Fluency

2073V - Can Stuttering and Playfulness Mix in an Improv Program to Build Resiliency?

ON-DEMAND

Format: 1-Hour Seminar (Virtual)

Audience: Students, Public/Consumers, Related Professionals, Early Career Professionals (under 5 years)

Keywords: fluency, adults, theatre, confidence, improv

Presenting Author(s)

Wendy Duke

Columbia Speech and Language Services, Inc.

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Author Only (Not Presenting)(s)

Robert O'Brien

Tidewater Press (Author)
Dan Dumsha

Tightrope Impro Theatre

A multi-week improv program designed to build confidence and lightheartedness toward speaking for those who stutter will be discussed and activities will be demonstrated. It is unique in being a collaborative effort between a veteran speech-language pathologist, an improv theatre director who has worked successfully with other relevant populations, and a teacher, actor, and author who stutters. This playful approach is consistent with the current trend away from "ableism" in treatment; participants are encouraged to celebrate, rather than fix, mistakes. Resiliency is fostered by developing positive speaking experiences for people who stutter. While designed for those who stutter, techniques demonstrated can be used with other populations.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the evidence base for using improv theatre techniques for improving outcomes for people with a variety of communication issues, including stuttering
Integrate improv theatre activities in their own treatment programs for peoplel who stutter and other communication concerns
Evaluate the benefit of using improv theatre activities in their own treatment programs