How to improve speech and language -

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Better speech requires good hearing -

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association (ASHA), around 5% of the world's population experience hearing loss.

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Speech difficulty -

Similarly, ASHA notes that the same percentage of the global population is also thought to experience problems with speech.

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Communication -

Communication plays a vital role in human life. It helps facilitate the exchange of information and knowledge, and develop relationships with others. Without it we cannot convey our thoughts, feelings, and needs. Indeed, ASHA believes the ability to communicate is a fundamental human right.

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Issues with hearing and speaking -

Not all of us, however, are natural communicators. Some people have issues communicating properly, problems such as an inability to hear correctly or to speak effectively. These deficiencies often manifest themselves at an early age, as do most learning difficulties. It is important therefore to identify any communication disorders such as speech problems, language problems, or voice difficulties as soon as possible.

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Auditory processing difficulties -

Auditory processing disorder (APD) is a hearing problem that affects about 3%–5% of school-aged children. They can't understand what they hear in the same way other kids do. This is because their ears and brain don't fully coordinate. Signs to look out for in afflicted youngsters include them not picking up nursery rhymes or song lyrics, appearing to be listening but not hearing, and finding it hard to express themselves.

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Speech disorders -

Speech disorders range from stuttering and verbal apraxia (impairment of motor skills that affect an individual's ability to form the sounds of speech correctly) to dysarthria, where the muscles you use for speech are weak or you have difficulty controlling them.

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Other speech disorders -

Articulation disorder is a condition that causes children to mispronounce certain sounds, such as S or R. A phonological disorder is a type of speech sound disorder that is used to describe children who do not follow the typical pattern of speech development, while Fragile X syndrome, an inherited genetic disorder, makes it difficult for a child to express themselves through speaking. Comprehensive speech therapy is required to address these impediments.

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How can parents help children with speech and language disorders? -

Parents of children with speech and language disorders are challenged as they try to help their child with school while also meeting their unique needs. Moms and dads must first consult with a speech-language pathologist to identify any physiological problems. They can then suggest special exercises you can do at home to address those specific causes, for example asking your child to read out loud to determine certain sounds, words, or letters they may have difficulties with.

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Widen your vocabulary -

In fact, reading a favorite book to your child and then having them read it back to you can provide excellent reinforcement. Reading also widens the vocabulary and stimulates the imagination.

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Dyslexia -

While on the subject of reading, it's worth noting that kids suffering from dyslexia⁠—a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying words and speech sounds⁠—requires specific and direct instruction in reading. A number of educational interventions and programs are available for children with dyslexia.

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Mouth and tongue exercises -

There are a number of repetitive mouth and tongue stretches children and adults alike can undertake to improve articulation. One simple exercise is to run your tongue in a full circle around your cheek walls and across the front of your top and bottom teeth. Another is to open your mouth as wide as you can, and touch the tip of your tongue to your upper teeth or to the front of the palate. There are numerous other examples uploaded to YouTube.

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Tongue twister -

Reading aloud tongue twisters can help perfect your pronunciation, whatever your language. Tongue twisters can also be extremely helpful for speech therapy. Here's an example in English:

She sells seashells on the seashore.

The shells she sells are seashells, I'm sure.

And if she sells seashells on the seashore,

Then I'm sure she sells seashore shells.

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Signs that you have a problem with hearing -

In order for anyone to indulge in or follow a conversation, understand a question, or identify a specific sound, you must first be able to hear properly. A common sign that you have a hearing problem is having to ask people to repeat themselves.

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Turning an ear -

Needing to turn your ear towards a sound to hear it is another obvious sign that you may be hard of hearing.

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Face to face -

If the only way to understand a conversation is to look directly towards the person you are speaking with, it probably means your hearing is diminished.

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Word for word -

Unless you're in an impossibly noisy environment, being unable to hear everything in a group conversation is another clear indicator that you may have issues with your hearing.

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Low fidelity -

Annoying for those watching with you perhaps, but if the only way to hear the television is to listen at a high volume, then your auditory senses are likely not tuned in properly.

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Earache -

Always get an earache or a ringing in your ears checked out. A cold, allergies, or infection can induce pain in the inner ear. Tinnitus is when you experience ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears.

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Audiologist -

If you're worried about the quality of your hearing, make an appointment to see an audiologist. These healthcare professionals evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss and other associated conditions.

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How to speak clearly -

The first step to speaking clearly is to be relaxed and confident. This can be achieved in part by using relaxation exercises as a way of "loosening up" the tension in your voice, for example.

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Using abdominal breathing for speech -

Breathing properly while speaking enhances the clarity of your words. The more air you use, the greater the depth and purity of pronunciation. To avoid running out of breath mid-sentence, include plenty of pauses in your conversation. This allows you to take a breath and offers a few seconds to gauge the listener's reaction.

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Voice of authority -

A crisp, clear speaking voice lends you a powerful executive presence. Delivering an eloquent, well-paced speech will always grab the attention of your audience. It's the trick of great orators.

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Be concise -

Less is often more, and that's true when speaking. Rather than embarking on a long-winded discourse, get the message or idea across by being concise. Use words carefully and imaginatively.

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Express yourself -

Gestures with the hands while speaking have long been a common human behavior and have become synonymous with certain cultures. Italian culture, for example, is widely claimed to be gesture-rich. And a 2020 University of Connecticut study revealed that gesticulating while talking actually makes your voice louder, as using limbs to accentuate verbal communications tend to alter the size and shape of the chest, thus amplifying the sound.

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Use a varied intonation pattern -

A drab, monotonous voice falls on deaf ears. That's why intonation is very important in communication, as it gives information beyond just the basic meaning of the words. By employing a varied intonation pattern, you can express an attitude or feeling about something, as well as impart grammatical information, for example distinguishing between a statement and a question.

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Use a full, resonant voice -

If you want to shout it from the top, use a full and resonant voice. Resonance amplifies sound. It also adjusts the 'color' and timbre of the voice by intensifying certain vocal qualities over others.

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Talking in a group -

Never underestimate the benefits of group discussion. Speaking as a member of a group encourages participation with a diverse exchange of information, views, and ideas. Furthermore, people often tackle more complex problems than they could on their own.

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Be more approachable -

You're more likely to be listened to if you adopt a more open and approachable persona. Equally, be sure to listen to what the other person is saying. A productive and amiable two-way conversation is of benefit to both, and can often be quite compelling.

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Eye contact -

Eye contact is important. Meeting the eyes of the person you're speaking with means you both have the attention of the other. It's another way of holding together a conversation. Just be sure not to stare.

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Holding a conversation -

Speaking of holding down a conversation, make sure you develop a wide range of interests, topics you can talk about at a drop of a hat.

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Mirror talk -

If you find yourself alone, why not face off in the mirror and chat back at the reflection? Seriously, this isn't as sad as it sounds. By doing so you get an idea of how you look while in conversation, the way your mouth and face move as well as your other body language. In fact, mirror talk encourages you to experiment with expansive vocabulary and new topics. 

Sources (ASHA) (Child Mind Institute) (Medical News Today) (International Dyslexia Association) (Daily Mail) 

See also: Vintage photographs of celebrities pictured in mirrors

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