a spontaneous speech meaning

Spontaneous Speech

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Spontaneous speech is when your child speaks without being asked or prompted. This means they start talking on their own, using words and sentences that come naturally to them.

Table of Contents

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Science Person Definition

Real World Example of Spontaneous Speech

How does spontaneous speech work, recommended products, related topics, frequently asked question.

How can I encourage spontaneous speech in my child?

You can promote spontaneous speech by creating a supportive environment, engaging in meaningful conversations, asking open-ended questions, and providing opportunities for your child to express themselves freely.

Are there any potential underlying conditions that may affect spontaneous speech?

Certain conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, specific language impairment, and developmental delays can impact spontaneous speech. However, with appropriate support and interventions, children with these conditions can make progress in their spontaneous speech abilities.

Is delayed spontaneous speech a cause for concern?

Delayed spontaneous speech can be a red flag for potential language or communication difficulties. It is advisable to consult with a speech-language pathologist or healthcare professional to assess your child’s development and determine if intervention or support is necessary.

Scientific Definition

Spontaneous speech refers to the natural, unprompted verbal communication that occurs without external cues. It’s an important marker of language development , particularly in children with special needs, as it shows their ability to form and express thoughts independently.

Helpful Resources

• Autism Speaks
• Down Syndrome International

Tommy, a 6-year-old with autism , often struggles with verbal communication. However, during playtime, something amazing happens:

• Tommy sees his favorite toy and suddenly says, “Car!” without anyone asking him to.
• His parents notice this and praise him, encouraging more spontaneous speech.
• Later, Tommy spontaneously shares, “Car fast,” while watching a video, showing progress in his speech development.

These moments are small victories that can lead to greater language skills over time.

Sponsored by - Goally

Spontaneous speech plays a key role in daily interactions for kids with special needs. Here’s how it works:

• Unprompted comments: A child might say “apple” when they see the fruit, without being asked.
• Initiating conversations: They might start a conversation with “I like trains” during playtime.
• Expressing needs: Saying “I’m hungry” when they want a snack is another example.

Spontaneous speech can lead to stronger communication skills over time, fostering greater independence.

This post was originally published on 05/22/2023. It was updated on 08/24/2024.

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Be Better at Spontaneous Speaking

Use these tools to help you think fast and talk smart.

October 26, 2017

The first step in successful spontaneous speaking? Get out of your own way. | iStock/FatCamera

On the first day of my Essentials of Strategic Communication class, many of my students fear me. No, I’m not mean or unsympathetic. But like my fellow teachers, I employ the “cold call.” This age-old device tests students’ acumen by asking a student to respond immediately to a question. Now I am not a fan of cold calling in my classes, and when I explain this to my students, I can hear the collective sigh of relief. However, I immediately tell them that we will work together to hone their impromptu speaking skills so that they will be more confident when confronted with the litany of spontaneous speaking situations they will face in their personal and professional lives.

Typography by Elyanna Blaser-Gould

The reality is that in business spontaneous speaking is much more prevalent than planned speaking (e.g., presentations). Think of being called upon to introduce someone to others, or having your boss ask you for feedback on a new idea, or handling questions at the end of a meeting. These spontaneous speaking situations occur all the time.

Here are some of the ways I prepare my students to be ready for these off-the-cuff conversations.

Step 1: Get out of Your Own Way

The very first thing that gets in your way when impromptu speaking is you: Your wanting to do well, to give the right answer, to have your feedback be meaningful and memorable actually works against you. Before speaking, you likely judge what you intend to say and weigh it against your internal criteria — “what I intend to say isn’t insightful, helpful, worthy, relevant, etc.” This pre-evaluation work decreases the effort you can put into successfully speaking spontaneously.

Rather than striving for greatness, challenge yourself to just accomplish the task at hand — answer the question, provide the feedback, introduce your colleague. By reducing the pressure you put on yourself, you will increase the likelihood of doing well. Simply put: Setting greatness as your goal gets in the way of you ever getting there.

Of course, this is easier said than done. You are working against habits that you’ve developed over the course of your life. But by giving yourself permission to respond in the moment, rather than get it right, you can get out of your own way and speak well.

