Helpful hints for talking with people who have aphasia

• Speak slowly and clearly.
  
  
• Minimise all background noise and distractions.
  
  
• Keep communication simple but adult.
  
  
• Allow plenty of time for conversations
  
  
• Use gesture and demonstration to support what you are saying.

The following strategies may also help:

• Encourage all forms of communication (writing, drawing, gestures, eye contact, facial expressions) in addition to speech.
  
  
• Structure your questions so that they are simple, and require only a yes/ no or single word answer. For example, asking “Would you like a cup of tea?” may be easier for the person to answer than if you ask “What would you like to drink?”
  
  
• Prepare for your conversation – have a pen and paper to hand. Using items like maps, photographs, and pictures when appropriate may also help the person with aphasia to understand you clearly.
  
  
• Avoid speaking for the person except when necessary and ask their permission before doing so.
  
  
• Don’t insist that each word is spoken perfectly. The purpose of talking is to get a message across – it doesn’t have to be perfect.
  
  
• Don’t change the topic suddenly, introduce new topics clearly.
  
  
• Check that the person has understood what you mean, and repeat / rephrase information if you need to.
  
  
• Try drawing or writing key words if the person is finding it difficult to understand.
  
  
  

Whenever possible continue normal activities (such as dinner with family, company, going out). Remember that they are still the same person, but just need your understanding and extra support to be able to communicate.