Cooing, laughing, babbling - the first three steps of a baby towards the world of speech. When the baby is 1 month old, she begins to respond to voice. When she is 3 months old, she begins to say, some simple letters or voices. After 120 days, she begins to laugh loudly. This stage is known as laughing. After 6 months, she begins to utter letters of alphabets without any meaning which is known as babbling. At 9th month, she begins to say two letter words like 'mama', 'papa' etc. But some kids start talking only slowly. If it takes too long, consult an expert doctor to check whether he has some defects.

IQ factor, hearing capacity, living environment and some defects of the bodyparts have a relationship with the speaking capability of the kid. Not having fluency in speech, not talking at early stages, not speaking even a single word or stammer are the common speech defects in children. A child learns to talkat least 1 or 2 meaningful words when he reaches one. When he turns 1.5 years old, he will be able to say 10-15 words. At the age of 2, she begins to say small phrases like, I come, you go etc. In addition to it, she tells her name and give answers to your questions. When she reaches 3 years, she begins to sing nursery rhymes. She begins to tell stories when she turns 4. At the age of 5,she begins to ask doubts. It may not be same for all kids. There are many kids who start talking after 2 years or 3. World famous scientist Einstein started to speak only after his 4th birthday. But it is seen that girls talk earlier than boys.
There is a deep relation between mother's love and kid's ability to talk. According to studies, those who don't get mother's love may begin to start talking lately. Same is the case of those kids who are not getting enough opportunity to mingle with elders. If parents are able to provide better conditions and environment for their kids to interact with elders, they will definitely develop their speaking capability earlier.

Main reasons for speech defects

• Hearing defects.
• Autism, Cerebral parse, Down’s syndrome etc.
• Mental problems.
• Hereditary inclined problems.
• Due to defects of brain, the inability to communicate ideas or understand questions.
• Defects in those muscles which help to speak.
• Slow brain development.
• Defects in the arrangement of teeth in the row.

Language defects can be known

• If your kid doesn't say even a single letter when he turns one or can't say even a single word at 1.5 years or at 2 years, he doesn't even utter small words check whether if he has hearing defects. You should test him even when he hasn't start sentences at 3 years old.
• If a 3 year old kid hasn't started letters, 'ka', 'pa' etc.
• Instead of answering your questions, if he asks you questions in return. This is known as echolalia in the kids with autism. They may talk alone.
• If he forgets already started word, this may be due to defects of brain. He may even stop speaking after he has actually started in good way.
• If he tries to communicate through gestures rather than words.

What to do?

If you find that your kid has speech impediment, give him speech and language therapy as early as possible because earlier you give, more efficient the treatment would be. It should be started before he becomes 5 years old. Speech therapy is given according to the age, intelligence, brain development and defects. Speech therapy is very effective in kids having Down's syndrome.
It is good to teach them learning lip movements while talking. Showing pictures and asking their names is also very effective. Let him play with kids of his age. It will really improve both his communication skill and brain development.  
He should be send to school of normal children. Then only he develops his speaking abilities. Those kids who can't pronounce words correctly or can't speak fluently, teach them repeatedly till they correct their mistakes. Never use short words for difficult ones while teaching them. If so, he will never try to use the word correctly. You should teach him names of objects correctly. Speak to him as much as possible. Spend some time for him. If you are able to make him sit in your lap and talk to him with love and care, slowly he begins to learn many new words. You can also talk to him as if he is an elder person. Surely, he will listen to you.

While doing a work at kitchen, it is not difficult for the mother to introduce him each and every kitchen appliances with its uses and how she makes each dishes. By doing this not only you are interacting with him by teaching new words but also developing his brain by making him acquaintance with your practical activities in kitchen. It also helps him to co-ordinate things and activities better. While you are slicing a potato, you can tell, "Look, this is a potato. I am going to slice it with a knife". Say these words slowly and clearly. Also, if you are able to do it with some action like, while saying potato or knife, you can show them. He will easy co-ordinate between words and objects. If he tries to speak, encourage him by saying, "Good boy", "Smart girl" etc. It will surely prompt him to speak. You can correct his mistakes by repeatedly telling him.
If your kid has stammer, don't ridicule or criticize him. Give him enough courage to talk to his parents and teachers. If not corrected yet, he should be given speech therapy. Stammer is most common in boys than girls. Some kids may not be able to speak clearly or fluently. Repeatedly teaching them with great patience is the best remedy. Never compare him with other kids. It will only discourage him from trying to speak. When he starts to speak, he may utter many words wrong. Never treat it as a big problem. Instead make him understand while he is engaged in some play. It will help him to improve better.

Things to do at home

• Everyday ask your kid to talk about the things he saw that day.
• Place some toys near you and make him sit. Then tell him small stories with the help of toys.
• When you bath him or change his clothes, teach his body parts.
• Make him listen voices of common birds and animals and ask their names.
• When you teach him a new word, make him understand its meaning also. For example, if you are saying about height, raise your hands and show that it's height.
• Show him objects that he see daily and ask their names.
• When your kid says a new word, express than you are surprised and happy. It will surely give him more self confidence.
• Repeat same words. Also, look into his eyes while talking and respond well, if he is interested in talking.
• Tell him stories. Clear his doubts.
• When a visitor comes to your home, allow him to talk to that person. It will really bring lot of self confidence in him.

In this article, I have briefly described how speech and communication skills of a kid can be improved. It's really in parents' hand to make him talk well. Hoping this article will help you a lot.