Further, many people employ tools or heuristics that they believe will help them “game the game” of spontaneous speaking. For example, in advance, you might stockpile possible answers to questions that could come up. Or, you might borrow information from what others have said right before your turn when giving feedback. Or finally, you might rely on verbal patterns to help you through, such as starting every introduction of someone with “It gives me great pleasure…”. The problem with these devices is twofold:

• They require cognitive effort that reduces your ability to understand the demands of the situation (i.e., you may miss some nuanced information because you are busy searching through your mental stockpile).
• You potentially lose out on an authentic moment because you are not immediately present — you are reacting (that is, acting out what you were previously thinking), rather than responding to the demands of the moment.

The single best way to avoid falling victim to these heuristics is to quiet your busy mind and really listen to what is needed in the moment. Focus on what people are saying and how they are saying it. In so doing, you get out of your own way and can respond authentically.

Step 2: See the Opportunities Over the Challenges

Getting out of your own way is very important. But you must also change how you see the situation you find yourself in. You need to see the spontaneous speaking situation as an opportunity, rather than a challenge or a threat. For example, when I coach executives on Q&A after their presentations, they often see it as an adversarial experience — them versus the media, investors, whomever. I work with these senior leaders to change their perception. A Q&A session is actually an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to clarify; it’s an opportunity to understand; it’s an opportunity for dialogue and engagement.

Seeing impromptu speaking as an opportunity feels very different. You are more willing to engage. When you feel challenged, you will likely do the bare minimum to respond because you are protecting yourself. If you see the interaction as an opportunity where you have a chance to explain and expand, you are going to interact in a more connected, collaborative way with your audience.

Quote The very first thing that gets in your way when impromptu speaking is you: Your wanting to do well, to give the right answer, to have your feedback be meaningful and memorable actually works against you. Attribution Matt Abrahams

These in-the-moment speaking situations are ones that afford you opportunities. So when you are at a corporate dinner and your boss turns to you and says, “You know our guest better than the rest of us. Would you mind introducing her?” you say, “Great, thank you for the opportunity,” rather than, “Oh no! I better get this right.”

Improvisation provides a great resource for this type of situational reframing. I have had the good fortune to learn from and co-teach classes with Adam Tobin, who is not only a senior lecturer in Film and Media Studies at Stanford, but also a master improviser. Adam taught me the most famous of all improvisation sayings is“yes and.”The “yes and” mindset directs improvisers not only to embrace whatever offers their partner provides, but to extend and expand those offers. “Yes and”opens up myriad opportunities not just in spontaneous speaking, but in life.

Step 3: Leverage Structure

Now that you’ve gotten out of your own way and reframed your situation, it’s time to respond. However, you don’t respond in some sort of stream-of-consciousness rambling. Rather, you respond in a structured manner. Structure is important because it increases what academics label processing fluency — the effectiveness with which information is cognitively assimilated. Many structures exist, but here are two of the most useful:

Problem-Solution-Benefit

You start by addressing what the issue is, or the problem. You then talk about a way of solving it, and finally, you speak to the benefits of following through on your plan. This structure is very persuasive and effective. This article is set up using the problem-solution-benefit structure. I started with the challenge of impromptu speaking, then moved to potential ways to address the problem, and I end by talking about the benefits of adopting the solutions I provided.

What? So what? Now what?

You start by talking about what “it” is (e.g., your feedback or your answer), then you discuss why it is important to the recipient(s), and finally, you explain what the next steps are (i.e., how the recipient can apply the feedback or answer).

I often provide my Essentials of Strategic Communication MBA students feedback using this structure. For example, after a student successfully presents her case analysis, I might say, “The portion of your talk that addressed the detailed steps of the communication rollout plan (What?) was very helpful because it clearly laid out the metrics for success (So what?). Please leverage that type of analysis in the other aspects of your next case analysis (Now what?).”

The reality is that when you are in a spontaneous speaking situation, you have to do two things simultaneously: You have to figure out what to say and how to say it. These structures help you present your message. When you become comfortable with these structures, you will be able to respond more quickly to impromptu speaking situations.

