Fluency is the smoothness, rate, and rhythm of speech. It is the ability to produce speech effortlessly and without interruption. Fluent speech includes an appropriate rate, with pauses in the right places, and with a regular rhythm.
Disfluencies are interruptions in the normal flow of speech. They can include repetitions, prolongations, or blocks of sounds, words, or phrases. Some people may experience occasional disfluencies in their speech, but for others, disfluencies can be frequent and interfere with effective communication.
Stuttering
Stuttering is a specific type of speech fluency disorder characterized by disruptions in the normal flow of speech, which may include repetitions, prolongations, or blocks of sounds, words, or phrases. People who stutter may experience anxiety or frustration related to their communication difficulties, and may avoid certain social situations or speaking in public.