Fluency is commonly described as the smooth, continuous, and efficient flow of speech, marked by appropriate rhythm, rate, and effort. It reflects how easily speech is produced and how naturally words move from one to the next. Fluent communication allows thoughts to be expressed without unnecessary interruptions or struggle.
Ensuring Long-Term Fluency In Stuttering Management Read Post »
Effective communication doesn’t happen just by luck. There are several unspoken rules that we often unconsciously crave while in conversation. If during a conversation you’ve ever thought, “just get to the point”, “say what you mean” or “this could have been an email”, you’ve spotted these guidelines, or “maxims” at play.
Communicate with Purpose: Grice’s Conversational Maxims Read Post »
When a public figure exhibits a distinct manner of speaking, it often brings a rare moment of public awareness to voice disorders. In RFK Jr’s case, he has publicly stated that his voice issues are due to a condition called spasmodic dysphonia (SD). I thought it might be helpful to use this post to explain what that is and what we know about managing this complex neurological condition.
What’s with RFK Jr’s Voice? A Look at Spasmodic Dysphonia Read Post »
In recent years, lip fillers and Botox have become incredibly popular cosmetic procedures. Many people choose them to enhance facial symmetry, fullness, or a youthful look, especially around the lips, cheeks, or jawline. While these treatments are primarily cosmetic, they can sometimes influence how we move our mouth, form sounds, and even how clearly we speak.
Cosmetic Procedures and Speech Clarity Read Post »
Misarticulation refers to the difficulty or inability to produce speech sounds accurately. Proper speech requires precise coordination of the tongue, lips, jaw, and soft palate, each playing a key role in shaping sounds correctly.
Understanding Adult Misarticulation: Origins, symptoms, and Treatment Read Post »
You’re in the middle of a big presentation. Your throat feels tight, your voice cracks, and suddenly projecting your words feels harder than usual. Sound familiar? Stress, anxiety and nervousness don’t just live in your mind, they live in your body too. The success of communication, whether at work or in everyday life, is closely tied to your thoughts and emotions. This article outlines how stress can impact your voice and how to take back control.
How Stress Affects Your Voice Read Post »
Your voice is one of the most important tools you carry with you every day. How you speak, your tone, clarity, and pacing, directly affects how your voice is perceived. In this article, we’ll focus on what makes a voice sound professional, clear, confident, and credible.
Your Voice Matters: Developing a Clear, Confident, and Professional Sound Read Post »
Structured speaking frameworks can be very powerful. They give you a roadmap to follow so that your ideas can be expressed in a clear, step-by-step way. In this post, I’ll explain what each of these frameworks looks like, why they’re especially useful for adults with ADHD (or suspected ADHD), and how you can use them in your daily life to build confidence in your communication.
How Frameworks Can Help Organize Your Thoughts Read Post »
Communication is fundamental to human connection, shaping social structures, cultural identity, and interpersonal relationships. Before the 1900s, interaction relied primarily on oral traditions, handwritten letters, and community gatherings. These were deeply personal modes of exchange, requiring effort, presence, and intentionality. Oral storytelling and public speeches acted as the social glue of communities, ensuring language and cultural knowledge passed across generations.
Evolution Of Communication And Socialization In The Age Of Technology Read Post »
Have you ever said and truly meant the phrase, “thanks a lot, I’m fine, it’s okay” but the listener didn’t believe you? It’s likely not due to what you said, but rather how you said it. This article highlights how tone of voice plays a key role in communication and why we can’t rely solely on the words we use to fully and accurately express ourselves.
Overall Tone: When Words Aren’t Enough Read Post »
When people think about voice therapy, they often imagine exercises that train the voice directly. While that is certainly one approach, voice therapy can also involve working with the body itself to release tension. This can involve improving posture, and directly releasing muscle tension, to create the right conditions for the voice to function more freely.
Two Paths In Voice Therapy: Manual Voice Therapy and Resonance Read Post »
Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder is defined by difficulties with the pragmatic use of language. This means how context influences the meaning of what is being said, going beyond just listening to the words but taking in the whole picture to understand the intended message.
Social-Pragmatic Communication Disorder Read Post »
Neurogenic stuttering is an acquired fluency disorder that emerges after damage to the brain. It is linked to neurological events such as strokes, head injuries, or progressive diseases that interfere with the normal control of speech. Unlike developmental stuttering, where there is no confirmed cause, neurogenic stuttering is tied to specific structural or functional changes in the nervous system.
