Tips For Communicating

For the Person with Aphasia:

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 gestures and face for clues.
• If you don’t understand, ask the speaker to “Say that again.”

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.
  • Ask your partner if he or she understands you.

For the Caregivers:

• Speak slowly.
• Repeat the message or say it in a different way.
• Show.
• Write down the message.