Help with speech

[Dishwasher]

Im considering finding a way to improve my speech which can be unclear sometimes. I speak slowly and annunciate a lot which means sometimes people think Im foreign which can be embarrassing (not being rascist: I wouldnt mind if I actually was foreign). Perhaps speech therapy would help but perhaps also something else less direct like a public speeking course or drama school or something like that.
Has to be affordable for someone on minimum wage.
Anyone tried anything like this?

[AlleyCat]

I haven't tried it, but it could be worth a go. Personally I would feel more comfortable receiving coaching on an individual basis, rather than as part of a group, so I would look for someone who specialises in elocution (there are quite a lot of people around who offer this kind of tuition, as it's becoming quite popular with people who want to sound more professional). You should do a search online to see if you can find anyone in your area. Attending group drama sessions might be cheaper than having individual sessions with a speech coach, but I think I'd be too self conscious to practise my speaking skills in front of a group. If you find someone to coach you on an individual basis, it might be worth letting him or her know that you have dyspraxia.

[Tim G]

I know it probably wont work but have you tryed going to your GP about it and seeing if they can refer you to a speech thearpest on the NHS.
Have you also thought about what exactly is the cause of it - does your speech improve or get worse at certin times / doing a certin thing.

[Dishwasher]

Definately improves/gets worse at different times.
I think it could be more or less resolved with the right help.
Might ask the GP about speech therapy but nor really comfortable discussing my learning disabilities.

[Tim G]

The reason why i asked if it gets worse at diffrent times was to see if there was a link between certin situations and your speech.
I am sure with the right help it can be improved - I understand that your not comfatable disscussing your issues but if you want help then its somthing you need to do even though its uncomfatable for you to do.
Plan out what you want to say and achive before you go into the apoitment - this helps as you may be able to get across your point more clearly and can help you feel better about talking about it as you have a plan of what to say.