Neurogenic Stuttering Read Post »
If you’re reading this, you may be trying to figure out how to approach your coworker or partner or even your parents about a disagreement. As a society we’ve pushed the unproductive narrative that conflict is a bad thing and should be avoided. This article will address why avoidance happens, the negative impact of it and how to approach conflict with assertiveness and confidence.
Reframing Conflict As Collaboration Read Post »
Small talk is something that many people do not always feel comfortable with. Some may feel they do not know what to say or how to carry the conversation because it feels awkward. Others may feel the conversation is pointless and forced and do not try to put much effort into it. Even though it may feel this way sometimes, whether the conversation feels important or not, it is a window to building relationships and potentially even starting longer conversations.
How To Successfully Have Small Talk Read Post »
When most people think about their voice, they tend to focus on the sound that comes out of their mouth. They might notice the pitch of their voice, whether it is high or low. They might notice the loudness, whether they are speaking softly or projecting strongly. But there is another important quality of the voice that often goes unnoticed until something feels “off.” This quality is called vocal resonance.
What Is Vocal Resonance? Read Post »
Your accent is a reflection of your identity, culture and personal history and deserves to be respected and valued. In this article, you’ll learn what accent modification actually is, the ethics behind it and what success actually looks like.
Accent Vs. Identity Read Post »
Apraxia of speech involves inconsistent errors and difficulty coordinating the precise movements needed for speaking, even when the person knows exactly what they want to say. On the other hand, misarticulation leads to predictable, repeated mistakes in producing specific sounds. These differences matter because they require distinct approaches to assessment and therapy.
Understanding The Difference Between Apraxia Of Speech And Misarticulation Read Post »
Often I have clients telling me they feel like they have a lump in their throat or they are out of breath when speaking, and this is most often the cause of tension due to anxiety. But the good news is these voice symptoms that appear can be managed with the proper tools and techniques.
The Effect That Anxiety Can Have On The Voice Read Post »
When someone you love is working on their speech, whether it is their voice, fluency, articulation, or any other aspect of communication, it can be hard to know exactly how to help. You may feel unsure about what to say. You might even feel nervous about making things worse. That is totally understandable, since watching someone you care about go through a vulnerable process like speech therapy can bring up questions you did not expect to have.
How To Support A Loved One In Speech Therapy Read Post »
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts the brain’s normal function due to a sudden external force, often caused by accidents, falls, sports injuries, or assaults. Depending on the severity, TBI can range from a mild concussion to long-term impairment or coma. One of the most profound yet often overlooked consequences of TBI is its impact on speech and communication.
Traumatic Brain Injury And Speech Read Post »
Definitions, language and common beliefs around stuttering, albeit helpful at times, may also be harmful and limiting. This article aims to give voice to stuttering-inclusive and empowering language and challenge outdated notions and stigma surrounding fluency. This article is for anyone impacted by stuttering: individuals who stutter, their listeners, and the professionals who support them.
Stuttering, Redefined: From Fixing Speech To Honoring The Speaker Read Post »
Modifying your accent and achieving noticeable results is absolutely possible. While it may feel like a lengthy process, with motivation and consistent practice, meaningful changes can be made. If you’re looking to improve your accent to boost confidence or increase clarity, speech therapy can provide the tools and guidance to help you reach your goals.
How Long Does It Take To Modify An Accent? Read Post »
Breathing is something we do without thinking. Most adults take between 12-20 breaths per minute, which translates to over 20,000 times a day. But when we begin to pay attention to how we breathe, we can discover powerful tools for improving our voice and calming our nervous system.
Breath: Its Connection To The Voice & Easing Anxiety Read Post »
It is important to have good communication skills for building and maintaining relationships, participating in social and academic settings, and navigating professional environments. In social situations, communication involves more than vocabulary and sentence structure; it encompasses how language is used in context — how individuals initiate, maintain, and end interactions, interpret verbal and nonverbal cues, and adjust their communication based on the listener and setting.
Understanding Social Communication Read Post »
Just like they say ‘you can’t outrun a bad diet’, you also can’t outperform poor sleep. Your brain requires quality sleep to function optimally, for daily tasks such as: social and professional communication, learning, attention and memory. This article outlines the negative implications of an unrested brain on cognition and successful communication.
Sleep Well, Speak Well Read Post »
As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Well Said, I often work with adults who come in with voice concerns that affect their work, their confidence, and their quality of life. One therapy approach that many people find helpful is called Conversation Training Therapy, or CTT. It’s a newer method that’s gaining attention for being practical, efficient, and very much focused on real life. In this blog post, I would like to walk you through what CTT is, who it is for, how it works. My hope is that by the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how this type of therapy might help you find ease and confidence in your voice again.
