synonym for give a speech

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• give speech

verb as in address

Strongest matches

Strong matches

• memorialize
• pontificate

Weak matches

• deliver speech
• deliver talk
• get on a soapbox
• take the floor

verb as in talk

• deliver a speech
• give a talk

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Example sentences.

It seemed as if her tongue could not give speech to the thoughts which crowded her brain.

He did not merely give speech to a pair of scissors, he gave character too.

The madmen were not heeded by the others; but allowed to totter about, and give speech to their incoherent mumblings!

The thought occurred to all three almost at the same instant of time; though Terence was the first to give speech to it.

Is either Herbert nor Cubina could trust themselves to give speech to it.

Related Words

Words related to give speech are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word give speech . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

verb as in speak to a formal gathering

verb as in address group

On this page you'll find 65 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to give speech, such as: call, discuss, talk, approach, bespeak, and discourse.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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Synonyms and antonyms of give a speech in English

Give a speech.

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Synonyms of speech

• as in language
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Thesaurus Definition of speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

• presentation
• declamation
• keynote speech
• keynote address
• mother tongue
• terminology
• colloquialism
• regionalism
• vernacularism
• provincialism

Phrases Containing speech

• figure of speech

Thesaurus Entries Near speech

Cite this entry.

“Speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speech. Accessed 14 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on speech

Nglish: Translation of speech for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of speech for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about speech

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Give a speech synonyms

What is another word for give a speech .

• make a speech
• pontificate
• deliver a speech
• give a talk
• deliver an address
• address an audience
• give a lecture

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Example sentences give a speech

Definition of 'speech' speech.

Definition of 'give' give

Cobuild collocations give a speech.

Browse alphabetically give a speech

• give a reason
• give a sense of
• give a speech
• give a talk
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Chris Pan wants to set the record straight about his Ohio State commencement speech

Chris Pan wants to clear the air.

He's seen the negative comments online about the speech he gave during Ohio State's spring commencement ceremony Sunday. He's read the headlines and Reddit threads, calling his address "cringe-worthy" and "the worst Ohio State commencement speech ever." He's heard plenty of conspiracy theories about him.

"Without a doubt, on one hand, it's been the hardest week of my life emotionally to see my name get dragged through the mud," Pan told The Dispatch Friday afternoon. "On the other hand, I've been getting messages from neighbors 15 years ago who read it, and were like, 'Dude, we're just sending you love.'"

Pan — a social entrepreneur, early Facebook employee and 1999 Ohio State graduate — said that misinformation has swarmed his address and his character this past week. But Pan said he wants to share his side of the story, behind the speech and backlash, to set the record straight.

Pan 'honored' to be chosen as commencement speaker

When Pan got an email from Ohio State President Ted Carter's office on March 8 with the subject line "Ohio State Special Invitation," he didn't even open it until the next day. It was a busy day, and he figured it might be for a class reunion or small event.

He reread the email and realized it was inviting him to be the featured speaker at spring commencement.

"I honestly didn't think it was a prank" Pan said. "I just didn't like realize because it was such a big deal. Like such a big honor."

Though the ask caught him off guard, he said he was honored to be selected. Pan had spoken at Ohio State multiple times before to small group workshops and honors college gatherings. Public speaking has been his "bread and butter" for the last decade, focusing mostly on emotional and spiritual wellness, trauma and meditation.

Pan started brainstorming ideas for the speech right away. He also used ayahuasca, a psychedelic liquid made from heating or boiling multiple psychoactive plants from South America, multiple times while drafting his speech.

Pan said he's used ayahuasca and psilocybin (also known as magic mushrooms) over the years "to connect me to truth." He added that he thinks there is "a huge misconception" that ayahuasca is harmful or addictive.

"You look at (people) like John Lennon, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, like these are all guys that regularly work with psychedelics, not for recreational but for healing and for creativity," Pan said.

Ohio State didn't give Pan feedback on his speech

Early on in his writing process, Pan said the only advice the university gave him was that a traditional speech would land better with a graduation audience than a non-traditional speech.

Pan said he tried to write a more traditional speech, but it didn't feel authentic to him.

"I just couldn't get myself to do it because that's just not who I am. I wouldn't be authentic," Pan said. "Like, "I'm so committed to impact, I'm so committed to helping people that I just I couldn't in good faith come and just do a traditional thing."

"I have to live by truth. I have to live with myself. And I couldn't live with myself if I didn't," he added.

