There are two main sources of stress that contribute to stuttering. The first is called anticipatory stress. Anticipatory stress involves the mental habit of looking ahead for feared sounds, words, and speaking situations. It also involves the belief that speaking, in general, is difficult. The second is called speed stress and relates to speaking too quickly.

The traditional NCS techniques have been shown to be very successful but require sustained practice. For those unwilling or unable to devote themselves to daily practice, or who cannot attend a workshop, an alternative has emerged. It is called the NCS Fluency Enhancer.

The Fluency Enhancer makes use of a special-purpose miniature digital device to Frequency Shift speech and simultaneously provide Delayed Auditory Feedback. For the majority of individuals it provides an immediate fluency.

In the Frequency Shift component, as you speak you hear your voice in a tiny earpiece, but the frequencies have been shifted downward. So it is as if another person with a lower-pitched voice was accompanying you as you spoke.

It has been known for years that choral speaking (speaking along with another person) provides the most powerful tool for producing fluent speech.

Some individuals speak too rapidly, and so a slight slowing is required. This is accomplished automatically by introducing delay into the feedback speech signal (Delayed Auditory Feedback). The accompanying speaker is slightly behind you, time-wise, as you speak. This has also been shown to produce fluent speech.

A slight softening of the voice will be required to permit eventual weaning off of the device. This can be learned easily. With fluent speech, the anticipatory stresses associated with stuttering eventually disappear. When the person no longer looks ahead for feared sounds, words or speaking situations, the volume in the headset is gradually reduced as the person is slowly weaned off the Enhancer.

The Fluency Enhancer comes with a money-back 4-week guarantee. If, for any reason, you are dissatisfied, you may return it in working order within 4 weeks for a full refund.

The Enhancer comes with a one-year warrantee. If the Enhancer stops working with normal usage (exclusive of the battery), it will be repaired or replaced for free. The two headsets provided are covered by their respective manufacturer warrantees.

The cost of the NCS Fluency Enhancer is $1550 plus $15. for mailing, handling and insurance in the US.

Payment is by visa/master-card or personal check (please allow 10 days for the check to clear). At the end of the 4-week trial period, if you elect to return the Fluency Enhancer, upon its receipt in working order, $1550 will be refunded.

The enhancer comes with an easily-replaced 9-volt battery which typically lasts for about 25 hours. An AC adapter is provided for bypassing the battery.

For further information call the National Center for Stuttering at: 1-800-221-2483.



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