A Guide To Conversation Training Therapy Read Post »
Neurological voice disorders are voice disorders that are caused due to any damage in the nervous system. This may affect the pitch, quality, volume of the voice and may also result in an increase in the vocal effort to produce speech. These disorders not only reduce a person’s ability to speak clearly but can also significantly affect their quality of life, self-esteem, and social interaction.
Neurological Voice Disorders – Causes, Types, Assessment, And Treatment Read Post »
If you think speech therapy is just for kids who stutter or can’t say their ‘R’ sound – you’re in good company. Despite their wide-reaching scope, skills and abilities, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs, Speech Therapists) are often misunderstood and misrepresented in healthcare and among the general public.
Not Just For Kids: How Speech Therapy Helps Adults Thrive Read Post »
Introduction Have you ever said something that someone completely misunderstood? You probably said all the “right” words—but how you said
The Power Of Emphasis: How It Clarifies Your Message Read Post »
A constant perspective I hear from bilingual individuals, particularly those whose first language isn’t English, is that they feel inferior. That having an accent and speaking another language puts them at a disadvantage for building connection, respect and growth as communicators both personally and professionally. This article will demonstrate why that is not true. It will demonstrate that you as a multilingual speaker are at an advantage – even when it doesn’t feel like it. In this article, the term bilingualism will be used to embody both multilingualism and bilingualism.
Bilingualism And The Better Brain Read Post »
Congenital hearing loss means hearing loss that is present at birth. This causes difficulties in speaking and in understanding speech. If not treated adequately, children with congenital hearing loss often have inadequate speech and language skills which might persist into adulthood.
Challenges In Verbal Communication In People With Congenital Hearing Loss Read Post »
As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Well Said, I sometimes work with clients on social communication skills, including the ability to recognize and interpret emotions. One of the most powerful tools we have for understanding how others feel is their facial expressions. The face is a window into emotions, and learning to read it can improve your relationships, communication, and empathy. In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to the work of Dr. Paul Ekman, a pioneer in the study of emotions and facial expressions.
Understanding Emotions Through Facial Expressions Read Post »
Apraxia is a neurological condition, where a person is unable to do a task intentionally, even though they do not have any muscle weakness or incoordination. Apraxia is caused due to damage in the areas of the brain that are responsible for motor planning and motor execution. Because of this, people with Apraxia find it difficult to perform a task when instructed.
Apraxia Of Speech In Adults – Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Read Post »
This article outlines the preliminary work and considerations for both the client and the SLP conducting the session. You have the right to feel fully supported and informed going into your first session and feel your SLP is prepared and on the same page.
Preparing for Speech-Language Therapy Read Post »
As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Well Said, I’ve had the privilege of working with many individuals who are navigating the journey of accent modification. Whether you’re learning English as a second language and are new to Canada, refining your pronunciation for professional reasons, or simply wanting to feel more confident in your speech, I want to start by saying this (as I say to all accent clients): No one should ever feel ashamed of their accent (every has one after all, no matter your linguistic background).
Understanding and Mastering English Vowel Sounds Read Post »
This article outlines the anatomy and physiology of the voice, vocal health and how to use your voice effectively to exude confidence and clarity.
Voice: A Tool Or Hindrance? Read Post »
Voice is generally characterized by pitch, volume and quality. Generally, an average voice often has an appropriate pitch, good quality and an adequate amount of volume. Rapid changes in these often result in an unstable voice.
Voice Breaks – Causes, Treatment, And Prevention Read Post »
I was an actor for many years (and, in fact, I still am from time to time). This means I have many old friends who are still working in the industry and rely on their voices to make a living.
Essential Vocal Care For Video Game Voice-Over Actors Read Post »
Relapse in stuttering means going back to the previous level of stuttering or sometimes to a higher level of stuttering after achieving a reduction in stuttering. It happens usually after the end of therapy sessions. Along with dysfluencies a person with stuttering might also experience other issues associated with stuttering like secondary behaviours, anxiety and a tendency to avoid speech and speaking situations.
Relapse In Stuttering: Causes, Signs, And Tips To Avoid It Read Post »
Lack of effective communication within and across your business or team may be what is holding you or your company back from reaching its full potential.
