Distinct neural processes link speech planning and execution

Speaking is the primary way that humans communicate. This communication is enabled by a production system that can plan and execute unique combinations of speech sounds. Although a distributed network of brain regions has been implicated in speaking, it is unclear how planning and execution of speech are coordinated to produce meaningful sounds. Leveraging the high spatio-temporal resolution of intracranial recordings at different spatial scales, we show distinct neural mechanisms that facilitate speech planning and execution. During planning, different levels of speech units are coded discretely at distinct prefrontal sites. These planned units are then dynamically integrated at various cortical levels to guide subsequent execution. During speech execution, speech motor regions generate continuous sequences that reflect both discrete speech sound units and their transitional properties between units. This rapid neural transition from discrete speech units to motor sequences links speech planning with execution and enables our effortless ability to speak.