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improve communication when speech production is impaired
We’re sharing six easy ways to improve communication when speech production is impaired. My daughter has impaired speech. Although she’s received therapy for many years, it still can be difficult to understand her. We find that her speech is clearest when she has enough time to take a deep breath, slow down and stretch out her words.
Sometimes the words just don’t come out right
When she’s excited, anxious, or feels rushed, it makes for garbled speech production. At times, people mistake her inability to express herself clearly as a lack of intelligence – which simply isn’t true. Her frustrated huffing accompanied by an eye roll isn’t a behavior issue, it’s the result of an all-too-often dismissive approach.
In school, work with a speech therapist to determine the best way to minimize frustration. For example, it might be using some kind of picture system for a child without the ability to yet speak. The ADA gives some guidance on ways to effectively communicate with people who have disabilities.
If you have someone in your life that has difficulty with speech production, here are some tips to help minimize frustration:
1. Admit you did not understand. Ask for a repeat.
It’s OK to ask someone to repeat what they’ve said. Still can’t figure out a word? Ask clarifying questions to help:
What color is it?
What do you do with it?
Is it a person? Place? Thing?
2. Don’t pretend to understand.
Nodding your head in understanding (when you don’t) and saying things like “Oh, uh-huh, I see!” is dismissive and frustrating.
3. Don’t talk louder or more slowly.
It is YOU who doesn’t understand – the person trying to communicate KNOWS what they are saying. Unless a person is hearing impaired, or requires more time to process words, don’t change your sound, tone, or speed; it may be viewed as condescending.
4. Don’t complete someone’s sentences
Unless you are the person’s Bestie, don’t finish a sentence for them.
5. Ask for confirmation.
Repeat the sentence back to ensure understanding. “Oh, so chicken pot pie is your favorite dinner?”
6. Be patient.
Allow enough time for a complete response. No one likes to be cut off mid-sentence.
In summary, using the 6 strategies above can help us listen to understand rather than listen to reply, reduce frustration, and improve communication with those who have impaired speech production.
UPDATE: Now that wearing masks has become routine, it’s added a whole new level of complexity for folks who have imparied speech or hearing. There are companies that make masks with a clear-view panel in order to see mouth movements which can also be very helpful.
related articles
Read here about our experience using Prompt Speech Therapy.
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