Instructions Single words This is an extension of the exercises introduced in Yawn-sigh into Vowels and Limbering on ‘h’. To begin with, have the clients produce each word as if following the yawn-sigh exercise, i.e. Have clients take in a deep, relaxed breath using the abdominal technique, yawning if necessary. Have them gently expel the […]

Instructions This exercise is similar to Limbering on /h/. This time, however, all sounds (/m/ and vowels) are voiced. A right way to hum Before beginning this exercise, it is important to explain that there is a ‘right way to hum’ and a ‘wrong way to hum’. The ‘wrong way’ can be described as a […]

Instructions This is a standard precursory exercise for introducing the concept of easy onset. Identifying vibrations of the vocal cords You have already introduced the clients to the vowels. If you have not already done so, ask them to place a hand on their voice box and say the sound /ɑ/ (ah) for a few […]

Instructions The focus of this ‘yawn-sigh’ exercise is to help clients phonate without deliberately forcing or pushing the voice. Clients should be encouraged to identify for themselves the relaxed, easy phonation and the absence of any resistance or blocks to producing voice. They can be reminded that the vowels are ‘open’ sounds, i.e. there is […]

Instructions This is a reference sheet to remind the client what the vowels used in this second session, and in the third session, sound like. The vowels are represented orthographically for clients as follows. orthographic representation IPA symbol oo u oh oʊ[1] aw ɔ ah ɑ ay eɪ ee i   It is helpful to […]

Note All head and neck exercises should be carried out gently. If you experience any pain or discomfort when doing these exercises, stop immediately and consult your speech-language pathologist or physician. [These exercises are helpful in a number of speech-language therapy interventions, so they have been presented elsewhere on this website (see Head and Neck […]