I'm looking for tips on pronouncing sounds that I have been struggling with. I lost over 1/3rd of the right side of my tongue, including the tip.

I don't have any problems with my speech volume. I do need to work on overly annunciating words as I used to not open my mouth a lot when I talked and I now need to. The main sounds that I am having difficulty with are "S" and "Z" and in some cases (depending on where it falls in a word) sounds like "T" and "CH" especially when they are linked with an "S"

I have a bit of a wheezing sound (similar to a lisp) when I try to pronounce these. I found that cheating and making these sounds on the roof of my mouth was easier than on my teeth, but my therapist told me to use my teeth (this is a bit awkward since I lost the tip of my tongue, and doesn't sound as clear but maybe will improve with more practice).

I haven't been able to find any useful information online. So far my husband and I keep track of words I have trouble with so I can practice them regularly. I teach college classes, give professional talks, and work with the public a lot so regaining as much of my speech as possible is very important for me and my career. Anyone have any tips that worked for them or links to other resources?

My therapist gave me some syllable charts and sentences to practice with, focusing on the letters I am having trouble with. She also has about three pages of exercises for me to focus on daily. When I do all of this combined it's like an active person going to the gym for an hour/hour and a half! I can actually work up a sweat!!! I am also vocalizing a lot of what I read right now. Like you, I deal with the public as well as 35-50 employees daily so I have to make this happen! I have used my therapist in the past so was very confident she could help me with this latest journey (As is my surgeon). I am already becoming understandable again, a long way to go but more confident in conversations now, even on the phone. Rest, hydrate, and practice, practice, practice. Push you therapist to push you! Best of luck and Prayers you continue to improve.

Thanks for the advice! Yes, the vocal exercises are very tiring for me as well, but I keep pushing myself. Not only do I get tired, but it can make the nerves in my tongue go crazy since I have a good bit of nerve damage still. I made myself give two 20 minute and one 40 minute professional presentations within the first 3 months after surgery to just make myself keep pushing and get through it and not let my fears get the best of me. I knew if I could get through it at my worst, then it would only get easier. Even still I find myself pretty self conscious about my speech since I am always aware of how difficult it is to talk now.

I am now stuck on this last bit. So far my speech therapist has only been verbally coaching me and I haven't gotten any take home charts or anything (I've asked, and I only see her when I see my oncologist which is only once every 3 months). I may have to schedule an additional appointment with her if I continue to be stuck.

Thanks again and best of luck to you as well as you continue to fight this too!

Talim 75, yes, if you can make it happen I would schedule a separate appointment. Ask for some additional direction and some "Physical documents" to work off of. Everything that is discussed or used at my appointments is copied, printed, and given to me. If you feel that you're making the effort and they aren't I would make a change. My Therapist is also a speech/swallowing pathologist who is an Associate Professor and department director, so I feel Blessed to have her. She challenges me..... a lot, and sometimes I wonder if I'm giving it my all (I guess that's what a good coach does). It's your life, your voice; if you aren't getting your "Bang for the Buck" so to speak, and improving, then make a change! Prayers & Best wishes!

Thank you very much. It seems like only my surgeon is looking out for me right now. I am looking to change all other doctor's to individuals who will take my recovery and health issues seriously. Thanks for the encouragement!