Pan said he was willing to pass on being the commencement speaker if the university wasn't OK with his decision, but it wasn't a problem.

He did, however, seek feedback on his speech drafts from Ohio State students, parents and community members on social media.

"I did get a lot of feedback from parents and from students. I adjusted things," Pan said. "I took out the words 'Israel' and 'Palestine' and instead I said, 'Racism is not OK' and then I said 'Human collateral damage is not OK.' It's similar point, but it was broader, but (Ohio State) were not the ones that inspired that change."

Pan needed to submit his speech the Monday before commencement so the university could transcribe it for the livestream's closed captions. But after rehearsal on Friday, Pan said he thought he might be a little too non-traditional. He asked the university if he could adjust his speech once more but was told it was too late for major changes.

'Everything was great until I mentioned the word Bitcoin'

Come Sunday, Pan was clearheaded and excited to give his commencement address before 70,000 Ohio State graduates and their guests at Ohio Stadium.

But tragedy struck shortly after the ceremony began when a woman died by suicide at the stadium. Pan said he was told about the incident minutes before walking out with Carter and other administrators.

"My very specific instructions were to obviously keep that in mind, but just don't say anything," he said.

Pan said it was a difficult position and a devastating situation for everyone involved, "but at the same time, I had a job to do, the biggest job of my life. So I just had to deliver, like, I couldn't not deliver."

"You could feel the energy in the room and a section of students was very distraught," Pan continued. "It changes the energy in that in that stadium. So I think some of the backlash is maybe compounded by the fact that that tragedy happened as well."

Pan said he ad-libbed the beginning of his remarks to acknowledge the challenges and accomplishments Class of 2024. Many graduates at Sunday's commencement were high school seniors when COVID-19 shuttered their schools in March 2020 and canceled their high school graduations.

He then moved into a short sing-along to "What's Going On" by the 4 Non Blondes and before giving some scripted remarks. "My goal today is to share new perspectives that will lead you to financial, emotional and spiritual freedom," Pan said Sunday.

Pan discussed how money is one of Americans' biggest stressors right now and personal savings aren't able to keep up with inflation.

"I know this might feel polarizing, but I encourage you to keep an open mind," Pan said to the crowd. "Right now, I see Bitcoin as a very misunderstood asset class."

"Everything was great until I mentioned the word Bitcoin," Pan told The Dispatch on Friday. "I experienced being booed in front of 70,000 people, and that was definitely something that I'll never forget."

Pan said he is not "a Bitcoin bro driving a Lamborghini" and didn't begin getting interested in learning more about Bitcoin until February. He also said it is "pure coincidence" that he likes Bitcoin and Carter is on the board of TeraWulf, a zero-carbon Bitcoin mining company .

In an interview with The Dispatch Friday, Carter said he's been on the board of TeraWulf since November 2021, that he does not own any Bitcoin nor has he ever been paid in Bitcoin. His interest in the company has more to do with its ties to nuclear energy than cryptocurrency, Carter said.

"For those that are claiming that there's some sort of odd connection there, I'm just going to be very honest and upfront that it was completely random," Carter said. "One has nothing to do with the other and nor have I ever promoted nor will I ever."

Pan said he felt like the audience mistook his attempt to encourage young people to invest as an ad for Bitcoin.

"Bitcoin is interesting, but like I don't even care about Bitcoin," he said. "I'm just like, guys, investing is important. Being open-minded is important. Those are the real important things. And then obviously, connecting to your own spirit. Spirituality is really important."

Pan led the audience through a short meditation to find a word that describes their life's intention and shared some emotional remarks about peace.

"Pain causes hate and violence. Hurt people hurt people. Healed people help people," he said Sunday. "When we heal ourselves, we heal the world. World peace starts with inner peace."

He concluded with a final musical number, "This Little Light of Mine" written by Harry Dixon Loes. Pan said he stumbled into singing as a wellness practice after a difficult heartbreak. Daily singing has been a musical therapy for him, Pan said.

The backlash about singing at commencement, he said, fell flat for him.

"Didn't we just sing 'Carmen Ohio' at the end of this whole thing? Which book does it say like, 'Thou shalt not sing at a commencement speech'?" Pan said.

'Was it really that bad?'

Pan's speech was just one reason Ohio State's spring commencement was in the spotlight this week. Carter told The Dispatch in an interview Friday that he is taking feedback about the ceremony seriously.

"At the end of the day, it's my signature that goes on the invitation," Carter said. "So I own it."

