Articulation 101: PLACE, Part 2 🗣️

When working on speech articulation, understanding the precise place where the tongue needs to be can make a significant difference. From my experience as a speech language pathologist, I’ve seen many clients struggle simply because the tongue isn’t touching the right spots in the mouth. It might seem minor, but these small corrections—like lifting the tongue or placing it right behind the teeth—can completely transform how a sound is produced. One effective technique involves breaking down the instructions into simple, actionable cues such as “put your tongue here” or “touch behind your teeth.” Children and adults alike respond well to these tangible directions because they provide a clear target for their tongue. Training the location consistently helps develop muscle memory that leads to automatic, clear pronunciation. In addition, it’s helpful to combine these placement cues with visual aids or mirrors during therapy. This visual feedback enables the speaker to self-correct and better understand where their tongue should be. Over time, focusing on placement reduces the need for constant reminders and improves speaking confidence. I encourage anyone working on articulation, whether parents or therapists, to emphasize location during practice sessions. By targeting where the tongue touches first, we build a foundation that supports accurate sound production and overall speech clarity. This method has been a game changer for many clients, streamlining the path to better communication and helping avoid frustration caused by unclear speech. Remember, clarity in speech starts with the correct place of articulation—so training the tongue's location is crucial for achieving the best results.