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If you're wondering if you have a speech impediment you are not alone. Speech impediment affects around 5% of the population in various degrees and forms.
Speaking confidently is not as easy as it seems, which is why many of us might be concerned about whether or not we have speech impediment. This speech impediment quiz is mainly aimed at adults, but can also be used for children as well.
Question 1: Do you stutter?
Stuttering is a very common speech impediment that is usually apparent in children between the ages of 2-7 years. It is often informed to be genetic and associated with the nervous system.
It is a condition that makes it difficult to speak fluently. This is because the brain fails to regulate the rate of speaking and movement of the mouth, tongue and vocal cords.
How to treat stuttering
This is a very common condition that can be treated by applying a few simple techniques that have been developed by experts to help people who have the speech impediment “stutter” speak normally.
Here are some treatment options:
- Speech therapy
- Use of electronic device to help reduce stuttering
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Question 2: Do you hesitate when speaking?
This speech impediment is usually associated with situations where a person is unsure of what to say. It is often related to a lack of confidence when speaking. This speech impediment is often observed during instances when a person is not sure of what to say, or when they are in a situation where they are expected to speak but are not sure of how to respond.
Many people experience a hesitation when they are under pressure, while others may experience it even when they are not under any pressure.
How to treat hesitation
This can be treated by identifying the underlying cause and providing a solution to the problem.
Question 3: Are you confused by words?
This speech impediment is quite common in people who have a low level of vocabulary or who have difficulty understanding the real meaning of a certain word.
This is because they are not able to relate the word in their mind with its actual meaning.
Treatment of word confusion
This is a common problem that can be treated by simply surrounding yourself with a group of people who know the meaning of a word and can correctly relate it to you. Alternatively, you can also read some books which are meant for people with low levels of vocabulary so that you can learn about the correct meaning of words and be able to use them in your speech.
Question 4: Do you lisp?
This is a speech impediment that is caused by a nervous breakdown. It causes the tongue to slip from its normal position which results in the lisping of words. This condition is mostly found in people who are very nervous while speaking which causes their tongue and lips to move abnormally while speaking.
How to treat lisping
Lisping can be treated by relaxing and knowing how to control nervousness while speaking. You can also try to speak slowly so that your tongue has enough time to move in a normal manner while speaking.
Make a list of words and sounds you have difficulty pronouncing and then practice saying them correctly. If you're not sure, ask a family member or friend for assistance. Use an online dictionary with sound bites or record yourself speaking to hear where you're going wrong.
Question 5: Do you strain yourself while speaking?
This speech impediment is mostly caused by a person who is very anxious while speaking. They are so concerned about how they will speak that they end up speaking in a very strained and breathy manner. This causes the person to be out of breath even while saying a simple sentence.
How to treat strenuous speech
This can be treated by relaxing and speaking at a normal pace. You can also try to avoid speaking in front of a large group of people as this can cause people to be very anxious.
Question 6: Do you sometimes drop consonants or vowels?
This is a very common speech impediment that is observed in people who have a low level of vocabulary and those who fail to understand the correct pronunciation of certain words.
It is often observed in kids who are learning to speak and pronounce new words. As they grow up and learn the correct pronunciation, they drop the consonants and vowels from certain words and speak them normally.
How to treat dropping of consonants or vowels
This can be treated by surrounding yourself with people who have a good level of vocabulary and can correct you when you pronounce a word incorrectly. You can also try to read books that are meant for kids so that you can learn the correct pronunciation of words.
Question 7: Do you repeat words or sentences?
This is a very common speech impediment that is observed in people who have a low level of vocabulary. They are not able to relate the word to its actual meaning, which causes them to use the word repetitively in their speech.
How to treat repetition of words or sentences
This can be treated by surrounding yourself with people who have a good level of vocabulary and who can correctly relate a word to its meaning. You can also try to read books that are meant for people with a low level of vocabulary so that you can learn the correct meaning of words and be able to use them in your speech.
How did you answer?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions you might have a speech impediment. Fear not, there is help. Speech therapy can be used successfully to treat any speech disorder in both children and adults.
Try our speech impediment quiz at the top of the page to learn more.