Why Is My Speech Slurred – and Can Therapy Help?

Have people said you’re mumbling or hard to understand?
Do you feel like your words sound slow, unclear, or “slushy”?
Maybe you know what you want to say—but it just doesn’t sound right.

This can be scary and frustrating. You may even feel embarrassed talking to friends, family, or in public. But here’s the good news:

Slurred speech can improve.
And speech therapy can help you find your clear voice again.

What Does Slurred Speech Mean?

Slurred speech happens when the muscles used for talking are weak, slow, or hard to control.
This is called dysarthria. It affects how your lips, tongue, mouth, and voice work together.

You may notice:

• Speech that sounds quiet, slow, or mumbled

• Difficulty making certain sounds

• Trouble being understood, even when you're thinking clearly

• Your speech gets worse when you’re tired or upset

Sometimes, you sound fine to yourself, but others ask you to repeat things.

What Causes Slurred Speech?

Slurred speech is usually caused by a health condition that affects the brain or nerves. Common causes include:

• Stroke

• Parkinson’s disease

• Brain injury or trauma

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Motor neurone disease (MND)

• Some medications or muscle conditions

You might notice the problem straight away—or it may come on slowly over time.

Can Speech Therapy Help?

Yes—speech therapy can help many people with slurred speech.

A speech and language therapist (SLT) works with you to:

• Make your speech clearer and easier to understand

• Help you slow down and control your speech muscles

• Teach breathing and voice exercises

• Use visual or written supports if needed

• Boost your confidence when talking to others

Therapy is based on your goals. Maybe you want to order your own food again. Or talk on the phone. Or enjoy a family chat without being asked to repeat yourself. All of this is possible—with the right support.

What Does Therapy Look Like?

Here at our clinic in Glasgow, therapy is:

• 1-to-1 and tailored to you

• Flexible – home visits, online, or in-clinic

• Focused on real-life results (e.g. talking to your grandkids or attending appointments)

We take time to understand what matters most to you—and build therapy around that.

We’ve helped people go from mumbling and low confidence…
to laughing in conversations and being understood again.

You're Not Alone

Many adults feel ashamed or afraid when their speech changes. But it’s not your fault, and you’re not alone.

There is always something we can do to help.
Even if you’ve been told “it’s just part of the condition,” it doesn’t mean you should give up.

With the right support, your speech—and your confidence—can improve.

📞 Let’s Talk About What’s Possible

If you or someone you love has slurred speech, don’t wait.

👉 Book a free phone consultation today
We’ll listen, explain what therapy can do, and guide you through the next steps.