Pausing and Phrasing

A Speech Modification Technique

Pausing and phrasing is a speech modification technique for stuttering. It helps speakers slow down their speaking rate, improve breath control, and increasing fluency. Whether you're a speech-language pathologist (SLP) working with clients or someone looking to improve fluency, understanding and practicing this technique can make a significant difference. Keep reading to learn more. 

What is the Pausing and Phrasing Strategy?

Pausing and phrasing involves deliberately inserting brief pauses between phrases and speaking in smaller, manageable chunks. This approach promotes a slower, more controlled speaking rate, which can help:

• Reduce tension in speech muscles
• Improve breath control
• Enhance overall fluency

Steps to Practice Pausing and Phrasing

1. Relaxed Breath
   Take a deep breath. This helps reduce tension and prepares your body for more relaxed speech.
2. Speak Normally
   Begin speaking naturally, using strategies like an easy start or light contact if necessary. 
3. Insert Natural Pauses
   Add a brief pause at natural breaks in your speech—typically at the end of a phrase or thought. These pauses should feel natural, not too long or forced, to maintain a conversational tone.

Sentence-Level Practice

Below are examples of sentences broken into smaller phrases to practice pausing and phrasing. Try reading these sentences aloud, pausing briefly where the slashes (/) appear.

1. I like / apples.
2. Can you / help me / with my homework?
3. We went to / the park / yesterday.
4. She is / reading / a new book.
5. The weather / is nice / today.
6. I want / to eat / some pizza.
7. He is going / to the store / after work.
8. Please pass / the salt / and pepper.
9. We will leave / for vacation / next week.
10. The dog / is playing / in the yard.

Explore More Stuttering Strategies

Please click the links below to learn more about other speech and stuttering modification techniques:

• Light Articulatory Contact
• Cancellation
• Easy Onset
• Easing Out

Want More Practice?

Visit Speech Therapy Talk Membership for additional resources and practice tips.

I have handouts for each strategy plus no print practice for no-prep therapy. Sometimes seeing is better than believing. Click here to explore the materials for free in English and in Spanish.

References:

• https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering/