If you had an operation or radiotherapy to your lips, teeth, tongue, mouth, nose or throat area, your speech may be affected. You may have difficulty making specific sounds or saying certain words. Dryness can make your mouth and throat feel uncomfortable when having longer conversations.

For some people this may mean that you have difficulty making one or two specific sounds or saying some words. For others, sometimes it may be more severe. People may not be able to easily understand what you are trying to say.  If you have speech or voice changes, the following things may help:

• Do the exercises suggested by your Speech and Language Therapist. These can help you to strengthen and control the muscles used for speech and voice.
• Keep your throat healthy by not smoking and by drinking plenty of water (if safe to do so).
• If speech problems are caused by changes in your teeth or shape of your mouth, a restorative dentist may be able to help.

Here are some tips to help with communication when your speech is altered:

• Choose a quiet place without distractions or background noise.
• Sit directly in front of the person.
• Tell them you have difficulty with your speech, with a simple explanation this is as a result of your treatment.
• Sit up straight when speaking. This helps you breathe better.
• Speak slowly and carefully. Try to use short sentences and take a rest between them.
• Have a pen and paper with you so you can communicate by writing things down if you need to.

It can take time for you, your family and friends to adjust to your changed speech or voice. The reactions of strangers may be harder to get used to, but usually gets easier over time.