Communication Tips

• Face-to-face communication

• Maximal lighting conditions

• Don’t yell

• Be patient

• Don’t be afraid to write

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version

I can’t stress how important it is for individuals to be able to see your face clearly...and with little interruption. Speech reading is not magic. It takes work. With or without assistive listening devices, pay attention to the communication tips that will aid the individual in everyday communication.
Facing the audience means don’t: look down while talking, cover your face with your hands or papers, write on the board with your back to the audience and talk, or direct the individual’s attention elsewhere and then continue to talk. The individual will have to fill in the blanks every time you do any one of these things. It’s like trying to figure out what someone is saying when the cell phone keeps cutting out on you.
Make sure the lighting is adequate. If you make comments during a film while the lights are down, they will probably be missed. On the other hand, bright or glaring lights do not improve visibility, either.
Speaking up is great, yelling doesn’t help. Be patient with the individual. Look for ways to improve the listening environment. If necessary, don’t be afraid to write.