Quickly find definitions for common speech conditions, disorders, and professional vocal techniques.
Welcome to the Speak for Joy Speech and Communication Glossary. This resource provides expert definitions for common speech disorders, vocal registers, and communication patterns. Whether you are seeking information for yourself, a loved one, or professional development, these brief explanations serve as a starting point for understanding speech health.
Tatiana Dunnett, MS, CCC-SLP is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist dedicated to helping adults find joy and confidence in their communication. With a focus on neurogenic disorders and professional vocal presence, Tatiana combines clinical expertise with a personalized, telehealth-first approach. Whether she is helping a client recover language after a stroke or coaching an executive to speak with greater authority, her goal is to bridge the gap between clinical science and human connection. Learn more about me here.
Registered to provide speech-language pathology services via telehealth in Florida.
Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to the brain—most commonly from a stroke or head injury—that impairs a person’s ability to speak, read, write, and understand others. It is important to note that aphasia affects communication, not intelligence.
Common Signs: Difficulty finding words, substituted words, or speaking in short/incomplete sentences.
Next Steps: For those in Florida, we provide specialized online aphasia therapy.
Glottal fry (also known as vocal fry) is the lowest vocal register, characterized by a low-pitched, creaky, or rattling sound produced by fluttering the vocal folds.
A Lateral Lisp (sometimes called a “slushy lisp”) occurs when airflow escapes over the sides of the tongue rather than through the center of the mouth during ‘s’ and ‘z’ sounds. This creates a wet or “slurping” sound quality.
Common Signs: A “slushy” sounding ‘s’, ‘z’, ‘sh’, or ‘ch’ sound.
Next Steps: Unlike developmental frontal lisps, lateral lisps are rarely outgrown and typically require targeted speech therapy to retrain tongue placement.
Palilalia is a complex speech disorder characterized by the involuntary repetition of one’s own words, phrases, or sentences. Unlike a typical stutter, palilalia involves repeating the entire word or phrase, often with increasing speed and decreasing volume (tachyphonia).
Common Signs: Repeating a word multiple times at the end of a sentence, speech that becomes faster and quieter as the thought progresses.
Next Steps: Palilalia is often managed through specialized therapy techniques focused on pacing and breath control. If you or a loved one are experiencing involuntary repetitions, specialized pacing strategies can help regain control. Book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss a personalized plan.
A Spoonerism is a speech error in which the speaker accidentally transposes the initial sounds or letters of two or more words. This often results in a humorous or nonsensical phrase (e.g., “The Lord is a loving shepherd” becoming “The Lord is a shoving leopard”).
Vocal Hygiene refers to the daily habits and behaviors used to maintain a healthy voice and prevent damage to the vocal folds. Just as we prioritize dental or physical hygiene, vocal hygiene is essential for anyone who relies on their voice for their profession.
Common Signs of Poor Vocal Hygiene: Chronic hoarseness, a “tired” voice at the end of the day, or frequent throat clearing.
Next Steps: Check out my guide on vocal hygiene for professional speakers to actionable tips to protect your voice.