The last day of my business school class is very different than the first. We do an activity where each of my students stands up and gives an unprepared toast to something of value they are taking away from our time together. Invariably, they express their gratitude for learning how to speak in spontaneous situations. The best part is, they excitedly demonstrate their ability to present this way in the toasts they give!

By getting out of your own way, reframing your situations as opportunities rather than threats, and leveraging structures, you too can think faster, talk smarter, and become a more compelling, confident, and connected spontaneous speaker.

For media inquiries, visit the Newsroom .

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Spontaneous Speaking Skills for Any Situation

Hrideep barot.

• Body Language & Delivery , Communication , Education , Presentation , Public Speaking

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to speak on the spot , without any time to prepare? Whether it’s a job interview, a presentation at work, or even a casual conversation with friends, spontaneous speaking skills can be a valuable asset in navigating life’s unexpected moments. In this guide , we’ll explore the art of spontaneous speaking and provide you with practical tips and techniques to excel in any situation. Imagine being able to express yourself confidently and effectively, even when caught off guard. With the right mindset and preparation, anyone can master the art of spontaneous speaking . It’s not about memorizing scripts or delivering rehearsed lines; it’s about being adaptable , engaging , and authentic in the moment.

Throughout this article, we’ll delve into various aspects of spontaneous speaking , from building confidence and overcoming fear to crafting compelling content on the fly. So, if you’re ready to unlock your full potential and become a more confident and effective communicator , join us as we explore the world of spontaneous speaking. Let’s embark on this journey together and discover the power of words spoken in the moment.

“You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart.” -John Ford

Table of Contents:

1. crafting compelling content on the fly, 2. the foundation of spontaneous speaking, 3. practice makes perfect: exercises and drills, 4. case studies and success stories, 5. additional resources, 6. conclusion, crafting compelling content on the fly:.

When you find yourself speaking spontaneously , it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed . But fear not! With a few simple techniques , you can craft compelling content on the fly that will captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression.

1. Structure is Key:

• Introduction: Begin with a hook that grabs attention , such as a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact, or a relevant anecdote. “ For example , if you’re asked to speak spontaneously about the importance of teamwork, you might start by sharing a personal experience where teamwork led to a successful outcome”.
• Main Points: Outline the key points you want to cover, keeping them concise and focused. You could use a simple framework like the “ 3 C’s ” (Context, Challenge, Conclusion) to structure your thoughts. Continuing with the teamwork example, you might discuss the context of the situation , the challenges faced , and the ultimate conclusion or lesson learned.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and leave your audience with a memorable takeaway . This could be a call to action, a thought-provoking question, or a final piece of advice. “ For instance , you might conclude by encouraging your audience to reflect on their own experiences with teamwork and consider how they can apply those lessons in their lives”.

2. Generate Ideas Quickly:

When brainstorming ideas on the fly, it’s important not to get bogged down by perfectionism. Instead, focus on quantity over quality initially. “ For example , if you’re asked to give an impromptu speech on the topic of creativity, jot down as many ideas as possible without censoring yourself. Once you have a list of ideas, evaluate them based on relevance and audience interest. Choose the ideas that align most closely with the context of the situation and are likely to resonate with your listeners. For instance , you might prioritize ideas that offer practical tips for fostering creativity in everyday life”.

3. Harness the Power of Storytelling:

Stories have a unique ability to capture attention and evoke emotion . When speaking spontaneously, look for opportunities to incorporate relevant anecdotes or examples from your own experiences. “ For example , if you’re discussing the importance of resilience, you could share a personal story about overcoming a challenge or setback”. Make sure your storytelling is concise and focused, with a clear beginning , middle , and end . Keep the emphasis on the key message or lesson you want to convey. “ For instance , in the context of resilience, your story might highlight the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity”.

4. Inject Passion and Enthusiasm:

Even when speaking spontaneously , your delivery plays a crucial role in engaging your audience. Use dynamic body language , such as gestures and facial expressions , to convey energy and enthusiasm. “ For example , if you’re discussing a topic you’re passionate about, let that passion shine through in your demeanor”.

