Deaf awareness Deaf awareness

The 10 tips for The 10 tips for positive positive

communicationcommunication

Tip 1Tip 1

1. Make sure you have their attention and that they are looking at you. Ask them how they want to communicate.

When tapping their back, make sure to show your face to them first.

1. 1. Make sure that Make sure that backgroundbackground

noises are at minimum noises are at minimum (for (for

partially deaf and hard of partially deaf and hard of hearing people).hearing people).

2.2. Make sure there are no Make sure there are no visual noises (distracting visual noises (distracting movements) – for movements) – for profoundly deaf people. profoundly deaf people.

Tip 2Tip 2

Tip 3Tip 3

• Look directly at the deaf person and don't turn away whilst talking. Ideally be between 3 to 6 feet apart.

Tip 4Tip 4

• Make sure that there is enough light on your face.

Tip 5Tip 5

• Make sure that your face or mouth is not hidden behind hands, cigarettes, beard, etc.

Tip 6Tip 6

• Keep the normal rhythm of speech but slow down slightly.

Tip 7Tip 7

• Do not shout.

Tip 8Tip 8

• Use facial expressions, body language and gestures where appropriate.

Tip 9Tip 9

• If a sentence is not understood try to rephrase it.

• As a last measure write it down.

Tip 10Tip 10

• Always be patient, friendly, and take time to communicate.