Speech exercises

[Pussycat1]

My speech is worse but I am on a 6 month waiting list to see speech therapist. What exercises have you been given that may help me while waiting?

Thanks

[BrettDarby]

Hey! Something I know about.

I did an online course, via Skype, it was an ad. in the Ataxia mag., looking for volunteers. I was keen to do it being conscious of my own speech issues.

The first exercise I did was 10 loud “Ah”s, holding it for as long as I could manage.

[Pussycat1 in reply to BrettDarby]

Thank you, it does help

[nigelrheath]

Hi Pussycat

I have downloaded voice warmup exercises from ‘tinternet.

These are largely tongue twisters, which you can do with family to make it fun.

I also found a app for my iPhone which is immediate feedback through my headphones or earplugs. This helps me to hear myself from outside my head, useful because my thoughts are always crystal clear, it’s only when I speak them they become slurred!

I have also bought another feedback device which is based on the Tomatis method for improving concentration and better hearing. This uses a small Mike and bone conduction to feedback my voice to me. I sometimes use this in groups, when the ambient noise makes it difficult for me to hear myself enough to control slurring. I have an agency for this so contact me if you want to know more.

Sometimes I use the app and the device at the same time for practice at speaking clearly.

Finally, when I remember I get a tune in my head and speak to the tune! I often finds this causes my words to rhyme. Although l’m no songbird this helps bring back some colour and tonality to my voice. It just requires some effort to keep remembering, though every time I do it improves my voice. The problem we ataxians face is one of cognitive overload as we can’t trust our once automatic processes because the cerebellum interferes. Like any muscle continuous practice makes this easier.

Don’t wait for outside help as the sooner you start the better.

Hope this helps. There’s more on my website

Ataxiafightback.wordpress.com

Nigel

[Pussycat1 in reply to nigelrheath]

Thank you, really useful info, I have poor hearing and 2 hearing aids, so headphones are not an option for me.

[Litty]

Unfortunately we are all so different but these are mine -

Avoid eating and talking, relax, talk very slowly and speak as much as you can, sing and copy the radio. My memory is hopeless so I recite days of week, months, nursery rhymes, songs. If you could whistle do and pretend to blow a candle.

Taping is a good trick.

Goodluck x

[Pussycat1 in reply to Litty]

thank you

[FFNick]

The only exercise my Speech Therapist suggested was to say the vowels.

[february]

I read outloud, as well as do the alphabet & numbers (count). I also do different sounds...,My best to you...,;o)

[Hidden]

A lot of vocal warm ups include enunciation exercises. You can find a lot on YouTube.

[Hidden]

I'm not a speech therapist, I have Ataxia. If I may suggest to you music, if theres a favorite song of yours you can sing while it plays it may help. Repeated words can probably change over time.