diff --git a/notifications_client.py b/notifications_client.py
index 9b5135106..0b1a54c6c 100644
--- a/notifications_client.py
+++ b/notifications_client.py
@@ -369,7 +369,8 @@ def _readLocalBoxPost(boxName: str, index: int,
         content = speakerJson['content']
 
     sayStr = 'Reading ' + boxName + ' post ' + str(index) + '.'
-    _sayCommand(sayStr, sayStr, screenreader, systemLanguage, espeak)
+    sayStr2 = sayStr.replace(' dm ', ' DM ')
+    _sayCommand(sayStr, sayStr2, screenreader, systemLanguage, espeak)
 
     if speakerJson.get('id') and isPGPEncrypted(content):
         sayStr = 'Encrypted message. Please enter your passphrase.'
@@ -820,37 +821,37 @@ def runNotificationsClient(baseDir: str, proxyType: str, httpPrefix: str,
                         if not os.path.isdir(soundsDir):
                             soundsDir = 'theme/default/sounds'
 
+                indicatorDM = speakerJson.get('direct')
+                indicatorReplies = speakerJson.get('replyToYou')
                 if firstTime:
                     # If new DM has not been viewed via web interface
                     if not speakerJson.get('direct'):
                         if speakerJson['notify']['dm']:
-                            speakerJson['direct'] = True
+                            indicatorDM = True
 
                     # If new reply has not been viewed via web interface
                     if not speakerJson.get('replyToYou'):
                         if speakerJson['notify']['reply']:
-                            speakerJson['replyToYou'] = True
+                            indicatorReplies = True
                     firstTime = False
 
-                if speakerJson.get('direct'):
-                    if speakerJson['direct'] is True:
-                        if currPostId != speakerJson['id']:
-                            if notificationSounds:
-                                _playNotificationSound(soundsDir + '/' +
-                                                       dmSoundFilename, player)
-                            _desktopNotification(notificationType, title,
-                                                 'New direct message ' +
-                                                 actor + '/dm')
-                elif speakerJson['notify'].get('replyToYou'):
-                    if speakerJson['notify']['replyToYou'] is True:
-                        if currPostId != speakerJson['id']:
-                            if notificationSounds:
-                                _playNotificationSound(soundsDir + '/' +
-                                                       replySoundFilename,
-                                                       player)
-                            _desktopNotification(notificationType, title,
-                                                 'New reply ' +
-                                                 actor + '/tlreplies')
+                if indicatorDM:
+                    if currPostId != speakerJson['id']:
+                        if notificationSounds:
+                            _playNotificationSound(soundsDir + '/' +
+                                                   dmSoundFilename, player)
+                        _desktopNotification(notificationType, title,
+                                             'New direct message ' +
+                                             actor + '/dm')
+                elif indicatorReplies:
+                    if currPostId != speakerJson['id']:
+                        if notificationSounds:
+                            _playNotificationSound(soundsDir + '/' +
+                                                   replySoundFilename,
+                                                   player)
+                        _desktopNotification(notificationType, title,
+                                             'New reply ' +
+                                             actor + '/tlreplies')
                 elif speakerJson['notify']['calendar'] != prevCalendar:
                     if speakerJson['notify']['calendar'] is True:
                         if notificationSounds: