GOOD COMMUNICATION TIPS
GOOD COMMUNICATING.
The basic rules for good communication apply to all our interactions with people regardless of whether they have communication impairments or not.
QUICK TIPS:
Avoid patronising people.
· Be honest at all times, especially if you are unsure what the person wants.
· Respect the person's need for confidentiality, privacy and personal space.
· Do not touch people or their possessions unnecessarily.
· When you are communicating with someone in a wheelchair, try to make sure you are on the same level
· as they are, so they don't have to strain to make eye contact with you.
· It is important not to have preconceptions about a person's skill level.
· It is vital that you give the person the chance to use and improve their skills.
· If you are unsure of a person's level of understanding, listen to their responses.
· A person with a speech or communication impairment will often need time to develop confidence with a new person.
· Simply remember, no matter what the person's disability; speak to them as you would anyone else.
EXTRA TIPS:
· Get to know the person as an individual.
· Only by letting someone speak for themselves, will you get to know their true personality.
· In the case of people with communication / speech difficulties, formulating conversation and comments takes time
· Allocation of time should be agreed upon by both parties.
· It is important for you to remember not to dominate the conversation, turn taking in any conversation is necessary, though the process is much slower with a person without speech.
· While the person with a communication or speech difficulty is formulating their comment or answer; it is not necessary for you to continue talking to fill in the gaps of silence.
· For some of us with speech, this is a learning process of feeling comfortable in silence. Be comfortable in silence.
· Non-speech people don't feel threatened by silence; for many of them, it is a major part of their life. You may have to learn to adjust your personality to the situation.
· If you are a talkative person, you will have to learn to sit in silence while the other person takes their turn. If you are shy or reserved person, you may have to learn to initiate a conversation.
· Keep the communication flow going depending on the other person's personality and capability. Volunteer your opinions. Tell the person with communication / speech difficulties what you have been doing and give them time to tell you what they have been doing.
· Don't take all communication seriously. If a person using a communication device types, "you are a dag"; it may take several minutes to type and if the person has limited facial expression; it may be perceived as being derogatory when in fact, it was meant humorously. If you're not sure whether something is intended to be serious; ask!
· Pay attention, it is important for the person with communication / speech difficulties, to feel that you are interested in what they are saying.
· If the person with a communication or speech difficulty is inexperienced; monitor their output and explain if you are unable to understand them, to avoid irretrievable communication breakdown.
Offer word or sentence completions The purpose of using a communication aid, is communication; not a spelling test. Check with the user that you have got their meaning correctly. The user may wish you to complete their sentences or words; check first. Be aware not to impose your words into their mouth. There are some people with communication / speech difficulties who do not want you to complete their words. It is their choice