Vary your tone and pace to keep your audience’s attention. Avoid speaking in a monotone voice or using overly formal language. Instead, strive for a conversational tone that feels natural and authentic. “ For instance , if you’re sharing a humorous anecdote, adjust your tone to match the lightheartedness of the story”. Make eye contact with your audience to establish a connection and build rapport. Directing your gaze at individuals in the audience can make them feel personally engaged in your speech. “ For example , if you’re addressing a large group, scan the room and make eye contact with different people throughout your presentation”.

5. Adaptability:

Spontaneous speaking requires flexibility and adaptability. Be prepared to adjust your content on the fly based on audience reactions and feedback. “ For example , if you notice that your audience is particularly interested in a certain aspect of your speech, you might choose to expand on that topic further”. Embrace unexpected challenges or changes in the situation as opportunities to showcase your adaptability. “ For instance , if you encounter technical difficulties during your presentation, remain calm and composed as you troubleshoot the issue”. Remember that spontaneity doesn’t mean lack of preparation ; it means being prepared to think on your feet and respond effectively to whatever comes your way.

6. Practice Makes Perfect:

Like any skill, spontaneous speaking improves with practice . Look for opportunities to practice impromptu speaking in your daily life, such as participating in group discussions, giving spontaneous presentations at work, or even just striking up conversations with strangers. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or trusted colleagues to help identify areas for improvement. Consider recording yourself speaking spontaneously and reviewing the footage to pinpoint areas where you can refine your delivery or organization. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes or setbacks along the way. Instead, view them as valuable learning experiences that will ultimately help you become a more confident and effective spontaneous speaker .

The Foundation of Spontaneous Speaking:

Mastering spontaneous speaking doesn’t happen overnight. It requires building a solid foundation rooted in confidence , adaptability , and a flexible mindset . Let’s explore the essential elements that form the bedrock of spontaneous speaking skills.

1. Building Confidence:

Confidence is like a muscle; the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. Start by believing in yourself and your abilities as a speaker. Remind yourself of past successes and focus on your strengths. Practice speaking spontaneously in low-pressure situations to gradually build your confidence. This could be as simple as voicing your opinion in a group discussion or volunteering to give impromptu presentations. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Every stumble is an opportunity to learn and grow. By reframing mistakes as learning experiences , you’ll become more resilient and self-assured.

2. Overcoming Fear and Anxiety:

Fear of public speaking is a common challenge, but it’s not insurmountable. Acknowledge your fears and confront them head-on. Remind yourself that nervousness is natural and can even be beneficial, as it shows you care about the outcome. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization to calm your nerves before speaking. Focus on the present moment and visualize yourself speaking confidently and articulately. Shift your mindset from fearing judgment to embracing the opportunity to connect with your audience. Instead of worrying about what others will think, focus on delivering your message authentically and passionately .

3. Developing a Flexible Mindset:

Spontaneous speaking requires thinking on your feet and adapting to unexpected situations . Cultivate a mindset of flexibility and openness to change. Be willing to go with the flow and adjust your approach as needed. Practice improvisation exercises to sharpen your ability to think quickly and creatively. Embrace uncertainty as a catalyst for growth. Instead of seeking perfection, focus on being present in the moment and responding authentically to whatever arises. By letting go of the need for control, you’ll become more comfortable with spontaneity. Remember, it’s not about being flawless; it’s about being genuine , adaptable , and confident in your ability to communicate effectively in any situation.

Practice Makes Perfect: Exercises and Drills

Practice is the cornerstone of mastering spontaneous speaking skills. Just like athletes hone their skills through training, speakers can improve their ability to think on their feet through targeted exercises and drills . Let’s explore some practical strategies to sharpen your spontaneity and confidence in any situation.

1. Role-Playing Scenarios:

Role-playing is a fun and effective way to simulate real-life speaking situations. Pair up with a friend or colleague and take turns playing different roles, such as interviewer and interviewee, or customer and service provider. Choose scenarios that are relevant to your personal or professional life, such as a job interview, a sales pitch, or a networking event. This will help you practice responding spontaneously to common situations you may encounter.