"When it comes to commencement, speakers and anything that is that public facing, I commit to doing better," he added.

Despite the onslaught of negative comments about his speech, Pan said he's still received positive feedback as well.

One father of an Ohio State graduate messaged Pan on social media afterward to share that his whole family talked about the speech at dinner and shared the words they thought of during the meditation. He said it led to a wonderful multigenerational conversation about gratitude and empathy.

Another person messaged Pan to say, "This guy just summarized in 10 minutes what I've spent 20 years learning the hard way."

Pan said, at the very least, he hopes that those who listened to or read his speech can walk away with something positive, no matter how small.

"Was it really that bad? Was it really sad or offensive, or maybe, there was some goodness?" he said. "Yes, could I have done better? Absolutely. Could I have done something differently? Absolutely. But maybe like, there's actually some goodness. Maybe there's one if someone was able to get like one little nugget that helped them on their journey. It would make me like so happy. You know, that means mission accomplished."

Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Sign up for Extra Credit, her education newsletter,  here .

[email protected]

@sheridan120

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Chris Pan wants to set the record straight about his Ohio State commencement speech

How to Give an Award Acceptance Speech (With Examples)

• The Speaker Lab
• May 9, 2024

Table of Contents

If you’ve recently won an award — congratulations! There’s a good chance that a lot of hard work and blood, sweat, and tears went into the recognition you’re about to receive. Now, your biggest task is nailing the perfect award acceptance speed. After all, it’s important to show gratitude for the honor while also ensuring that your words will touch hearts and minds and hopefully inspire others to follow in your footsteps. But have no fear — we’re here to help.

From heartfelt gratitude to powerful storytelling, these examples showcase the key elements that make an acceptance speech unforgettable. No matter whether you’re leading a company, launching startups, writing books, teaching students, coaching teams, or giving advice as a consultant—there’s plenty for you to learn when it comes to crafting the perfect acceptance speech.

How to Give A Pitch-Perfect Award Acceptance Speech

Your award is a huge accomplishment that deserves to be celebrated. But before you start popping the champagne, there’s one more thing you need to do: prepare your acceptance speech.

While you could just say thanks and be done with it, doing so is a disservice to those who helped you get where you are. After all, an acceptance speech is so much more than just a simple thank you. It’s an opportunity to not just express your genuine gratitude, but also to acknowledge why the award is important and share the glory with those who helped you along the way.

Express Genuine Gratitude and Emotion

First and foremost, an acceptance speech is a chance to express your heartfelt appreciation for the honor you’ve received. This isn’t the time to be modest or downplay your achievements. Let your emotions shine through and show how much the award means to you.

Take a cue from Sandra Bullock’s acceptance speech at the 2010 Oscars. She was visibly moved as she thanked her mother, Helga B., along with all “the moms that take care of the babies and the children no matter where they come from.”

Acknowledge Why It Is Important

Beyond expressing gratitude, your acceptance speech should also acknowledge why the award is significant. What does it represent? Explain how the award is a reflection of your personal principles or highlights where you would like make changes professionally.

For example, when Malala Yousafzai accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, she used her acceptance speech to highlight the importance of education and the ongoing fight for women’s rights. “This award is not just for me,” she said. “It is for those forgotten children who want education. It is for those frightened children who want peace. It is for those voiceless children who want change.”

Share the Glory

Finally, a great acceptance speech shares the spotlight with those who helped make your success possible. This could be your family, your team, your mentors, or even your fans.

When Taylor Swift won Album of the Year at the 2016 Grammys, she made sure to thank her collaborators and supporters. “I want to thank the fans for the last ten years and the recording academy for giving us this unbelievable honor,” she said. “I want to thank all of my collaborators that you see on this stage.”

So as you’re crafting your own award acceptance speech, remember to express genuine gratitude, acknowledge the significance of the honor, and share the glory with those who helped you along the way. With these elements in place, you’ll deliver a speech that not only thanks the right people but inspires and uplifts your audience as well.

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Writing Your Acceptance Speech

You’ve just been honored with a prestigious award and now it’s time to give your acceptance speech. It’s crunch time to create a moment that sticks and sparks motivation in everyone. But where do you even begin?

Crafting an excellent award acceptance speech takes some planning and preparation. You want to strike the right tone, share a meaningful message, and of course, express your heartfelt gratitude. Let’s walk through crafting an acceptance speech that’ll definitely make a mark.

