Esophageal speech takes time and effort to learn, and the artificial larynx sounds mechanical.
The bad news is that, as a passport to society, there is much to be desired. In the notes below I give an example of esophageal speech. When I do this in class, many students report they feel ill.
The good news is that with practice you can improve. In the Movie QB VII, the actor who played the Judge was a laryngectomee and was using esophageal speech. I highly recommend renting the video to observe this actor. Its an excellent movie, too.
The alternative to esophageal speech is to obtain an artificial source of vibration. Battery operated oscillators can be placed on the throat or cheek to cause the oral cavity to resonate.
If the words are then "mouthed," audible speech is produced. An advantage of this over esophageal speech is that longer sentences can be produced, and little practice is needed. The disadvantage is that it sounds very mechanical.
NOTES: Here is some information on QB VII.
NOTES: Here is some more information on QB VII.
NOTES: Here is some information on the artificial larynx.
NOTES: Another example of an artificial larynx.
NOTES: Still more information on the artificial larynx.
NOTES: Hear samples of esophogeal speech and an artificial larynx.