2. Impromptu Speaking Prompts:

Challenge yourself with impromptu speaking prompts to improve your ability to think quickly and articulate your thoughts under pressure. Write down a list of topics or questions on index cards and draw one at random to speak about for a minute or two. Keep your responses focused and to the point, emphasizing clarity and coherence. Don’t worry about being perfect; the goal is to practice thinking on your feet and expressing yourself confidently .

3. Group Discussions and Debates:

Participating in group discussions and debates can help you develop your ability to think critically and respond persuasively to different viewpoints. Engage in lively discussions with friends, colleagues, or fellow students on topics of mutual interest. Practice active listening and respectful communication , allowing others to express their opinions while also articulating your own views clearly and convincingly. This will enhance your ability to engage in spontaneous dialogue and exchange ideas effectively .

4. Toastmasters and Speaking Clubs:

Consider joining a Toastmasters club or similar speaking organization to receive structured feedback and support from fellow speakers. These clubs offer opportunities to practice impromptu speaking in a supportive environment and receive constructive criticism to help you improve. Participate in Table Topics sessions , where members are challenged to speak spontaneously on a given topic for a specified time limit. This will help you build confidence and adaptability in responding to unexpected speaking situations.

5. Self-Reflection and Feedback:

Record yourself practicing spontaneous speaking and review the recordings to identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to your delivery, clarity of thought, and ability to maintain coherence under pressure. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or trusted colleagues to gain valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses as a spontaneous speaker . Actively listen to their feedback and incorporate constructive criticism into your practice sessions.

By incorporating these exercises and drills into your routine, you’ll gradually build confidence, fluency, and adaptability in your spontaneous speaking skills . Remember, practice may not make perfect, but it certainly makes progress. Keep challenging yourself, pushing beyond your comfort zone, and embracing each opportunity to grow as a speaker.

Case Studies and Success Stories:

One of the most effective ways to learn and improve spontaneous speaking skills is by studying real-life examples of individuals who have mastered the art of speaking on the spot. Let’s delve into some inspiring success stories that highlight the power of spontaneity and adaptability in communication.

Steve Jobs’ Legendary Keynotes:

Few speakers are as renowned for their ability to captivate audiences as the late Apple co-founder , Steve Jobs . Known for his iconic keynote presentations , Jobs had a remarkable knack for delivering compelling speeches without the aid of scripts or teleprompters. Jobs’ spontaneous speaking skills were on full display during his famous iPhone launch events , where he would seamlessly transition between planned demonstrations and impromptu interactions with the audience. His ability to think on his feet and respond to unexpected challenges contributed to the success of these events.

Oprah Winfrey’s Authentic Conversations:

As a renowned talk show host and media mogul , Oprah Winfre y has built her career on the ability to engage in authentic and spontaneous conversations with guests and audiences alike. Whether discussing personal struggles, societal issues, or moments of triumph, Oprah’s spontaneity and empathy shine through. Winfrey’s ability to connect with her audience on a genuine level has earned her widespread admiration and loyalty over the years. Her skillful blend of preparedness and spontaneity serves as a testament to the power of authenticity in communication.

TED Talks’ Impactful Speakers:

TED Talks are renowned for featuring speakers who deliver powerful, thought-provoking presentations on a wide range of topics. Many of these speakers excel at speaking spontaneously, engaging audiences with compelling stories and ideas. Take, for example , Brené Brown’s TED Talk on vulnerability , where she speaks candidly and spontaneously about her own experiences and insights. Brown’s ability to connect with her audience through authentic storytelling has made her talk one of the most viewed TED Talks of all time.

Additional Resources:

Expanding your skills in spontaneous speaking doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. There are numerous resources available to support your growth and development as a confident and effective speaker . Let’s explore some additional resources that can complement your learning and provide further guidance on mastering spontaneous speaking skills.

Books are a valuable source of knowledge and insight into the art of communication. Look for titles that focus on public speaking , improv techniques , or storytelling to enhance your understanding of spontaneous speaking.

Recommended reads include :

• “ Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds ” by Carmine Gallo .
• “ Impro : Improvisation and the Theatre ” by Keith Johnstone .
• “ Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot ” by Matt Abrahams .

These books offer practical tips and strategies for improving your spontaneity and confidence as a speaker.

2. Online Courses and Workshops:

Online courses and workshops provide convenient and accessible opportunities to hone your spontaneous speaking skills from the comfort of your own home. Look for courses offered by reputable organizations or instructors with expertise in public speaking and communication. Platforms like Coursera , Udemy , and LinkedIn Learning offer a variety of courses on public speaking, impromptu speaking, and presentation skills. These courses often include video lectures , interactive exercises , and feedback from instructors to help you improve.

3. Podcasts and Audiobooks:

Podcasts and audiobooks are excellent resources for learning on the go and immersing yourself in the world of public speaking and communication. Listen to podcasts hosted by expert speakers and communication coaches for valuable insights and advice. Check out podcasts like

• “ The Art of Communication ” by Robin Kermode and Sain Hansen .
• “ The Moth ” for inspiring stories told live without notes.

Audiobooks such as “ Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: 21 Powerful Secrets of History’s Greatest Speakers ” by James C. Humes can also provide valuable lessons in effective communication.

4. Online Communities and Forums:

Joining online communities and forums dedicated to public speaking and communication can provide valuable support, feedback, and networking opportunities. Engage with fellow speakers, share experiences, and learn from each other’s successes and challenges. Platforms like Reddit’s r/ PublicSpeaking and LinkedIn groups such as Public Speaking & Presentation Skills offer spaces for speakers to connect, ask questions, and share resources. Participating in discussions and seeking advice from experienced speakers can help you grow as a communicator.

5. Coaching and Mentorship:

Consider seeking out a public speaking coach or mentor who can provide personalized guidance and feedback on your spontaneous speaking skills . A coach can offer constructive criticism, tailored exercises, and accountability to help you reach your speaking goals. Look for coaches with experience in spontaneous speaking, improv theater, or storytelling. Many coaches offer individual coaching sessions , workshops , or group programs designed to support speakers at all levels of experience.

By leveraging these resources, you can continue to strengthen your spontaneous speaking skills and become a more confident and compelling communicator in any situation.

Conclusion:

As we wrap up our exploration of spontaneous speaking skills , it’s clear that the ability to communicate confidently and effectively in any situation is a valuable asset. Whether you’re delivering a presentation at work, engaging in a casual conversation with friends, or facing unexpected challenges , mastering spontaneity in communication can open doors and empower you to connect with others on a deeper level. But mastering spontaneous speaking is an ongoing process that requires dedication, practice, and guidance. That’s why we invite you to consider exploring our communication coaching services . Our experienced coaches are here to provide personalized support, tailored feedback, and proven strategies to help you unlock your full potential as a speaker. So why wait? Take the next step toward becoming a more confident and effective speaker by checking out our communication coaching today click here . With the right guidance and support, you can transform your spontaneous speaking skills and unlock new opportunities for success in every area of your life.

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Read vs. spontaneous speech

October 16, 2023 @ 7:07 am · Filed by Mark Liberman under Style and register , Variation

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Across the many disciplines that analyze language, there's surprisingly little focus on the properties of natural, spontaneous speech, as opposed to read (or memorized and performed) speech. But of course that dichotomy is an oversimplification — there are many linguistic registers, many ways to read each of the many styles of text, and even more individual, social, and contextual factors influencing spontaneous speech.

So one place to start is events where the same speaker, addressing the same audience for the same purposes, both reads a passage and answers questions — in such cases, at least the speaker and the context are controlled. In " Fluent 'disfluencies' again ", 9/3/2022, I looked at the question-answering part of such an event, a press briefing by the U.S. Department of Defense Press Secretary, Brigadier General Patrick S. Ryder . At least, I looked at one small aspect of some of his answers, namely the distribution of certain kinds of disfluencies interpolations .

The focus of this morning's Breakfast Experiment™ will be one of Ryder's more recent press briefings , comparing the introduction (where he reads prepared text) to the first of his answers to subsequent press questions. I'll look at (aspects of) the properties of speech segments and silence segments, as well the statistics of local inter-syllable durations. For both of those features, fully-automatic analysis techniques allow research at scale, though this morning's data sample is small.

