Practicing tongue twisters may improve your speech.

 

I’m no speech therapist. But I often see patients who need to be referred to one, which I’m happy to do.
The tongue is a big part of my job, and it’s an incredibly important part of all speech.

What exactly is a tongue-twister?

It’s defined as a sequence of words or sounds, typically of an alliterative kind, that are difficult to pronounce quickly and correctly.

In much the same way as physical therapy is to the body, tongue-twisters can be to our tongue and, with time and practice, can help improve our speech. Many actors and public figures have practiced these as part of their careers in acting and public speaking.

Here’s an article with an impressive number of tongue-twisters for all ages and skill levels. It even has some broken down by target letters like “r” and “s”, “l” and “th”. I found this a pretty fun, quick read.

Here is my personal favorite:

Six sick hicks nick six slick bricks with picks and sticks.

I love it not because of the twist, but because the thought of hicks attacking bricks with picks and sticks is hilarious.

 
 

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Teach & Learn, ThroatErin Shellenbergertongue twisters, speech practice, DIY, tongue, mouth, throat