Dysfluency

Dysfluency refers to any interruption or disruption in the smooth, rhythmic flow of speech. It encompasses a range of speech abnormalities, from common hesitations and repetitions to more severe instances like stuttering and cluttering. These interruptions can manifest in various forms, including prolongations of sounds, blocks, interjections (e.g., "um," "ah"), revisions, and repetitions of words, phrases, or sounds. dysfluency can significantly impact communication effectiveness, causing frustration for both the speaker and listener, and can be associated with underlying psychological or neurological factors. While some level of dysfluency is considered normal, excessive or persistent dysfluency may warrant intervention, such as speech therapy. Its impact varies depending on the severity, context, and individual's coping mechanisms, affecting social interactions, academic performance, and professional opportunities.

Dysfluency meaning with examples

• During her presentation, Sarah experienced several instances of dysfluency, including prolongations of certain sounds and frequent "um" interjections, making it difficult for the audience to follow her train of thought. These speech disruptions, though noticeable, didn't completely derail her message. However, the frequent dysfluency caused her some anxiety, which exacerbated the issue. She later sought advice from a speech therapist to improve her fluency and presentation skills. The therapist recommended specific exercises to minimize the occurrences of the issue.
• The child's narrative was filled with noticeable dysfluency, specifically repetitions of whole words and phrases, leading to a slightly stilted delivery. The repetitive instances disrupted the flow of his story. After observing the frequency of these repetitions, his parents discussed his speech pattern with his pediatrician, who referred him to a specialist for evaluation. Early intervention was deemed necessary, as the dysfluency was interfering with his ability to participate in group activities. Therapy was initiated to address the child's speech.
• The radio announcer's dysfluency became a recurring issue, marked by moments of silent blocks and noticeable stammering on certain words. The audible struggles reduced the listening experience. The broadcast director expressed concerns because the interruptions detracted from the professional image of the station, and it became disruptive for the audience. The announcer decided to begin speech therapy sessions to learn techniques to control and reduce the visible instances of dysfluency. This addressed the frequency of the occurrences.
• In the courtroom, the witness's dysfluency, which included frequent interjections like "uh," and hesitations made it difficult to fully grasp her testimony. The communication suffered in moments of speech impediment. This significantly impacted the clarity of her responses under cross-examination and caused unnecessary delays during the proceedings, frustrating both the attorneys and the jury. The judge even asked the attorney if the witness needed a break to settle her thoughts, and to reduce the instances of the interruptions. The frequency of pauses affected the clarity of information presented.