Brainstorm Ideas

Before you start jotting down your speech, take some time to reflect on what this award means to you. Why is it significant? What does it represent in terms of your journey, your values, or your aspirations? Brainstorm some key themes or stories you might want to touch on.

In addition, ask yourself: “What challenges did you overcome? Who helped you along the way? What lessons did you learn? What impact do you hope to make with this recognition?” Your answers to these questions will form the bulk of your acceptance speech.

Write Your Speech

With your brainstorming done, it’s time to start putting pen to paper. Begin with a strong opening line that will grab your audience’s attention. You might share a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or even a touch of humor.

As you write the body of your speech, keep in mind the time constraint you’re working with. Most acceptance speeches are fairly short, so you’ll need to be selective about what you include. Focus on a few key points or anecdotes that support your central theme.

Be Specific in Your Speech

When it comes to expressing your gratitude, it’s important to be specific. Don’t just rattle off a generic list of thank-yous. Take the time to acknowledge the individuals or organizations that have played a significant role in your success.

For example, in her Golden Globes acceptance speech , Oprah Winfrey specifically thanked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association as well as several other key individuals by name.

The Power of Storytelling in Your Acceptance Speech

One of the most effective ways to make your acceptance speech memorable is by incorporating storytelling. Share a personal anecdote or experience that relates to your journey or the significance of the award.

Again, consider Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Globes acceptance speech. In it, she opens with a story from her childhood, when she sat on the floor watching Sidney Poitier become the first African American to ever win a Golden Globe. As she states in her speech, “I have tried many, many times to explain what a moment like that means to a little girl…and it is not lost on me that at this moment, there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given this same award.” With the power of storytelling, Winfrey highlights the men and women who have sought truth and justice no matter the personal cost.

As you craft your award acceptance speech, remember to brainstorm ideas, be specific in your gratitude, and harness the power of storytelling. Remember, just like the acceptance speech examples we’ve looked at, your words have the power to touch hearts and spark change in those listening.

Preparing to Deliver Your Speech

You’ve written a fantastic award acceptance speech, filled with heartfelt gratitude and inspiring stories. Now, it’s showtime. However, public speaking can be nerve-wracking, even for the most seasoned professionals. That’s why the key to a successful speech delivery is preparation. You want to be confident, polished, and engaging when you step up to the podium. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your big moment.

Rehearsing Your Speech

One of the best ways to calm your nerves and boost your confidence is by practicing your speech beforehand. Read it out loud several times, paying attention to your pacing, tone, body language , and emphasis. Consider practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself so you can see and hear how you come across. In addition, grabbing a buddy or work pal to listen in can provide you feedback for improvement. Remember, the more familiar you are with your speech, the more natural and effortless it will feel when you deliver it for real.

Making Your Speech Memorable

When it comes to making your speech memorable, it’s all about connecting with your audience. Use eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures to engage them and convey your emotions.

You might also consider incorporating a memorable phrase or tagline that encapsulates your message. For example, in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, Martin Luther King, Jr. repeated the phrase “I have a dream” eight times, driving home his vision for a more just and equal society.

Respecting the Audience and the Clock

When delivering your acceptance speech, it’s important to be mindful of your audience and the time allotted. Express your gratitude sincerely, but avoid gushing or going overboard with your thank-yous. Similarly, respect the time limit you’ve been given. A short award acceptance speech is often more impactful than a long, rambling one. Aim to deliver your message concisely and powerfully, leaving your audience wanting more.

As you prepare to deliver your award acceptance speech, remember to rehearse thoroughly, focus on making it memorable, and respect your audience and the clock. With this game plan ready, stepping up to speak will feel a lot less daunting.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in an Acceptance Speech

As you’ve seen from the examples above, a great award acceptance speech has the power to move and inspire an audience. But what goes into crafting and delivering a truly impactful speech? Here are a few final tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your big moment.

General Guidelines

While it’s important to express your gratitude and share your story, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid in your acceptance speech:

• Don’t ramble or go off-topic. Stay focused on your central message.
• Avoid clichés or generic platitudes. Be specific and authentic in your language.
• Don’t forget to thank the important people, but keep your list of thank-yous concise.
• Avoid inside jokes or references that may not resonate with your entire audience.

By steering clear of these pitfalls, you’ll ensure that your speech is clear, meaningful, and memorable.

Avoid Going Overboard with Emotions in Your Speech

When that award is finally in your hands, feeling a rush of emotions isn’t just common; it’s expected. This is particularly true if the honor marks a major highlight in either your work or personal journey. However, it’s important to strike a balance between showing genuine emotion and maintaining your composure.

