Top tips for communication partners
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- Avoid background noise where possible
- Make eye contact with the person
- Speak clearly
- Speak at a normal speed, not too fast, not too slow (If you speak fast normally, slow down)
- Use short clear sentences – give one piece of information at a time
- Ask one question at a time – Do you want tea? Do you want coffee?
- Don’t rush – allow time for the person to take in what you are saying
- Be patient – give the person with aphasia space to respond at their pace
- Signal a change of topic
- Use facial expression, tone of voice, pointing and gesture to help explain what you are talking about
- Have paper and pen available for both parties
- Write down key words
- Use maps, calendars and photos (e.g. family members) to show what you are talking about
- Encourage the person to communicate in any way he/she can
- Encourage the person to let you know when they have not understood
- Clarify – and rephrase when necessary
- Listen to and watch for clues in facial responses, tone of voice, pointing and gestures (non-verbal responses)