Final answer:
In summary, to encourage speech in a reticent child, utilizing either/or questions, asking them to name pictures, and creating a supportive environment for spontaneous speech are effective strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
A recommended procedure to elicit speech in a child who is reticent is to ask either/or questions, as this may be less daunting than open-ended questions. Asking the child to name pictures can also be beneficial, as it provides them with a tangible reference point. It's important to create a comfortable environment that encourages spontaneous speech while also offering the child opportunities for guided practice through repetition and engagement in habitual conversation prompts.
Asking a child to name pictures is a simple and direct way to prompt speech, as it involves familiar objects and is less pressured than formulating sentences. Furthermore, presenting either/or questions simplifies the child's decision-making process, allowing them to choose between two options instead of generating an answer from an infinite range of possibilities. This can help to reduce the pressure and stimulate verbal responses.