While a few tears or a quavering voice can be powerful, going overboard with your emotions may distract from your message or make your audience uncomfortable. Aim to express your feelings in a way that is authentic but still allows you to deliver your speech effectively.

Remember, your award acceptance speech is an opportunity to share your gratitude, your story, and your vision with the world. By avoiding common pitfalls and finding the right emotional balance, you’ll be able to deliver a speech that truly resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impact.

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Examples of Inspiring Award Acceptance Speeches

Need some inspiration as you craft your own award acceptance speech? Look no further than these powerful examples from some of the world’s most influential figures.

Literature Award Acceptance Speech Example

In his 1962 Nobel Prize acceptance speech , writer John Steinbeck used the opportunity to discuss the purpose of literature. He says, “[A writer] is charged with exposing our many grievous faults and failures, with dredging up to the light our dark and dangerous dreams for the purpose of improvement.”

Best Actress Award Acceptance Speech Example

When Emma Stone won the Oscar for Best Actress in 2024 ,  she used her speech to pay tribute to her fellow actors and the power of cinema. “It’s not about me,” she said. “It’s about a team that came together to make something better than the sum of its parts. And that’s the best part about making movies.”

Distinguished Service Award Acceptance Speech Example

In her acceptance speech for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award , Angelina Jolie spoke about the importance of giving back and making a difference in the world. “I have never understood why some people are lucky enough to be born with the chance that I had,” she said, “to have this path in life and why across the world, there’s a woman just like me, the same abilities, the same desires, same work ethic and love for her family, who would most likely make better films and better speeches—only she sits in a refugee camp.”

These are just a few examples of the many inspiring award acceptance speeches out there. When the spotlight hits you for advancing science, creating art masterpieces, or bettering lives, that moment is more than just applause—it’s a platform. Use it wisely; light a fire under others to follow suit and make waves of their own.

FAQs on Award Acceptance Speeches

What do you say in an acceptance speech.

Start by thanking the giver, mention key people who helped along the way, and highlight what this award means to you.

What is an example short award acceptance speech?

“Thank you to everyone who played a part in this award. This honor isn’t just mine; it belongs to all who stood by me. Let’s keep pushing forward.”

How do you format an acceptance speech?

Kick off with thanks, weave in personal stories or a nod to your team, then wrap up on a hopeful note.

What do you say when accepting an award at work?

Acknowledge the recognition with gratitude, shout out those who supported you, and express excitement for future challenges and opportunities.

Crafting an impactful acceptance speech is an art that requires genuine emotion, storytelling, and a touch of inspiration. Through these examples of amazing award acceptance speeches, we’ve shared some great tips on how to say thanks, share your story, and make an impact on your audience.

Remember, your big moment with that microphone isn’t just for saying thanks for the trophy. It’s also about shouting out those that helped you get there and inspiring anyone listening to follow their own path towards success. So, when it’s your turn to shine, make sure you give a speech that’ll stick in people’s minds for years.

• Last Updated: May 8, 2024

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A Month-By-Month Guide to Your Baby's First Words

A common question parents have is: When do babies start talking? We put together a month-by-month guide to your baby's speech development.

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You probably have plenty of questions about your child's developing speech skills . When do babies start talking? When can they understand what you say, and when will they start responding? Like every other baby milestone , there are ranges that are individual and unique to each child. Babies also begin developing their speech early on, with sounds, syllables, and noises that later turn into words. By the time your baby reaches their first birthday, they may begin saying simple words like "dada," "mama," or "bye."

We connected with experts to learn more about the various speech-related milestones, and what to look out for as your little one begins to express themselves with words.

Birth to 6 Months

Babies listen from day one. They learn to associate sounds with their sources, like barking with the family dog . Their first communication will be crying, but they'll soon start using their tongue, lips, and palate to make gurgles and long vowel sounds like "oo," "aa," and "ee"—precursors to those exciting first words.

What your baby can understand: Babies as young as 4 weeks can distinguish between similar syllables like "ma" and "na." Around 2 months, they begin to associate certain sounds with certain lip movements.

4 to 6 Months

Around 4 to 6 months, your baby's sighs will give way to babbling . You'll hear back-of-the-tongue consonant sounds, such as g and k , and lip sounds m, w, p , and b . Your baby will begin to focus on familiar words like their own name, or "mommy" and "daddy" as clues to help break up sentences.

