking tasks following the training protocol.
• Data collection focused on quantifying speech disfluency rates and instances of CR use.

Main Results:

• All four participants exhibited a reduction in speech disfluencies post-intervention.
• One participant displayed moderate use of the competing response (CR) during public speaking.
• Generalized effects of the intervention were observed in one participant when speaking before a larger audience (a class).

Conclusions:

• Brief habit reversal training, incorporating AT and a CR (silent pause), is effective in reducing speech disfluencies.
• The inclusion of a competing response appears beneficial for improving speech fluency.
• The intervention demonstrated potential for generalization to different speaking contexts.