Speaking Clearly
- jenmhendricks
- Nov 22, 2024
- 2 min read
Speech language pathologists treat speech and language impairments. There are more things that we help with (dyslexia, accent modification), but today I want to focus on speech.
A speech impairment in the area of articulation is characterized by errors producing specific speech sounds. For example, someone may say /w/ for /r/. "Red" becomes "wed" and "car" become "caw". When this happens, we teach correct production (tongue position, voiced or unvoiced, lip movements).
A speech impairment in the area of stuttering occurs when someone produces atypical speech patterns. These include sound repetitions, sound prolongations, and blocking of sounds. Sound repetitions occur when a single sound is repeated in a word ("b-b-b-ball"). Sound prolongations occur when someone gets "stuck on a sound" and makes it longer ("ssssssssun"). Sound blocking occurs when someone gets "stuck on a sound" because of tension and nothing is produced. He or she may close lips together to say "b" but no sound escapes. After a few seconds, the sound is produced with a lot of tension ("------Ball").
Whole word repetitions (She is going going going to the park), pauses, and interjections ("um", "uh", "like") are considered more typical dysfluencies. These are more commonly produced when someone speaks more than one language, when someone is nervous, or when someone just can't think of what he/she wants to say.
I should also mention Voice. Speech language pathologists are able to treat patients with a voice disorder, but they are always referred to a physician first. An ENT or other associated doctor can determine if there is a physical problem that is causing changes in the voice. Voice disorders can include problems with hoarseness, volume, and high/low pitch.
OKAY, but what if it's not a speech, stuttering, or voice problem?
This happens a lot. I have seen many clients that are able to produce sounds correctly, but family members still have problems understanding them. He or she may mumble, talk to quickly, and/or talk too quietly. We don't consider this a speech disorder. It is a behavioral characteristic. Often it is up to the individual to make improvements. Our job is to teach him or her how to improve speech intelligibility.
Direct teaching of strategies to utilize when speaking:
Diaphragmatic Breathing (breathing slowly and deeply using the diaphragm and abdominal muscles). This helps increase breath support and volume.
Pacing and pausing for breaths at natural breaks in connected speech
Reminders to slow rate and speak more clearly (providing feedback when necessary)
Stretching mouth and facial muscles before speaking
Taking a deep breath before speaking
Opening mouth/jaw widely when speaking
Sitting up straight and using good posture when speaking
Keeping your hands away from you mouth and face while speaking
Practice speaking activities may include:
Reading out loud to practice pacing and volume. I encourage clients to highlight places to pause and take a breath.
Listening to recordings of speech for direct feedback
Slowly repeating and exaggerating open mouth sounds (vowels, /h/, /w/)
Singing and humming
Participation in activities that involve speaking (such as theater, group activities, games, tutoring/working with children)
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