What your baby can understand: At 4.5 months, they may recognize their name , but only as an important word, such as "Hi!" or "Bye!" It's not until 6 months, at the earliest, that they'll realize their name actually refers to them.

7 to 12 Months

Your child's babbling will begin to sound more like words. They'll intentionally repeat sounds (like "gaga") over and over. At about 9 months, they'll start to understand gestures, pointing and grunting to indicate their wants. At about 10 months, they'll gain more control and combine sounds, even using their own invented words.

So when do babies usually say their first word ? Around 12 months, according to experts. Common first words may be greetings ("hi" or "bye-bye") or they might be very concrete: people ("mama" or "dada"), pets ("doggy" or "kitty"), or food ("cookie," "juice," or "milk").

What your baby can understand: Your baby is slowly beginning to recognize and comprehend a few familiar words, such as names and everyday objects like "bottle" or "crib." Your baby will focus more on intonation, realizing that a sharp tone often means "No!" or "Stop!"

13 to 18 Months

As soon as your baby says that first word, they'll try for more. Vocabulary builds slowly at first , with just a few words per month. Kids seem to prefer nouns, then gradually add verbs and adjectives. They'll experiment with one-word questions, like "Cookie?" for "May I have a cookie?" and delight in saying "No!"

What your toddler can understand: Your baby should understand the first rudiments of grammar, such as the difference between "The dog bit the man" and "The man bit the dog." They should grasp simple one-step instructions ("Get the ball") and understand many more words than they can say.

19 to 24 Months

Though linguists aren't sure why, toddlers have a "language explosion" around 19 to 20 months. After several weeks of slow progress, they suddenly start learning words at a ferocious rate—as many as nine words each day!

This explosion of words often leads to the exhausting "Why?" stage. By the end of the second year, your toddler will be stringing two, or even four, words together in sentences. This is also an age of cute mistakes, as kids overextend and "under-extend" concepts. For instance, your child may learn that the round toy is a "ball," figure all round things must be balls and point to the full moon, and chirp, "Ball!"

What your toddler can understand: Your baby will slowly begin to understand the idea of verbs. Fully aware that you are their key to language, they will watch and listen to you, absorbing everything you say and do.

25 to 30 Months

During this time, your toddler is refining what they have learned so far. They'll add "When? What? Where?" to "Why?" And begin to add complex ideas, learning that "no" can mean "not" or "don't" or "it's all gone." Late in the year, they may begin to use more abstract verbs like "think" and "know." As your toddler gains control of the tip of their tongue while speaking, they begin to manage sounds like ph, th , and r .

What your toddler can understand: They will begin to understand tense, plurals, and suffixes such as "ing" and "ly." Soon, your child should be speaking in two-word sentences, such as "Drink milk" or "Play ball."

Things you can do to help: Rhyming games help build awareness of language sounds. If your child makes a mistake, repeat the sentence back correctly instead of drawing attention to the error. For instance, if they say, "I goed playground." You can say back, "You went to the playground? Great!"

What to watch: Kids' thoughts may go beyond their ability to form words. If stuttering, or some other problem like a lisp, concerns you, consult a health care provider.

By 3 years old , your toddler should convey whole thoughts by employing just a few words, like saying "Mommy no socks" for "Mommy isn't wearing any socks today." Later in the year, they'll speak in longer sentences, putting several thoughts together to tell a story in about 300 words.

What your toddler can understand: They should be able to follow a storyline and remember ideas from it. They'll also begin to enjoy nonsense phrases.

Things you can do to help: Read to your child from storybooks with more of a narrative. Kids need more assistance than we do for conversation. Take a look at their preschool class list, and start making stuff up. "Was Mary in school today?" Add something silly, like "Was she wearing that hat with the fruit on it again?"

4 to 5 Years

By this age, your child should be having extensive conversations with adults; using adjectives in detailed sentences; telling knock-knock jokes ; and asking questions with proper intonation. Before turning 6, they'll likely have an expressive vocabulary of around 2,500 words.

What your toddler can understand: About 14,000 words. They'll also be able to express complicated thoughts like fears and dreams, say "thank you", and use words to elicit reactions from others.

Things you can do to help: Don't criticize any missteps in articulation or speech. Instead, repeat your child's statements back to them with the correct pronunciation or word usage. Give them lots of praise for their efforts.

What to watch for: Too much screen time . The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children 2 and older view no more than two hours of quality programming per day. Kids need interaction and response to learn language. Most TV shows don't interact, and computer games aren't responsive to a child's ideas.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Speech and Language Milestones .

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