Tongue and Speech: Perception, Posture, and Performance
- SpeechAppeal
- Sep 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 24
When people think about communication, speech usually takes centre stage. But behind the scenes, another superstar is working tirelessly: the tongue.
This muscular organ is central to speech, voice production, articulation, resonance, and even swallowing. Yet despite its importance, the tongue is often misunderstood. In this article, we’ll debunk common myths, explore how tongue posture affects speech and singing, and share evidence-based insights from the world of speech-language pathology.
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Myths About the Tongue – Debunked
• “The tongue is the strongest muscle in the body.”
Not quite. The tongue isn’t a single muscle; it’s a group of eight paired muscles (four intrinsic inside the tongue, and four extrinsic attaching from outside). This system makes it one of the most agile, not the strongest.
• “A big tongue causes speech problems.”
Size alone isn’t the issue. Mobility, coordination, and placement are far more important. Both large and small tongues can support clear speech when they move efficiently.
• “The tongue should always be relaxed and flat.”
Tension can interfere with clarity, but a completely flat tongue won’t help either. Good communication relies on a dynamic range of motion: lifting, arching, narrowing, and gliding to shape precise sounds.
• “The tongue only affects consonants.”
Not true! The tongue also shapes vowels, resonance, and overall vocal quality. Try sticking out your tongue while gently touching your throat, you’ll feel your larynx (or voice box) rise. That’s how closely tongue movement and laryngeal function are linked.
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Perception: Getting to Know Your Tongue
Before improving tongue function, you need to understand it. At SpeechAppeal, we guide clients to build awareness of this “hidden powerhouse”:
• Where it lives: About two-thirds of your tongue sits deeper than what you can see in the mirror, stretching into the oral cavity and throat.
• What it does: Beyond speech sounds, the tongue constantly adjusts resonance and supports clear, effortless communication.
• How it feels: Subtle awareness of tongue movement can speed up progress in articulation therapy, fluency work, or singing voice training.
By bringing curiosity to tongue perception, you gain insight into the symmetry, strength, and adaptability that support your voice.
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Posture: Finding the Right Position
Just like body posture supports the spine, tongue posture supports clarity and vocal health. Research shows that placement affects:
• Articulation and intelligibility – refining placement helps in accent modification or lisp therapy.
• Resonance and tone quality – singers, actors, and public speakers rely on optimal posture for richness and projection.
• Ease of speech – efficient posture can reduce tension and help individuals who stutter or experience muscle fatigue.
Even small adjustments in tongue posture can free up space in the vocal tract, reduce strain, and create a more natural sound.
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Tongue and Speech: Unlocking Your Best Communication
When perception and posture are in place, the tongue becomes a powerful tool for performance and expression. Whether you’re speaking at work, connecting with friends, or performing on stage, a flexible tongue supports:
• Clear, expressive speech
• Resonance that lasts without fatigue
• Confidence in blending speaking and singing techniques
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Gender-Affirming Voice Insight
Tongue adjustments can also play a key role in gender-affirming voice training. Research shows that subtle shifts in tongue posture influence resonance and perceived pitch.
• Forward tongue carriage or slight tongue lift can brighten resonance for a more traditionally “feminine” quality.
• Lowering the tongue can create a darker, richer timbre.
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Putting It All Together
The tongue isn’t just an accessory to speech, it’s a vital part of your voice, articulation, and overall expression. By learning to perceive its movements, align its posture, and enhance its performance, you gain access to a more confident, comfortable, and vibrant way of communicating.
Curious how your tongue might be helping (or holding back) your communication?
Book a session with one of our Speech-Language Pathologists and explore how this often-overlooked muscle group can support your goals in speech, singing, or gender-affirming voice work.
References
• Nair, A. (2021). The tongue as a gateway to voice, resonance, style, and intelligibility. Plural Publishing.
• Kim, W. J., Choi, J. B., Park, J. S., & Lee, S. H. (2017). The effects of tongue stretching exercise on tongue length in healthy adults: a preliminary study. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29(11), 1929–1930.
• Sanders, I., Mu, L., Amirali, A., Su, H., & Sobotka, St. (2013). Muscle fibers of the human tongue: The human tongue slows down to speak. Anatomical Record, 296(10), 1615–1627.
• Titze, I., & Verdolini-Abbott, K. (2012). Vocology: The science and practice of voice habilitation. National Center for Voice and Speech.
• Oates, J., et al. (2023). Gender-Affirming Voice Training for Trans Women. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 66(11), 3969–3984.
