The letter "s" recieves its broad sound if an "a, o, u" is the nearest vowel in the word. The sound is very close to the American (s), with lips relaxed and a little trace of hissing. Try: sámh (saw*v), sampla (SAHM-pluh), só(soh), sú(soo), súil (SOO-il), san (suhn), saor (say*r), saoirse (SEER-she), slat (slaht), smál (smaw*l), spúnóg (spun-OHG), srón (srohn), stad (stahd), snas (snahs), stró(stroh), bás (baw*s), bosca (BOHSK-uh).
The slender sound of "s" is (sh), as in the English word "shun". It is heard when the nearest vowel is "e,i", unless the combinations "sm", "sp" or "str" occur. With those combinations, "s" always has its broad sound of (s). First try: sean (shan), séid (shay*d), seift (sheft), síl (sheel), simné(SHIM-nay*), seo (shuh), siopa (SHOHP-uh), leis (lesh), cliste (KLISH-te), slí(shlee), sneachta (SHNAHK*-tuh), stiúir (SHTYOO-ir), scríobh (shkreev).
Then, for examples of the exceptions to the slender sound, memorize these words: smig (smig), chin; spéir (spay*r), sky; srian (SREE-uhn), bridle; stríoc (streek) stripe.