7 techniques to pronounce better

Speech is one of the fundamental capacities of the human being, and an aptitude that for thousands of years has shaped the way we live and interact. It is the most common and universal way of using language, and for this reason, it has allowed us to develop forms of abstract thought and the ability to establish complex social interactions in seconds in almost any multi-person situation.

But just as it happens with even the most characteristic physical and psychological traits of our species, there are individual differences to take into account. There are those who stand out for their extraordinary fluency in speaking, and there are also those who experience significant difficulties in this regard. But luckily, There are several ways to enhance the use of speech, and in this article we will focus on those that have to do with improving pronunciation.

• Related article: "The 10 basic communication skills"

Useful techniques to improve pronunciation

There are many possible reasons why a person may have difficulty trying to pronounce well when speaking (and speaking with the proper fluency and rhythm). In some cases these are small defects that do not represent symptoms of a disorder, and in others this phenomenon can be referred to as clinically relevant alterations; neurodevelopmental disorders, brain injuries and strokes, etc.

In any case, beyond the causes, in most cases significant progress can be made even among those with severe speech problems, as long as professional support is available. In fact, both speech therapy and psychotherapy take advantage of the extraordinary flexibility of the human brain (and the rest of the nervous system) when learning, for, through exercises, in training both the body and the mind in the correct pronunciation of the phonemes, the diction of the words, the way to spin the latter into sentences etc. These techniques designed to improve pronunciation are an example of this.

1. Sensory triangulation

Learning to pronounce better is, above all, a process of practice, a training. That is has more to do with perfecting our technique in a sport, than with studying a book. We must immerse ourselves in experiences of practice and fluency, and not so much of introspection and understanding of the language from a purely theoretical and intellectual level.

One of the best ways to achieve this is to repeat the pronunciation of phonemes and words, attending not only to one channel of information, but to two. This double path, which should normally be visual (reading lips in a series or movie, or in a person in front of us) and auditory, will allow us to reinforce and enrich our way of associating the concept of each of the phonemes with the muscles of our body that we must activate and coordinate to pronounce them. Starting from two reference points, it is easier to see where they converge, as happens in geometry.

2. Start with slow pronunciation

Keeping in mind our level of ability and conforming to it is essential to learn anything, and this includes the use of techniques to pronounce better. Therefore, it is important Do not demand the impossible (this will discourage us and lead us to throw in the towel) or repeat over and over again exercises that we always perform without any difficulty (They don't give us much).

Along these lines, it is useful to imagine an ascending difficulty curve that is always a little ahead of what We know what we can do at all times, to be always exposing ourselves to tasks that pose a challenge to us. And having pronunciation speed as a reference is usually a good way not to lose track of our progress.

Starting slowly, it will be easier to familiarize ourselves with the necessary chains of movements. to pronounce, as well as with its sonority, and to internalize each of the phonemes by separated. From there, it will be easier to progress trying to gain fluency in speech.

• You may be interested in: "The 5 main functions of speech therapists"

3. Recordings to detect frequent errors

Each person has unique errors when pronouncing. To adapt to our case, the most useful thing is to make recordings that allow us to recognize errors and patterns in our way of speaking. For example, in this way it will be easier to see to what extent fatigue is a factor that influences bad pronunciation, if we do not breathe well, if our jaw is too tight, etc.

4. Take into account the position of the tongue

One of the most useful measures to improve pronunciation, especially at the beginning, is take into account the position of the tongue in those phonemes that are difficult for us, and use a visual aid of that position while we try to pronounce it (in words and phrases, not just in isolation). This will help us to distinguish it from other similar phonemes and not to end up resorting to the latter.

5. Practice controlled breathing

Although it may not seem like it has much to do with it, learning to breathe well is essential to correct possible problems when pronouncing. And is that many times we misuse our lungs without realizing it. Properly taking advantage of the capacity of these organs will help us not end up forcing our speech to compensate for the lack of air.

6. Singing practice

Singing is a good way to gain fluency and command of the range of motion in all organs involved in speech, since the properties of music (rhythm, melody, nuances and harmony) act as "supports". Thus, much of the progress achieved through singing can be extended to normal speech.

7. Speech accompaniment through non-verbal language

Gesture and expression of ideas and feelings through posture they are also elements that act as a support when speaking. Taking them into account contributes to the mental state necessary to express oneself spontaneously through speech.

Bibliographic references:

• González Lajas, J.J. (2019). Language and communication disorders. In: AEPap (ed.). 2019 Pediatrics Update Congress. Madrid: Lúa Ediciones 3.0.
• Nelson, H.D.; Nygren P.; Walker, M.; Panoscha R. (2006). Screening for speech and language delay in preschool children: systematic evidence review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Pediatrics. 117 (2): e298-319.
• Richards, E. (2012). Communication and swallowing problems after stroke ". Nursing and Residential Care. 14 (6): pp. 282 - 286.