Articulation 101: Manner (Part 1) - The HOW
Now let’s talk about airflow.
Some sounds stop the air. Some sounds stretch it out. Some sounds push it through your nose.
That’s called MANNER.
If this breaks down, you might hear:
• weak sounds
• air “leaking” where it shouldn’t
This is HUGE in dysarthria and Parkinson’s.
Let’s break it down! Follow along with our Articulation 101 series for more speech talk and educational content 😊
#slp #speechtherapy #speechlanguagepathologist #articulation #talking
When learning about articulation, specifically the manner of production, it's fascinating to realize how the control of airflow shapes the clarity of our speech. Manner refers to the way speech sounds are made by manipulating the airflow—whether by completely stopping it, allowing it to flow freely, or directing it through the nasal passages. For example, plosive sounds like "p" and "b" temporarily stop the airflow before releasing it, while fricatives like "s" create a continuous airflow constriction, producing a hissing sound. Nasal sounds like "m" or "n" allow air to pass through the nose. From a personal perspective, understanding these mechanisms has been instrumental when working with individuals experiencing speech difficulties such as dysarthria or Parkinson’s disease. In these conditions, the muscles controlling airflow may be weak or uncoordinated, leading to slurred or weak speech. I’ve noticed that focusing therapy sessions on strengthening control of airflow and practicing different manners of articulation can greatly improve speech intelligibility. Another important aspect of manner involves preventing air leakage where it shouldn't happen, such as during the production of certain consonants. Air leakage can cause distortions, making speech difficult to understand. Techniques like biofeedback and targeted breathing exercises help individuals gain better control over this airflow. If you’re interested in improving speech, or supporting someone who struggles with articulation, paying attention to 'how' sounds are made by controlling airflow is a great foundation. Following a series like Articulation 101 provides structured guidance on building these skills step-by-step. Whether you’re a speech therapist, student, or someone curious about speech science, understanding manner is key to unlocking clearer communication.
