Real-Time Analysis of Speech Fluency

Many authors have suggested that it is possible for clinicians to collect basic data regarding their client's speech fluency on-line, or in real time, while the client is speaking. Unfortunately, the literature contains relatively little in the way of detailed instructions on exactly how such data should be collected. This article provides specific instructions for real-time collection of information about the frequency and types of speech disfluencies produced by individuals who stutter. The paper also outlines procedures for training students and clinicians to use this technique reliably and accurately and proposes tolerance limits for determining whether frequency counts are sufficiently reliable for clinical use.