How to Answer: Talk to me about the controversies surrounding non-speech oral exercises?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Speech Pathology job interview.
17. Talk to me about the controversies surrounding non-speech oral exercises?
How to Answer
As a Speech Pathologist, you may choose to perform non-speech and speech oral exercises to treat your patients. Blowing, tongue push-ups, pucker-smile, tongue wags, big smile, tongue-to-nose-to-chin, cheek puffing, blowing kisses, and tongue curling are a few non-speech oral exercises. Tell the interviewer your preference and a success story.
Written by Heather Douglass
Entry Level
"In my training program for my Master's degree, my faculty were firm believers in these types of exercises and I was able to witness their effectiveness first-hand with students. Making sounds requires movements and people that are struggling with their speech often need practice and exercise with these movements. Similar to a football player stretching their legs before practice or a game, the non-speech exercise help patients when it comes to their speech therapy."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Answer Example
"I feel that this has become less of a controversy over the past few years, and feel that doing non-speech oral exercises have shown to be an effective means of treatment with obvious benefits to the patient or student."
Written by Heather Douglass
Experienced
"I remember when the studies came out regarding the ineffectiveness that non-speech exercises have on patients receiving speech therapy. Like any research in our field, I read the documents and developed my own conclusions with my team at the time. I am a believer in these types of exercises if a particular patient's situation requires it. I've seen non-speech oral exercises be effective for both children and adults when they were struggling with phonetics after an injury. In these situations, I don't hesitate to use the exercises."
Written by Ryan Brunner