When I was 15, I moved to Australia from Vietnam, and honestly, it was rough.
I didn’t speak much English. I was shy. Everything felt different and unfamiliar. I’d sit in class, trying to keep my head down, hoping no one would notice me. Not because I didn’t care – I just didn’t know how to join in. I had so many thoughts but couldn’t really find the words to express them.
At times, it felt like my voice was stuck somewhere deep inside, and I didn’t know how to bring it out.
But something in me wouldn’t quit. Maybe it was the thought of my family, who gave up so much to get me here. Maybe it was just that quiet belief that somehow, I could figure it out. So I kept going.
I studied harder than ever. I asked questions, even when it made me uncomfortable. I read everything I could. I slowly pushed through the fear and the awkwardness. One step at a time.
Eventually, I started to get it. I made it through high school. Then I went on to uni. Then, against all odds, I became a biomedical scientist.
But my journey didn’t stop there.
Because of what I went through – struggling with language, confidence, and connection – I felt drawn to help others who might feel the same. So, I became a speech pathologist. Fast forward to today, I now run my own clinic in Sydney, supporting kids and families to find their voice, build their confidence, and feel heard.
It’s crazy to think back to that quiet 15-year-old version of me, the one who felt lost and unsure. He wouldn’t believe where we are now.
But that’s the thing. You don’t need to have it all figured out at once. You just need to take the next step. And then the next.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: when you believe in yourself, even just a little, you can overcome way more than you think.
So, if you’re struggling right now, or feeling like you’re behind, or like you don’t belong – keep going.
You’ve got more strength in you than you know.
And if you believe in yourself, even a tiny bit, that’s enough to start.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a childhood interest in business into a flourishing speech pathology practice? Growing up, I was more fascinated by the hustle of helping my parents with their business in Vietnam than by any school lesson. This early experience sparked a love for entrepreneurship that eventually led me to start Speakable Speech Pathology in 2014 in Sydney, Australia.
Over the past decade or so, I’ve picked up a few key lessons that have not only shaped how I approach my profession but have also deeply enriched my personal life.
Here are 8 big takeaways from my journey:
1. Relationships are everything
At our practice, it’s all about more than just the usual appointments; it’s about building real, meaningful connections. We treat everyone who walks through our door like family. This friendly vibe helps everyone feel included and supported, not just during sessions but as part of our bigger family circle. It’s cool to see how this turns our clients into friends who really get involved and feel connected to what we do at Speakable.
2. Stay flexible
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we quickly adapted by transitioning to telehealth services. This not only kept our practice running but also demonstrated our commitment to our clients’ progress and well-being under any circumstances. Flexibility in therapy approaches, like incorporating more digital tools or adjusting strategies based on client feedback, has also been crucial.
3. Never stop learning
My team and I personally take courses annually on the latest developments in speech & language pathology which has tremendously enhanced the therapy sessions we offer. Staying updated through continual education ensures that we are equipped with the most effective and innovative therapy techniques.
4. Set boundaries for a healthy work-life balance
Learning to set boundaries early on was essential. For example, I make it a point to not schedule clients after 6 PM so that I can have evenings with my friends, family and other hobbies. This helps maintain a sustainable work-life balance and prevents burnout.
5. Broaden your horizons
We diversified our services by introducing group therapy sessions and workshops for parents on how to support speech development at home. This not only helped stabilize our revenue streams but also catered to a broader segment of our community, enhancing our practice’s impact.
6. Get involved locally
Participating in local health fairs and school events has significantly boosted our practice’s visibility and reputation. By offering free screenings and workshops, we’ve been able to demonstrate our commitment to community wellness and draw in new clients who are looking for trusted local services.
7. Embrace technology
Investing in an integrated practice management software revolutionized how we handle appointments, billing, and client records. This technology has not only streamlined administrative tasks but also improved client satisfaction through smoother processes.
