Communication Problems: Fighting Back
People with communication challenges write novels and poetry, create and sing their own lyrics, and give public speeches, but they sometimes need additional support.
Aspie’s may Clutter, not just Stutter
“People …. say they can’t understand me. I am fine when I read or make a presentation but when I am talking just regularly people say they don’t know what I’m saying. My parents and friends have suggested that I work on my communication, but I don’t know what that means, says a new client. He […]
Speech and Language: Therapy is Play
“SORRY, I win!” Wow, perfect /s/ pronounciation! YEAH! Play is the key to speech and language therapy when working with children and teens on developing new language skills. SORRY for this child the game of SORRY by Hasbro provided him with the motivation to work on the articulation of the /s/. Finally, as he won the game […]
To change or not to change…
I love foreign accents. The lyrical sounds of different languages are beautiful to hear, but there are times when heavy accents interfere with effective communication. I once took a class and I could not understand the professor. It was hard, and it was difficult for every person in that room. In high pressured business or […]
Meemee…
“Meemeemaamouseamusemafieforfie.” Yup, I’m confused, and worried. Where am I supposed to meet that bus. My daughter, looks up at me with worry in her eyes and asks, what will happen if the bus leaves NYC without us. I call the tour guide 3 more times. I do not want to be left. I see Grand […]
Is this normal at 3?
Three year toddler speaking in sentences, but his grandparents and your friends have a difficult time understanding him. Does he have a speech disorder? Does he need speech therapy. How do you decide whether to treat or not? First, what sounds does he have in words, phrases, and sentences? At three he should have the […]
What might I learn in an accent modification program?
-Taught to form the English sounds using SAE (idealized) -Taught the prosody and rhythm of English language -Learn to reduce speech rate -Learn to control air flow and breathing Ex.) I went to a program given by someone who was a native Chinese speaker and his “h” was heavily influenced by his primary language For […]
Did you tell me to get rid of my accent?
I’m not saying to get rid of your accent. An accent is not a disorder; it is a normal speech pattern. The muscular pattern that was established with the first language influences other acquired languages. A speech pattern is a muscular pattern like walking; we all have a set way that we form our sounds […]
What makes a good public speaker?
Vocal quality is impacted by good breath support. Have you ever heard someone speak who has short choppy phrasing or like a leaking balloon? Taking an adequate breath before speaking and remembering to breathe regularly will help improve vocal tone and allow increased volume.