WMU sophomore patents device that turns cork into a way to improve diction

Daniel Floyd has given an all new meaning to the phrase "put a cork in it" with a product he invented to help people with speech disorders.

Floyd, a sophomore at Western Michigan University, was recently awarded a patent for his SpeechMasterPro based on a prototype that uses a cork which when placed in a person’s mouth helps them to more clearly enunciate words.  His invention is being manufactured by Accurate Products based in Chicago, Ill. A Chicago-based design firm called PDT helped him come up with a version of the SpeechMasterPro that could be mass produced.

"It started when I was a sophomore in high school," Floyd says.  "Since I was a child I have always struggled with my speech and speaking clearly was a struggle for me."

While watching the movie "The Great Debaters" at his home in Olympia Fields, Ill., Floyd says he zoned in on one scene in particular where the debaters each had a radish in their mouth as they were practicing for their debate.  He says the radish forced the debaters to over-enunciate their words and sounds. When they removed the radishes muscle memory kicked in and they continued to pronounce words as if the radish was still in their mouths.

The then 15-year-old Floyd used a wine cork instead of a radish to mimic the debaters in the movie and noticed an improvement in his elocution. Soon after, he was collecting wine corks from area restaurants and reshaping them to fit more naturally between the teeth which became the prototype for the SpeechMasterPro.

The speech device has received positive reviews from those who use their voice to make their living, including public speakers and voice-over artists. His company was recently featured in Voice Over Times, which bills itself as the news source for people in the voice acting industry.

Loni Willis, a professional voice-over artist and instructor, tested it with her students in one of her workshops and uses the device herself.

"It’s a very effective way to warm up before any type of public speaking," Willis says in an article for Voice Over Times.  "Not only do I use the device prior to reading voice-overs, I also utilize it prior to going on the radio as an on-air personality."

In addition to improving enunciation the SpeechMasterPro slows down the speaking pace, strengthens facial and tongue muscle tone, establishes muscle memory, and builds confidence.

Gaining confidence is huge for people with speech disorders, Floyd says. He was a target for bullying in middle and high school because his speech issues made it difficult to understand what he was saying.  So for him, the SpeechMasterPro is more than an invention.

"I have a notebook full of different ideas from applications to products all with the same theme--to improve and make peoples’ lives easier," Floyd says.

Yet, Floyd’s major at WMU has very little to do with inventing. He is majoring in Organizational Communication with a minor in Business Management.

From a very early age Floyd, now 20, says he has had a passion for entrepreneurship and helping people. When he was in middle school he became fascinated with the way businesses develop. He says his parents were very supportive and provided plenty of encouragement while he was fine-tuning his speech-improving invention.

He credits WMU's student business accelerator, Starting Gate, with helping him to take his business to the next level while his patent was pending.  

"(Starting Gate) was a great experience coming out of high school," Floyd says."It provided a great environment to share ideas, do different strategies, and also meet new student entrepreneurs."

Floyd initiated the patent process two years ago. He applied for two patents--a design patent, which was just granted, and a utility patent, which is awaiting approval. His are two of six patents either pending or awarded to WMU students working with Starting Gate.

"His story of how he came to create SpeechMasterPro and his work ethic are truly inspiring. It is rewarding to see one of our student entrepreneurs reach this level of success," says Lara Hobson, director of operations for Starting Gate.

Floyd is now turning his attention to finding a retail distribution method for his invention. Currently the SpeechMasterPro can be ordered online at SpeechMasterPro.com for $19.95 plus shipping and handling.

"I want to make it as affordable as possible," he says.

Although he did not want to provide information on the number of SpeechMasterPros already sold, Floyd says sales have exceeded his expectations.

With a 2017 graduation date on the horizon, Floyd says he is considering going on to earn an MBA.  He says he is getting used to his newfound celebrity and is using it to lift up other young inventors and dreamers.

"I look at it as a way to inspire young entrepreneurs and those struggling with speech issues," Floyd says.  "If I can get past it they can do it too.  But they need to stick with it because it will take time."

Jane C. Parikh is a freelance reporter and writer with more than 20 years of experience and also is the owner of In So Many Words based in Battle Creek. 

Photos by Susan Andress