8. Feedback is gold
We regularly collect feedback through surveys at the end of each therapy cycle. This has been instrumental in fine-tuning our services. Celebrating positive feedback and addressing constructive criticism transparently has helped foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Running a speech pathology business is so much more than a day job—it’s a never-ending adventure of growth and discovery. These 8 lessons we’ve shared are just the beginning. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities that push us to learn more, do better, and think bigger. I’m really pumped to see where these insights will lead us and how they’ll help us make an even bigger impact.
What kind of business are you running or thinking of starting? How do you see it evolving? Let’s inspire each other with our stories and ambitions!
As someone deeply embedded in both the acting world and the realm of speech pathology, I’ve discovered some powerful synergies between the two disciplines that have profoundly influenced my approach to therapy.
Acting, at its core, is about communication—conveying emotions, ideas, and narratives in a way that resonates with an audience. Similarly, speech pathology focuses on enhancing a person’s ability to communicate effectively.
But how exactly does acting influence my practice as a speech pathologist? Let me share some real-world insights and stories from my journey.
Using acting techniques to build confidence
One of the first lessons in acting is about building confidence—being able to stand in front of an audience and deliver your lines without letting your nerves get the better of you. This aspect of acting has been invaluable in my speech pathology sessions, especially with clients who struggle with speech anxieties or social communication.
For instance, I worked with a young client, let’s call her A, who was extremely shy and had difficulty speaking up in class. Drawing from acting, I introduced her to warm-up exercises like those used in theatre rehearsals. We practiced projecting her voice, using exaggerated expressions, and even some improvisation games. Over time, Mia’s confidence increased. She began participating more actively in class discussions and even joined drama as one for one of her school subjects.
Emotional expression and speech dynamics
Acting has taught me a lot about the nuances of emotional expression and how these can enhance speech dynamics. In therapy, I often use exercises that actors employ to convey different emotions through tone, volume, and pace. This is particularly useful for clients who speak in a monotone or whose speech lacks variation.
Take the case of S, a teenager with autism who struggled with monotonous speech. By incorporating role-playing scenarios that required expressing excitement, sadness, or curiosity, S began to understand how his tone could change the meaning of his words. His newfound ability to vary his speech made his communication more engaging and expressive.
Script analysis and speech planning
In acting, script analysis helps actors understand their characters’ motivations, which influences how they deliver their lines. This concept translates seamlessly into speech pathology, where I teach clients to plan their speech depending on their communication goals.
For example, during a session with a client preparing for a job interview, we analysed typical interview questions as if they were lines from a script. We discussed the intent behind each question and planned appropriate responses, focusing on delivering them in a way that showcased his strengths and enthusiasm for the position.
Feedback and adjustment
Finally, the iterative process of acting—where you continually receive feedback and make adjustments—is a critical component of effective speech therapy. Just as a director provides feedback to actors, I provide continuous, constructive feedback to my clients to help them refine their communication skills.
In a recent group therapy session, we created a mini-play, and each participant had roles with specific speaking parts. After each run-through, we discussed what went well and what could be improved, much like a rehearsal discussion in a theatre setting. This not only helped in fine-tuning speech skills but also fostered a supportive community among the participants.
Conclusion
The intersection of acting and speech pathology is a testament to how art and science can blend beautifully to enhance human capabilities. By integrating acting techniques into my speech pathology practice, I’ve been able to offer unique, creative solutions that motivate, inspire, and make learning enjoyable for my clients. Whether it’s through confidence-building, emotional expression, strategic planning, or iterative feedback, the art of acting continues to enrich the science of speech therapy in dynamic ways.
This cross-disciplinary approach not only makes therapy sessions more effective but also more enjoyable, proving that sometimes, a touch of art is just what science needs to change lives for the better.
I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences on blending art with science in your own careers. Drop a comment below or reach out on my socials!
