Speaking Tips

• • Speak clearly and at a normal conversation volume. Enunciate clearly and without exaggeration.

• • Pace your speech and pauses normally. It is difficult to follow rapid or slow speech.

• • Do not shout, speak slowly, or emphasize your mouth movements. This makes it harder to understand what is being said.

• • Do not shout; this actually distorts sound and is annoying. No one likes to be shouted at.

• • Rephrase what was said. This may present more or better clues to understand what is being said.

• • Spell names and use words to help identify a letter. Example: ‘B’ as in Bob and ‘P’ as in Peter.

• • Use body language, your expression gives many clues as to whether the message is exciting, angry, boring, and even loving.

• • Use eye contact or a light touch to get his or her attention before speaking.

• • If possible have a conversation in a quieter environment. Background noise is very hard to filter out.

• • Don’t stand in front of a window or light as it shades your face. It is easier to speechread if the speaker’s face is lit up and not shadowed.