Introduction
Breathing is an essential component of speech, as all speech sounds are vibrations that occur in air. The speech system stores air, pushes air through the vocal apparatus, and gives this stream of air patterns of vibrations, which we interpret as individual speech sounds. In order for these sounds to be properly produced, a constant stream of air is required.
Physiology
To initiate and sustain an air stream that can be used for speech, the following components must be used:
- The lungs, which provide storage for the air
- Muscles in the chest and abdomen, which drive air up through the windpipe
- The larynx, where the vocal folds are located, which vibrate with the air stream to produce speech sounds
- The vocal tract, which includes the tongue, soft palate, jaw and lips, are used to shape the vocal tract for different sounds
Users
The breathing exercise in iCanSpeak is designed to practice slow, deep, and full breaths, which are essential for fluent speech. The user can set the duration of their breaths (ex: 3 seconds in, hold for 3 seconds, 3 seconds out), and the number of times they would like to repeat this exercise.
Selection of time per cycle and number of cycles
Repetition of breathing exercise
This exercise is recommended as a 'warm up' before any speaking exercises are attempted.
Speech Language Pathologist
By assigning this exercise to begin each patient's daily routine, it will ensure that the patient is in the right 'frame of mind' when it comes to proper breathing technique.