Question:
I really, really, really need help with the “R” sound — in the middle of a word mostly, but a little every where. I’m 14 and in school; I’m really nervous to speak any time I have to. What should I do? By the way my “R” sounds like “W.” Thank you so much.
Answer:
“R” is formed by raising the tip of the tongue toward, but not touching, the inside of the upper gums. If you get a “w” sound, that means you are rounding your lips to make the sound instead of using your tongue. Practice making the “r” with a big smile so that your lips will not round; keeping your tongue wide, raise the tip of it toward the gums of your top teeth. If these directions don’t help, see if the school guidance counselor can arrange for you to have a session with a speech therapist to work on it.