how to encourage (more) my toddler to speak, he's turning 3 this year and all he can say is the colors, car, bus, etc. mostly one word. my husband refuse to consult a speech therapist.

that's tough, I have a friend who was forced to bring his daughter to speech therapist at that age. I'd say, continue to talk to your kid. Talk about anything, talk to him straight and no baby talk as much as possible.