Workplace Communication Read Post »
This blog post was inspired by a recent session I had with a client who wanted to spend a session figuring out how to best navigate an upcoming holiday work party they were attending the following week. I realized that many of the tips I used for general networking were easily applicable to the annual holiday party, which in some instances may be the only chance you get to interact with colleagues in a different context and manner.
Navigating Holiday Work Parties: A Guide Read Post »
Although disfluencies and dysfluencies are similar, there are certain differences between them. In this article we will read about disfluencies, dysfluencies and the differences between them.
Disfluencies Vs. Dysfluencies – Types, Causes And Differences Between Them Read Post »
This article will aim to address supports, education and strategies for the lived experience of adult Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Further articles on this topic and within this series are available through WellSaid’s blog.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspectives From A Neurodiversity-Affirming SLP Part 2 Read Post »
Building a space that affirms all gender identities not only enhances our therapeutic work but also ensures that all clients feel respected, seen, and understood. Here’s a look at how SLPs and clients of SLPs can make our practices more gender-inclusive.
Creating A Gender-Inclusive Environment: A Guide For SLPs And Clients Read Post »
Stuttering or stammering is a fluency disorder where there are repetitions, blocks; prolongations during speech. In this article, we will go through how stuttering was perceived and treated during different eras and periods.
The History Of Stuttering: An Overview Read Post »
This article series will aim to address the adult experience of living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and its impact on social and professional interactions, communication, learning, and behavior. Further articles in this series will outline accommodations and supports available through WELL SAID.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspectives From A Neurodiversity-Affirming SLP Part 1 Read Post »
In this article, we’ll explore how self-disclosure can be effectively utilized in both workplace and personal contexts, its benefits, and some best practices to ensure it enhances rather than hinders communication.
Power Of Self-Disclosure: Enhance Communication In The Workplace And Personal Life Read Post »
Understanding consonants is essential to improving speech clarity, especially if you’re working on specific speech goals in therapy. In this blog post, I’ll explain the different types of consonants we produce in English and why knowing about them can help you, whether you’re an adult refining articulation errors, working on an accent or just trying to speak more clearly.
What Kinds Of Speech Sounds Do We Make In English? Understanding Consonants Read Post »
Pitch is a component of voice that determines how high or low it sounds. It is an important feature that determines a voice. Generally, a feminine voice has a higher pitch and a masculine voice has a lower pitch. The pitch of a voice is determined by a number of factors which are: the size of the vocal folds, the size of the larynx, the muscles of the larynx and the number of times vocal folds vibrate while producing voice.
Pitch Related Voice Disorders – Causes And Treatment Read Post »
In this article, Part 3, we will investigate direct ways ADHD may impact communication, strategies to reduce these challenges and how a Speech-Language Pathologist can support you.
ADHD: Perspectives From A Neurodiversity-Affirming SLP – Part 3 Read Post »
In today’s fast-paced office environment, effective communication is crucial for success. Whether you’re crafting an email, giving a presentation, or participating in a meeting, the words you choose can significantly impact how your message is received. Professional phrases—those carefully constructed expressions that convey clarity, respect, and professionalism play a vital role in workplace communication.
The Power Of Professional Phrases In The Workplace Read Post »
When most people think of speech, they often consider the words we use, the meaning behind them, and how they help us connect with others. However, speech is more than just language; it’s a complex motor activity. Whether a client is looking to work on their fluency, enunciation, voice, accent, or articulation, it is important to remember that how we sound is, at least in part, a result of a motor process and the motor pathways that are activated when we speak.
Finding Your Flow In Speech Therapy: How Everything Works Together Read Post »
Fluency disorder can be defined as “an interruption in the flow of speaking characterized by atypical rate, rhythm and disfluencies (eg. Repetitions of sounds, syllables, words and phrases; sound prolongations and blocks), which may also be accompanied by excessive tension, speaking avoidance, struggle behaviours and secondary mannerisms” (ASHA, 1993).
Devices Used To Reduce Stuttering And Their Effectiveness Read Post »
This article will navigate through a possible day experienced by someone with ADHD. Throughout the excerpt you’ll learn about the specific personal challenges and barriers to communication as well as evidence-based education to provide rationale for why and where ADHD behaviors show up in life.
ADHD: Perspectives From A Neurodiversity-Affirming SLP – Part 2 Read Post »
In a setting where collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving are vital, mastering conversation skills can significantly enhance your career prospects and workplace environment. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of conversation skills, their impact on the workplace, and practical tips to refine your ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and clients.