I'll also take a short comparative peek at his filled pauses and rapid word-repetitions in the two passages.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

And here's his answer to the first question:

If you listen even to short samples of those clips, you'll notice characteristic differences in phrase-scale timing. So I ran a speech activity detector (SAD), and found that some ways of quantifying its output show much bigger differences than others.

The 106.86 seconds of Ryder's introduction is 87.3% speech and 12.7% silence, while the 87.12 seconds of his first answer is 84.4% speech and 15.6% silence. So not much difference there.

(FWIW, there's also little difference in overall speaking rate: my transcript of the Intro has 146 words per minute, while Answer 1 has 153 wpm. I'm counting filled pauses and rapid repetitions as "words", which increases the Answer's word count — without those tokens, the Answer weighs in at 135 wpm. The official transcript has some of both,  so rates based of that source would be even closer…)

In contrast, SAD segment rates show a big difference.  The Intro has 54 SAD segments, or 30.32 segments/minute, while the Answer has 78 segments, for 53.72 segments/minute — 77% more, compared to less than 5% difference in wpm.

We can also compare the distribution of inter-syllable durations, using the fully-automated methods described in " Inter-syllable intervals ", 9/13/2023:

In closing, here's a brief glimpse into the things generally called "disfluencies".

My transcript of Ryder's Introduction is here (audio again here ). I've used line-final "##" to mark silent pauses, and line-final "==" to mark (what I perceive as) phrasal boundaries, as in this sample of the beginning:

So earlier today, == Secretary Austin spoke by phone with ## Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler ## to discuss Turkish activity ## in proximity to U.S. forces in Syria. ##

[I'm assuming that there's a gradient hierarchy of inter-morpheme boundary strengths, so the "==" markings are somewhat arbitrary…]

My transcript of this first answer is here (audio again here ). It employs an additional non-standard typographical convention, namely word-final hyphens to make rapid repetitions or "false starts", which are one of the things that are common in spontaneous speech but basically absent in read speech — again, here's a bit of the beginning as an illustration:

yeah, so fir- first of all, just a- a little context ## uh up front. ## um ## you know Turkey ## uh is ## one of our strongest and most valued ## uh NATO allies and that- that partnership continues == and will continue ## uh so this is certainly a regrettable == incident. ##

The 260 words of the introduction have no filled pauses and no rapid repetitions, as usual for read speech.

The 222 tokens of the first answer have 15 uhs and 3 ums, so that 8.1% of the tokens are filled pauses. There are also 8 rapid repetitions or 3.6%, and (15+3+8)/222 = 11.7%. The next-commonest "words" are a and us , with 8 (3.6%) each.

See also: Neville Ryant and Mark Liberman, " Automatic Analysis of Speech Style Dimensions ", InterSpeech 2016.

Summary: Simple acoustic and lexical properties can be very different in spontaneous vs. read speech, even for the same speaker addressing the same audience in the same context. This is obvious, really, but the majority of linguistic and psycholinguistic research continues to focus on read speech, often in the form of decontextualized sentences, without considering that some of the results may not generalize to varieties of (more basic and more natural) spontaneous speech.

There are lots of other (fully-automatic) ways to explore the differences — for another simple example, see   " My poster for the 'Prosody Visualization Challenge' ", 6/14/2018.

Phillip Helbig said,

October 16, 2023 @ 9:28 am

After the big tsunami in Thailand, where proportionally more Swedes were killed than US citizens in 9/11, the king of Sweden gave a consolation speech. Many were sceptical beforehand: what could someone in his position say to comfort ordinary people facing such a loss? But it was one of his best speeches ever.

One reason is that people noticed that those were his words and that he wasn’t reading something. How? The King is dyslexic, so it’s obvious whether he’s reading or speaking freely.

ktschwarz said,

October 16, 2023 @ 11:46 am

My first thought was, didn't Labov design his most famous experiments — "fawth flaw" and Martha's Vineyard — to elicit the targeted words in spontaneous speech, as answers to questions, rather than asking people to read them? Then I typed "Labov" into the search box, and found this technique attributed to Labov :

if you want to know how someone pronounces certain speech sounds or sequences, in an informal realistic context rather than when asked directly to perform the pronunciation, one excellent technique is to get them to give their ideas about the difference between X and Y, where at least one member of the pair illustrates the sound in question.

