This is the period when your child starts to make and recognize sounds. Encouraging single-syllable letter combinations like "ma" can help stimulate speech movements. Giving and copying facial expressions should also elicit reactions, as well as hand movements that go along with a poem, song or just simple dialogue. It is important to keep talking to your baby whenever you are together, and not fear talking to the baby as you would an older child or adult.
At this point, you need to communicate with your child in a manner that is clear and concise. Use words that leave no room for misinterpretation. Avoid baby talk and use photos to compliment the words you are using. Using dialogue and encouraging interaction is desirable to promote language and vocabulary development. Often, it is said that an only child speaks better at an early age than one who grows up with siblings. This is because communication quickly develops in the case of an only child because of the presence of adults, rather than other children.
This is considered past the toddler age and approaching school age, therefore it is important to continue dialogue with eye contact. Avoid distracted replies. This is also the age when prizes and encouragement through words are greatly appreciated and work well. Try introducing new words daily, and don't be afraid to expand the vocabulary to more than four letter words.
Children at this age should be able to hold a conversation and follow directions. They should show signs of being able to do simple chores. It is at this point that you see your child improve in speech and venture to use big words, which should be encouraged. Use of ellipses or short cuts in speech, as well as developmental disfluency is common. Through practice, the stammering can be removed, while as much as possible, ellipses should be allowed for casual conversation only.