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span such a wide range, the spe- cialties of speech-language pathologists cover a wide range as well. Speech-language pathologists tend to specialize in working with specific age groups, such as children or the elderly. Others focus on treat- ment programs for particular communication or swallowing problems, such as those result- ing from strokes or a cleft palate.

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Speech pathologists can help people address other language or communication issues as well. For example, speech patholo- gists have helped executives develop successful communication methods and improve their public speaking skills. Speech pathologists also work with employees to enhance communica- tion with their customers. At times, speech pathologists have coached actors and actresses who need to take on accents and adopt unfamiliar communication methods for particular acting roles. These niche jobs offer additional opportunities for speech pathologists. Speech pathologists also engage in research. They conduct research to understand more about human communication and how to bolster it, along with developing new methods and equipment to evaluate communication problems and investi- gate behavioral patterns associated with these disorders. This research promotes more effective and comprehensive treat- ments for speech and language disorders.

What Is a Speech-Language Pathologist? 13