Jonathan Wright said,

October 16, 2023 @ 3:24 pm

@ktschwarz His most recent book describes his approach very generally: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/conversations-with-strangers/FC1A2258277CDF631E1A5ED03D6A3BD7

Jarek Weckwerth said,

October 17, 2023 @ 12:31 am

Fascinating, thank you!

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Spontaneous speech.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 January 2023

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Goals for Ease: Spontaneity of Speech

In our previous posts on education and empowerment goals for speech therapy, we discussed activities to work on as alternatives to speech goals. You may expect this post will finally get to some new activities that actually focus on fluency—but alas, not quite. Ease , our final E in our 3Es model actually has little to do with fluency of speech. Aspects of ease include spontaneous speech, stuttering easier with less tension, and awareness of the speech mechanism. 

Spontaneity ≠ Fluency

Chris Constantino 1 defines spontaneous speech as speech that is characterized by little premeditation, is effortless, and is meaningful. This is fundamentally different from fluency. Disfluent speech can be highly spontaneous and fluent speech can be effortful. Spontaneity, not fluency, decreases the adverse impact of stuttering on people’s lives.

But they’re coming in for a fluency disorder, they still need to work on fluency, right?

There are many other, more effective ways to reach easier speech than fluency. Stuttering is a paradoxical disorder. Often, working on fluency leads to more stuttering, while working on stuttering openly often results in increased fluency. You can meet IEP minutes by treating stuttering in a way that is helpful and relevant without targeting fluency . Not only that, you can write evidence-based, IEP-compliant speech therapy goals that do NOT require increased fluency, but instead focus on increased spontaneity of speech. 

Writing Goals for Ease

You’ve probably had that client. They’ve had the same IEP goal for years: something like “will maintain fluency 80% of the time.” Year after year, week after week, they either A. fail to meet this goal or B. are unable to generalize it outside of the therapy room.

Better, more attainable goals include:

• Exploring the range of stuttering modification techniques
• Learning about how the speech mechanism works
• Identifying parameters of forward moving speech 
• Building awareness of speech behaviors that interfere with fluency
• Understanding secondary behaviors 
• Slowing rate and building in pauses
• Improving eye contact

How can I justify this?

These areas can be justified using rationale goal language:

• “To improve communication ability…”
• “To decrease tension in speech…”
• “To improve forward moving speech…”
• “To improve speaking ease…”
• “To increase intelligibility…”
• These areas can be measured using “product delivery” goal language:
• “...by identifying five stuttering modification techniques.”
• “....by identifying two parameters of speech that interfere with their production of forward moving speech.”
• “...by maintaining eye contact during 80% of disfluencies in a monologue”
• “...by monitoring a secondary behavior with 80% accuracy in a monologue”

These goals can be time-bound using deadline goal language:

• “...by the end of the term/semester”
• “...within X weeks/sessions”

The Shortfalls Of Techniques

• They require a lot of effort. Many routes to easier speech encourage effortful fluency: consciously applying a technique in order to increase fluency. However, increased effort decreases spontaneity of speech. It’s often extremely difficult to monitor what you are saying and how you are saying. 
• They don’t always work. Techniques are influenced by fear. If I put a balance beam on the floor, would you be able to walk across it? If I put the balance beam one foot off the floor, would you be able to walk across it? What about 50 feet? 100 feet? The motor task doesn’t change, only the fear does. Fear influences motor behavior.

Just because a student stutters, does not mean you need to work on fluency...and why would we, when there is so much MORE?

For more therapy ideas and resources, check out our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

For updates on our stuttering CEU events and clinician trainings, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook or Twitter .

• Constantino, C. D., Eichorn, N., Buder, E. H., Beck, J. G., Manning, W. H. (2020). The Speaker’s Experience of Stuttering: Measuring Spontaneity, Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 63 , 983-1001.

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The 3Es of Stuttering

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