About this resource
When speech is harder to understand, both speakers and listeners can help. This handout offers speaker strategies, such as slowing down and pausing between phrases, and listener tips, such as reducing noise and facing the person, plus a practice log.
Purpose
To support clearer communication through speaker and listener strategies.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Speech pathologists. Also relevant for allied health and multidisciplinary teams, disability support workers.
Client or participant group: Adults with speech clarity difficulties, such as dysarthria, and their communication partners.
Practice setting: Hospital, rehabilitation and community speech pathology.
Suggested uses
- Following speech pathology assessment
- Home practice
- Family and support worker education
- Reviewing progress
Instructions for practitioners
- Personalise strategies to the person's speech.
- Practise strategies in sessions first.
- Teach listener strategies to family and workers.
- Consider AAC as a backup for important messages.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Choose strategies to practise.
- Use the practice log.
- Share listener tips with people you talk with.
Accessibility considerations
Large print. Can be shared with listeners.
Scope and limitations
General information. Strategies should be chosen with a speech pathologist.
Research basis
Training communication partners improves communication for people who use AAC and people with aphasia.
- Kent-Walsh, J., Murza, K. A., Malani, M. D., & Binger, C. (2015). Effects of Communication Partner Instruction on the Communication of Individuals using AAC: A Meta-Analysis. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 31(4), 271–284. https://doi.org/10.3109/07434618.2015.1052153
- Simmons-Mackie, N., Raymer, A., & Cherney, L. R. (2016). Communication Partner Training in Aphasia: An Updated Systematic Review. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 97(12), 2202–2221.e8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2016.03.023
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
