Have you ever been told that you talk too fast or been asked to slow down your fast speech? In today’s fast-paced, busy, and often chaotic society, it is more and more common for individuals of all ages to have this communication problem. While speaking quickly is not a specific speech disorder and is not necessarily a problem in and of itself, some individuals speak so quickly that the clarity, diction, and coherency of their speech are affected, often inhibiting effective communication. While many people can slow down their pace of speech by simply paying attention to their rate while speaki ..read more

Breathing is a fundamental part of life as it provides our bodies with oxygen, rids us of waste such as carbon dioxide, and allows us to live. Not only is breathing essential to our survival, but it also plays a vital role in the process of speech production. Understanding the relationship between speech production and breathing is essential for effective communication. The role of breathing in speech is multi-faceted, as it aids and promotes a variety of elements essential for effective and clear speech. Speech therapists are experts when it comes to understanding the mechanics of speech and ..read more

Navigating the complicated landscape of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can highlight not only difficulties with focus and impulse control but also related communication challenges. Individuals with ADHD may have difficulties expressing themselves, maintaining attention in conversations, or regulating their speech patterns. Recognizing the connection between ADHD and communication issues is crucial to overcoming these challenges. One of the most common communication disorders related to ADHD is speech apraxia (also often apraxia of speech, acquired apraxia of speech, verbal apr ..read more

In a world that is increasingly interconnected through technology, the effects of loneliness and isolation loom larger than ever. Extended periods of isolation frequently lead to more than just emotional distress; they can also profoundly impair our capacity for effective communication. As we collectively navigate a landscape that is still marked by social distancing, remote work, and virtual interactions, the challenges of isolation on our communication skills and loneliness’s effects on speech can be difficult to ignore. But with many Americans struggling with communication challenges relati ..read more

Most of us have been told at one time or another to “stop mumbling!” when we were speaking. The truth is that everyone wants to be able to communicate clearly and be heard well by others. The goal of speaking, whether it involves a professional presentation, a social interaction, or another situation, is to captivate our audience and make an impact. For adults, clear communication skills don’t only affect what is said, but how it is said, and how others perceive us. Speech clarity and appropriate volume are among the most important factors when in a situation that requires speaking. Mumbling r ..read more

Cerebral Palsy refers to a group of disorders that affect the ability to move and maintain posture and balance. It is common for individuals with cerebral palsy to frequently have difficulties speaking and understanding language. Through the help and support of an experienced speech therapist, as well as the ongoing support of family members and care providers, individuals with cerebral palsy (also referred to as CP) can improve their communication skills and participate more meaningfully in the world. The goal of speech therapy for individuals with cerebral palsy is to help them improve a var ..read more

For many Americans, English is their second language. This means that they may have an accent when speaking English. Accents are an integral part of our individual identities, and many people are proud of their accents, as they are reflections of our unique identities and backgrounds. Accent modification is a form of speech therapy that focuses on reducing the prevalence of an accent in a non-native English speaker. For some individuals participating in accent modification, the goal may be to eliminate their accent and speak as a native English speaker would. For others, the goal is to reduce ..read more

Fluency shaping is a method of speech therapy treatment that aims to improve the speech of those who struggle with stuttering. While not all cases of stuttering are curable, many people see significant improvements in their speech when using fluency shaping for stuttering treatment. What is Fluency Shaping? Fluency shaping does not refer to a single technique or method but a series of techniques focusing on improving speech fluency. Speech fluency is defined as the ease with which an individual is able to produce sounds, syllables, words, phrases, and sentences in a smooth and fluid manner. Sp ..read more

What is a Cochlear Implant? A cochlear implant is a device that is used to help individuals with hearing loss effectively perceive sound. In most cases, cochlear implants are used to aid adults with moderate to severe hearing loss. It is common for the term “cochlear implant” to be abbreviated as “CI”. Cochlear implants require surgery as part of the device is implanted inside the inner ear, and the other part of the device is placed on the outside of the head. These two parts work together to help the individual be aware of sound; however, cochlear implants do not produce “normal” hearing. Co ..read more

When it comes to the development of speech and language skills in children, most 3-year-olds know a word for almost everything around them and should be able to combine those words to make short, simple sentences. Approximately 50 percent of their speech should also be understandable. When discussing developmental milestones, it is important to note that children master these skills at different stages and in varying order. Like most developmental milestones, speech and language milestones and skills have a wide range of what is considered normal development. While not all young children will ..read more