Communication strategies for Deirdre

Communication strategies for you:

• Make sure you get the person’s full attention before you give your message. Use anything to draw their attention and wait until you have eye contact.
• Check they are understanding you and if any doubt, stop and try again.
• It may help to tell them about your dysarthria and your stroke.
• Use gesture, pointing and written messages to help depending on the situation. It may help to prepare some written notes before certain meetings.
• Slowing your rate of speech is your best strategy to compensate for imprecise articulation.
• Take note if you are feeling tense or emotional. Try to slow down and take a deep breath.

Advice for anyone talking to you:

• Choose a quiet place and try to cut out any background noise.
• Show when you have understood and clarify when in doubt.
• Speak in a normal tone and volume – remember my understanding is unaffected.
• If I am tense or emotional, give me more time.
• Try to achieve good eye contact and actively listen.
• If you get stuck – suggest solutions such as writing down.
• Ask me what to do.