ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to provide more food for thought about selection of techniques for promoting fluent speech. As with most speak-more-fluently programmes, emphasis is placed on measuring outcome of therapy. There are many varying approaches to the treatment of stuttering. In order to discuss differing methods of establishing fluency, H.H. Gregory proposed a broad dimension which divided therapies into the speak-more-fluently versus the stutter-more-fluently schools. From the mid-to-late 1970s most therapists in the UK treated stuttering almost exclusively with fluency techniques. An evaluation of research and self-report data from therapists and clients would however indicate that, despite helping some greatly, there was still dissatisfaction from therapists and clients alike with what speech therapy had to offer adult stutterers. Some workers, particularly those who follow the speak-more-fluently approach, adhere to the principles of operant conditioning in their work with stutterers.
