5 Simple Steps For Smooth Speech

“Smooth Speech” is also referred to as Fluency. It’s a term used in Speech Pathology that means smoothness or flow in which sounds, syllables, words, and phrases are joined together.  Speech fluency refers to the ability to speak smoothly and easily.  Here are five simple steps for smooth speech.

Be a good role model and Speak Slowly

Being a good role model is essential for many things in life, but it is imperative to follow this step to help someone improve fluency. This is particularly important if the person trying to improve fluency is your child.  Model the speech behavior you would like to see from your child, and they should follow your lead. Speaking slowly is a part of being a good role model. If you try to talk too quickly, your child will do the same, making it much more difficult for them to master smooth speech.

 Breathe naturally and Start Speaking Slowly

When speaking, you do not want to run out of energy or air, so be sure you breathe naturally and start off slowly. When you begin slowly, your vocal cords will be more relaxed, and in turn, you will be able to gradually start speaking with some more speed as your confidence grows.

  Practice public speaking and Be Aware of the Speech Patterns Around You

Public speaking is no small feat. For some people, it can seem overwhelming and stressful. You can start off small with public speaking in front of smaller groups. Knowing your topic can help with confidence in public speaking. The more you practice, the easier it will get, and the next thing you know, you will be speaking in front of larger groups, giving you even more experience and the ability to see the patterns of other people’s speech.  While out and about, pay close attention to how people speak around you. Listen for differences in speech patterns and rhythms, as this can help you gauge whether your speech fluency is good or if it might need some work.

 Articulate consonants, Sing, and Practice Regularly

Articulating particular letters can be one of the challenges of speech. Be sure when you are speaking to practice articulation of the consonants that are your biggest challenges, along with being sure to focus on differentiating your vowel sounds clearly. Practice singing in the shower, car, or wherever you are comfortable to improve voice utilization.  Singing is a massive benefit for smooth speech, as it can help you learn about using air, breath, and articulation. You can also learn to control the speed of your speech by singing. As you can see, all of this leads to practice.  Practicing always creates improvement, so be sure you practice as much as possible.

 Be patient 

Patience is critical in most situations. When it comes to speech, you cannot expect to learn to speak fluently and efficiently in a single day. Don’t set a timeline. Just go with the flow and give yourself or your child time to experiment and improve naturally over time.

 Improving Fluency   

Whether you are looking to improve yourself or help your child or another person to enhance fluency, these tips will be a considerable benefit. We are here to provide guidance for all different types of speech questions.  Like us on Facebook for regular suggestions; you can find other topics in our blogs here.