The goal of articulation therapy is for generalization of learned skill to other errored sounds, positions in words, linguistic complexity level (e.g. isolation, word, phrase), and to settings outside of the structured environment of the speech therapy room. When selecting phoneme targets for instruction, clinicians may consider several factors including:

• Phonological patterns
• Complexity of sound production
• Stimulability
• Overall number and type of speech sound errors
• Impact on speech intelligibility
• Factors related to the student including their tolerance for frustration, a student's motivation or concern related to specific sound errors
• Frequently used words or applicability to functional conversation exchanges and daily life

Whenever possible, use a collaborative approach with adult learners to determine appropriate goals and targets. Student involvement in goal setting can increase motivation and participation.