Communication Tips

For the Person with Aphasia

 Paper tray in-box

TO UNDERSTAND MESSAGES BETTER

  • Get rid of distractions. For example, turn off the T.V.
  • Look at the speaker and watch their mouth.
  • Watch the speaker's gestur​​es and face for clues.
  • If you don't understand, ask the speaker to "Say that again".
 

Ask the speaker to:

  • speak slowly.
  • repeat the message or say it in a different way.
  • show you what he means.
  • write down the message.

Paper tray out-box

TO GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT CLEARLY
 
  • Take your time.
  • If you can't find the exact word, talk around the word.
  • Use any means to get your message across.
    • GESTURE.
    • DRAW.
    • WRITE the first letter of a word.
  • Use a communication book to find information.
  • Ask your partner if he understands you. Ask "Did you Understand?"

Aphasia Institute video "Talking to Your Family Member or Friend with Aphasia"

Shared with permission by the Aphasia Institute, creators of the "Talking to you family member or friend with Aphasia: Conversation Basics" video©