Speaking Tips
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- Speak clearly and at a normal conversation volume. Enunciate clearly and without exaggeration.
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- Pace your speech and pauses normally. It is difficult to follow rapid or slow speech.
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- Do not shout, speak slowly, or emphasize your mouth movements. This makes it harder to understand what is being said.
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- Do not shout; this actually distorts sound and is annoying. No one likes to be shouted at.
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- Rephrase what was said. This may present more or better clues to understand what is being said.
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- Spell names and use words to help identify a letter. Example: ‘B’ as in Bob and ‘P’ as in Peter.
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- Use body language, your expression gives many clues as to whether the message is exciting, angry, boring, and even loving.
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- Use eye contact or a light touch to get his or her attention before speaking.
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- If possible have a conversation in a quieter environment. Background noise is very hard to filter out.
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- 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.