In recognition of Deaf Awareness Week we would like to share some Tips for Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
First are some helpful tips for HEARING PEOPLE on communicating with HARD OF HEARING or those who are DEAF. . .
- Face the audience or person directly
- Spotlight your face (no backlighting)
- Avoid noisy backgrounds.
- Get attention first.
- Talk to a hard of hearing person, not about them.
- Be patient and take time to communicate.
- Stand a normal distance from the person.
- Do not cover your mouth, chew food, gum or smoke when you are speaking.
- Do not shout.
- Look directly at the person you are speaking to and maintain eye contact.
- Re-phrase if you are not understood.
- Stay positive and relaxed.
- Speak clearly and at a normal pace.
- Use shorter, simpler sentences if necessary.
- Do not shout.
- Use gesture, facial expression and body language to assist with communication.
Next we offer some tips for HARD OF HEARING or those who are DEAF on communicating with HEARING PEOPLE. . .
Communication is a two-way street. Hard of hearing/deaf people must make as much effort as hearing people.
- Tell others how best to talk to you.
- Pick your best spot (light, quiet, proximity).
- Anticipate difficult situations, plan how to minimize them.
- Pay attention.
- Concentrate on the speaker.
- Look for visual cues.
- Ask for written cues if needed.
- Don’t interrupt. Let the conversation flow awhile to gain more meaning.
- React. Let the speaker know how well they are doing.
- Don’t bluff. Admit it when you don’t understand.
- If you are too tired to concentrate, ask to continue later.
