Focus Sound "ER" - Mouth Position

This is the "er" position of the lips. Use the muscles around your lips to push your lips out to make the "er" pucker. The muscles in your lips should be relaxed.

It is very difficult, if not impossible, to make the "er" sound with my mouth open this much. I want you to see the position of the tongue. Notice how the tip of my tongue does not touch the roof of my mouth. Remember, the "er" sound cannot be made unless the lips are in the "er" pucker. Remember, I am not "curling" my tongue; I am just raising it, and holding it near the roof of my mouth. You try it!!