“Opposite Lip Stimulation for Better Speech” Cross-Lip Rubbing: Waking Up Speech Muscles In this oral motor therapy technique, the therapist gently rubs the upper and lower lips in opposite directions to increase sensory awareness, muscle activation, and coordination. This stimulation helps improve lip closure, lip strength, and controlled lip movements, which are essential for clear speech, feeding, and drooling control. The activity also supports better production of bilabial sounds like P, B,