The 12 Executive Functioning Skills Every SLP Needs to Know
When you hear about executive functioning, it might sound like a term meant for a textbook—but it’s really about skills we use every day to navigate life. These skills help us get through a workday, plan a family trip, or have a great conversation (Cleveland Clinic, 2023; Harvard University, 2023). Let’s explore the 12 executive functioning skills, what they mean in real life, and how they connect to communication.
What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
Think of executive functioning skills as tools in a toolbox—each one serves a purpose, and together, they help us solve the puzzles of daily life. For SLPs, these skills aren’t just concepts; they’re the backbone of supporting clients to thrive in their communication and cognitive abilities (Understood.org, 2023).
1. Planning
What It Is: Planning is all about setting a goal and figuring out how to reach it. Think of it like mapping out a road trip. Real-Life Example: A student plans their week to finish a book report before Friday. Why It Matters for Communication: Planning helps us organize our thoughts before speaking. Whether giving a presentation or telling a story, planning ensures our message comes through clearly (Harvard University, 2023).
2. Organization
What It Is: Keeping track of stuff—physical materials or ideas. Real-Life Example: Keeping a tidy desk so everything you need is easy to find. Why It Matters for Communication: Organized thoughts mean your audience can follow along. It’s the difference between rambling and telling a cohesive story (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
3. Time Management
What It Is: Making the most of your time to get things done. Real-Life Example: A child finishes their homework before soccer practice. Why It Matters for Communication: Good time management allows space for thoughtful responses and meaningful exchanges, like pausing to let others speak (Understood.org, 2023).
4. Task Initiation
What It Is: Starting something without being nudged. Real-Life Example: Beginning a big project instead of procrastinating. Why It Matters for Communication: Whether joining a group discussion or asking a question, starting a conversation shows confidence and connection (Bilinguistics, 2023).
5. Self-Monitoring
What It Is: Check in with yourself and adjust as needed. Real-Life Example: Realizing you’re speaking too quickly and slowing down. Why It Matters for Communication: Self-awareness lets us tweak our communication, like noticing when someone’s confused and clarifying our point (Harvard University, 2023).
6. Attention
What It Is: Being able to stay focused, even when a lot is going on around you. Real-life example: Paying close attention to what your teacher is saying, even when your classmates are chatting nearby. Why It Matters for Communication: Focus helps us stay engaged in conversations, really listen to others, and respond in a meaningful way (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
7. Flexibility
8. Emotional Regulation
What It Is: Managing emotions, especially when things get tough. Real-life Example: Staying calm when plans fall through. Why It Matters for Communication: Regulated emotions help us navigate difficult conversations with respect and empathy (Mohapatra, 2019).
9. Impulse Control
What It Is: Thinking before you act. Real-Life Example: A child waits their turn to speak instead of interrupting. Why It Matters for Communication: Impulse control ensures we listen thoroughly and avoid blurting out responses that derail conversations (Understood.org, 2023).
10. Goal-Directed Persistence
What It Is: Sticking with a task until it’s done. Real-Life Example: Completing a puzzle over several days. Why It Matters for Communication: Persistence helps us stay committed to learning new skills, like practicing vocabulary or refining our articulation (Bilinguistics, 2023).
11. Stress Tolerance
What It Is: Staying calm under pressure. Real-life Example: Giving a presentation despite technical difficulties. Why It Matters for Communication: Stress tolerance helps us communicate even when things are unplanned (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
12. Metacognition
What It Is: Think about how you think and learn from it. Real-Life Example: Students realize they study better with flashcards and change their strategy. Why It Matters for Communication: Metacognition helps us reflect on our conversations and improve our interactions with others (Harvard University, 2023).
Why These Skills Matter
Each of these skills supports better communication. Imagine trying to tell a story without organizing your thoughts or joining a group discussion without managing your emotions. Understanding these connections gives us, as SLPs, educators, and caregivers, a powerful way to help our clients (Mohapatra, 2019).
Next Up: In our final post in this series, we’ll talk about how SLPs can assess and treat executive functioning challenges. We’ll share practical strategies and highlight the populations most impacted by these difficulties. Don’t miss it!
At The Big Picture SLP, we make executive functioning and communication skills approachable and actionable. Want more tips like this? Subscribe to our newsletter or book a consultation today to take the next step!
References
Bilinguistics. (2023). Executive function in speech therapy. Retrieved from https://bilinguistics.com/executive-function-in-speech-therapy/
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). What is executive function? Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/executive-function
Harvard University. (2023). What is executive function, and how does it relate to child development? Retrieved from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/what-is-executive-function-and-how-does-it-relate-to-child-development/
Mohapatra, B. (2019). Exploring the interaction of executive function and language processing in adult cognitive-communication disorders. Clinical Archives of Communication Disorders, 4(3), 137-145. https://doi.org/10.21849/cacd.2019.00129
Understood.org. (2023). What is executive function? Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-executive-function