Making Conversation In The Workplace Read Post »
When most people think of speech, they often consider the words we use, the meaning behind them, and how they help us connect with others. However, speech is more than just language; it’s a complex motor activity. Whether a client is looking to work on their fluency, enunciation, voice, accent, or articulation, it is important to remember that how we sound is, at least in part, a result of a motor process and the motor pathways that are activated when we speak.
Speech As A Motor Activity Read Post »
Professional communication skills, in simple terms, are the communication skills that are necessary in professional situations. These skills are important to grow and to maintain a person’s career. In this article, we will be discussing examples and the importance of some basic professional communication skills that are required in general.
Professional Communication Skills – Examples And Their Importance Read Post »
Within the framework of speech therapy, the integration of ADHD coaching plays a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of the sessions. In this article, I will discuss how this support is specific to speech therapy as well as my personal experiences in my work.
How ADHD Coaching Can Be Used In Speech Therapy Sessions Read Post »
ADHD, also referred to as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a neuro-developmental condition which has been a more recent buzzword across various social media platforms and social conversations, the last couple of years. This article aims to educate, clarify and evoke reflection of personal bias and ableist behaviours, as well as address ways ADHD can be limiting.
ADHD: Perspectives From A Neurodiversity-Affirming SLP – Part 1 Read Post »
The technique of straw phonation has gained considerable attention for its effectiveness and simplicity. This technique is part of a broader category known as Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract (SOVT) exercises. Both speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and vocal coaches use the technique to help clients improve resonance and vocal health.
The Power Of Straw Phonation: Exploring SOVT Exercises Read Post »
Although fluency disorder is commonly known as a disruption in speech fluency. There are various types and they can be classified into different types based on the type of fluency disruption. There are different ways a fluency disorder can be classified. In this article, we will be focusing on the classification of fluency disorder based on the type of disruptions in the flow of speech.
Fluency Disorders – Types, Causes And Symptoms Read Post »
In this article, we’ll discuss various presentation styles, their characteristics, and tips on how to master them. This article will focus on formal presentations (often with slides or some other visual aid) to an audience virtually or in-person.
Exploring Effective Presentation Styles Read Post »
A collaborative approach focuses on bringing different professionals together from diverse backgrounds to achieve a common goal. In consideration of a clinical healthcare setting, a collaborative team is a group of unique healthcare professionals from various fields that support a client’s care and plan (Taberna et al., 2020).
What to Expect: Initial Consultation Read Post »
Stage fright, or performance anxiety, is a common phenomenon experienced by many individuals when speaking or performing in front of an audience. As speech-language pathologists(SLPs) at Well Said, we can play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome anxiety and develop confidence in their communication skills. In this blog post, we’ll explore stage fright from an SLP perspective and discuss strategies to overcome it.
Overcoming Stage Fright: Insights from Speech-Language Pathology Read Post »
With summer upon us, it’s an ideal time to explore strategies for continuing our professional goals even with the well-needed vacations and relaxation. In this post, I’ll delve into some evidence-based approaches to help you make the most of your summer while continuing self-improvement.
How To Continue Professional Communication Goals In The Summer Read Post »
Speech-language therapy can support a diverse set of skills for anyone, across the lifespan. The following article will outline the basics of speech and language therapy, areas and methods of intervention and signs or symptoms that may prompt a speech-language therapy visit.
Speech-Language Therapy: Areas of Service Read Post »
The meaning of resonance in physics, in very simple terms, is the maximum vibration of a body due to an external force. The resonance in voice is called vocal resonance. The characteristics of voice changes based on the changes in resonances in resonating cavities. We will further discuss the various resonance cavities and their effects on voice.
Understanding Resonance And How It Shapes The Voice Read Post »
We all use our voices as we navigate our day-to-day lives, but some of us use them more than others. I usually refer to these folks as ‘professional voice users’ or ‘heavy voice users’. Just as an elite athlete needs to take care of their muscles, a heavy voice user needs to pay special attention to the care of their voice.
Hydration And Harmony: How Drinking Water Benefits Your Voice Read Post »
Part 1 of this series reviewed what artificial intelligence (AI) is and a broad overview of its role in speech and language therapy. This entry will focus on how specific populations can optimize on AI and how AI can be incorporated throughout the client life-cycle. To note, here at WELL SAID,we do not offer a specific artificial intelligence program such as Jessica. However, we do intentionally aim to optimize on the artificial intelligence systems that you may already be interacting with on a daily basis.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Speech Therapy: Part 2 Read Post »
