PRESCRIBING HUMOUR AND CREATIVITY IN THE SPEECH LANGUAGE THERAPY WORKPLACE

PRESCRIBING HUMOUR AND CREATIVITY IN THE SPEECH LANGUAGE THERAPY WORKPLACE

by Dr. JOSEPH AGIUS 

The 14th July 2021 

European Speech and Language Therapy Association 

Zoom Online Session: 14th July 2021- 18.00 pm CET 

Presentation Outline 

The aim of this presentation is to help you gain an interest in ‘making the right impression’ and being an effective communicator. The pillars of effective communication which help us deal and communicate better with relatives, friends and other colleagues are discussed. The most creative aspect of language is humor and it is one of the most important topics in the study of communication. Another aim of this presentation is to help you understand how to use humor and creativity in the speech language therapy workplace. Humor can activate one of the most powerful means available to you for dealing with daily life stress- your sense of humor! 

Overall, I would like you to become an effective communicator and through humor improve your relationships, reduce stress and develop a new and positive perspective. Quoting Oscar Wilde ‘Life is too important to take seriously – so laugh’. Dr Patch Adams argues that caring is not a business transaction but a loving, creative, positive human interchange. Finally, I strongly believe that passion and determination are the keys to your success. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 

Participants will: 

• • Understand the experience of humour and identify the core impacts of humour 
• • Become familiar with the results of a study exploring shifts in attitudes and feelings following a thinking skills program 
• • Distinguish between the physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits of humour 
• • Be introduced to current humour research and studies 
• • Learn how creativity and humour can be beneficial in the workplace. 

EUROPEAN SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY ASSOCIATION 2021 

Dr. JOSEPH G. AGIUS, M.Sc. (Dublin), Ed.D. (Sheffield), is a Registered European Fluency Specialist and Speech Language Pathologist with special interest in fluency disorders and humour research. He holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Speech and Language Studies from Trinity College, University of Dublin and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Sheffield. As partner expert nominated by the University of Malta, Dr. Agius collaborates with experts from thirteen European Universities on the development and delivery of the ‘European Clinical Specialization Course in Fluency Disorders’ (ECSF). He has an extensive background in training, lecturing, evaluation, and programme management. Dr. Agius has experience working with diverse populations around Europe helping to develop skills in communication, leadership and public speaking, and conflict management. He is Executive Allied Health Practitioner at the Speech Language Department, Ministry of Health, Government of Malta. Visiting senior lecturer at the University of Malta he lectures on ‘Fluency Disorders’, ‘Language and Psychiatry’, ‘Public Speaking’ and ‘Legal and Ethical Issues’. He is a member on the Fluency Committee of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP), Chair of the Professional Liaison Committee of the International Fluency Association (IFA) and Steering Committee Member of ECSF. He is author of the iOS application ‘Fluency SIS’ – Smart Intervention Strategy for school age children who stutter and is advising expert of the European Thematic Network POSCON- Positive Online Content and Services to Children in Europe.