Novel speech patterns and the treatment of stuttering

Variants of rhythmic speech and legato speech have been used for centuries to treat stuttering. Despite considerable empirical and theoretical inquiry , the reason for the effectiveness of these novel speech patterns in suppre ssing stuttering is unknown. Recent acoustic research conducted at the Univ ersity of Sydney suggests that a reduction in the variability of syllabic s tress is a critical feature of these two speech patterns, and that this red uction suppresses stuttering by stabilizing the speech motor system. This p aper reviews what is known about rhythmic speech and legato speech from thi s perspective, and the theoretical and clinical implications of reconceptua lizing them in this way are discussed.