Bình
“An Inspector Calls” at Darlo Drama, Sydney, 2023“Macbeth” with Matt Dell at Darlo Drama, Sydney, 2024Advertising for Pearson, Sydney, 2024
So, you’re wondering how I manage everything from stand-up comedy classes and acting, to pole fitness, jiu-jitsu, and a full-time gig in speech pathology? Well, it’s definitely a mix of fun and frantic, but here’s how I keep things rolling without dropping the ball.
1. Setting goals
Each activity I’m into has its own vibe and purpose. Comedy keeps me on my toes, acting builds my empathy, pole and jiu-jitsu keep me fit, and my day job? Well, that’s where I get to make a real difference helping people communicate. I set clear goals for each to make sure they’re not just random things I do, but integral parts of who I am and want to be.
2. Time management
This is key. I’ve got a digital calendar that’s color-coded and blocked out for each activity. It sounds a bit much, but it helps me ensure I’m dedicating enough time to each without overbooking myself.
3. Self-care
Can’t stress this enough. With a schedule like mine, running out of juice is a real risk. So, I make sure to get enough sleep, eat right, weekly massages, and throw some yoga/mindfulness into the mix. It keeps my energy up so I can keep up with everything I’ve set out to do.
4. Stay flexible
Plans change and so do my energy levels. Some days, the best move is to skip the gym for some extra downtime. Being flexible means I can adjust on the go, which keeps me from burning out.
5. Connect the dots
Linking what I learn and experience in one area of my life to others helps too. The confidence from acting and comedy? It’s gold when I’m at work. Everything feeds into everything else in some way.
6. Lean on your squad
It’s tough to manage all this on your own. I’ve got friends, fellow hobbyists, and co-workers who get the hustle. They’re great for bouncing ideas off or venting when things become difficult.
7. Check-in with yourself
Every now and then, I take a step back to see what’s working and what’s not. It’s about being honest with myself and tweaking things if something feels off, like cutting back on an activity that no longer fits.
Balancing a bunch of passions with work is crazy but fulfilling. It’s all about enjoying the ride without getting overwhelmed. Organize, prioritize, and be ready to adapt. That’s how you make it work without losing your cool.
Comment below if you have any other tips and tricks.
After working with children for a number of years in the speech pathology industry, I’ve been able to learn how to relate well to them.
Building rapport with children involves communicating effectively, understanding their needs and creating a positive connection.
Here are some tips that you might find helpful when interacting with the little ones:
With one of my students at Speakable Speech Pathology (Permission to post given by parents)
1. Show genuine interest: Take a sincere interest in what children have to say. Ask them questions, listen and respond with enthusiasm. Show that you value their opinions and thoughts.
2. Use age-appropriate language: Change your language and vocabulary to suit the child’s comprehension level and age. Avoid using complex terms when explaining things. Speak clearly and use simple words to ensure their understanding.
3. Active listening: Give children your full attention when speaking to them. Maintain eye contact, nod, and respond appropriately. This shows them that you are listening and that their words matter.
4. Respect their feelings: Children experience a wide range of emotions. Acknowledge their feelings, whether negative or positive, and validate them. Help them understand and express their emotions in healthy ways.
5. Be patient and understanding: Children may take time to express themselves or understand certain concepts. Be patient and give them time and space to process their thoughts. Offer your support when needed. Avoid rushing or dismissing their concerns.
6. Play and engage: Children learn through play and engaging activities. Join in their playtime, participate in their games, and encourage their creativity. This creates a sense of connection and makes them feel valued.
7. Use positive reinforcement: Praise and reward them for their efforts and achievements. Focus on their strengths and encourage their progress. Positive reinforcement boosts their self-confidence and motivates them to continue learning and growing.
8. Be a role model: Children often observe and imitate the behavior of adults around them. Demonstrate respect, kindness, empathy, and good manners. Model positive behavior and values to set a good example for them.
Ultimately, every child is unique and it’s important to adapt these tips to suit their individual needs and personalities. Building a strong relationship with children takes time and effort, but the rewards are invaluable.
Binh Doan 