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Say the person’s name or give a gentle
tap on the arm to get attention. Mention the topic to be discussed or
give notification of topic changes.
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Face the person. Do not turn your back, or turn your head away. Maintain
eye contact. Do not talk from another room.
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Speak slowly and clearly, but do not shout or exaggerate your mouth
movement. Come closer instead of shouting. Isolate or emphasize key
words.
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Keep objects/hands away from your mouth. Don’t chew gum or smoke.
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In a group, only one should speak at a time. Indicate speaker changes
visually by “pointing” or “rising of hands.”
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Be sure there is a light source in front of you
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Give the person as many visual cues as possible.
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Consider your choice of words; some are easier to speech read. Rephrasing
a message or rewording may help.
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Use
nonverbal communication, such as waving, or pointing to emphasize
your “message.”
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Mustaches and beards make lip reading difficult.
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Write any messages that require clarification.
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Lower your voice pitch.
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Be P-A-T-I-E-N-T, please!