Self-Advocacy: Guide to Developing Effective Communication Skills for speakers and non-speakers
Section 4
Effective communication is essential in both personal and professional settings. This guide outlines strategies for both speakers and non-speakers to enhance their communication skills, fostering better understanding, stronger relationships, and more successful interactions.
We want to mention, especially for people who has not interacted with non speakers before, that it takes longer to type and speak with an AAC. Respectfully giving the time needed to type is key in effective communication.
1. Clarity and Conciseness
- Be Clear and Concise: Use simple, precise language and stick to the main points. Avoid jargon unless your audience is familiar with it and unnecessary details that can confuse the listener/reader.
2. Active Listening
- Listen More Than You Speak: Pay attention to the speaker without distractions. Show that you are listening through nodding. Paraphrase or summarise to confirm understanding.
- Show Understanding: Use verbal and non-verbal cues to demonstrate engagement and comprehension.
3. Non-Verbal Communication
- Body Language: Use open and positive body language.
- Facial Expressions: Ensure your facial expressions match your message. Use supportive and appropriate facial expressions to convey interest and understanding.
4. Confidence
- Be Confident: Speak with a clear and steady voice or write with clarity and straight forward language.
- Prepare: Know your material well. Preparation boosts confidence and reduces anxiety.
5. Empathy
- Understand and Relate to Your Audience: Tailor your message to the needs and emotions of your audience. Show empathy by acknowledging the feelings and perspectives of others.
- Provide Emotional Support: Use supportive gestures and expressions to encourage the speaker.
6. Asking Questions
- Clarify Doubts: Ask relevant questions to gain a better understanding of the message.
- Engage: Show your interest and engagement by asking thoughtful questions.
7. Feedback
- Seek and Give Constructive Feedback: Ask for feedback to understand how your message is received and where you can improve. Provide feedback that is specific, respectful, and aimed at improving communication.
- Respond to Feedback: Use feedback constructively to refine your communication skills. Balance honesty with kindness to ensure feedback is received positively.
8. Adaptability
- Be Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your message based on the audience’s reactions and feedback. Adapt your responses based on the speaker’s style and the context of the conversation.
- Read the Room: Pay attention to the audience’s body language and verbal cues, and adjust your approach accordingly.
9. Practice Mindfulness
- Be Present: Focus on the current conversation and avoid thinking about other tasks or concerns.
- Avoid Interruptions: Wait for the speaker to finish before responding. Interruptions can be perceived as disrespectful.
10. Build Trust
- Be Honest and Respectful: Honesty fosters trust and strengthens communication. Respect different viewpoints and be open to constructive dialogue.
11. Continuous Improvement
- Reflect on Interactions: After conversations, reflect on what went well and what could be improved.
- Learn and Adapt: Continuously seek opportunities to learn new communication techniques and apply them.
By following these strategies, both speakers and non-speakers can develop more effective communication skills, leading to better understanding, stronger relationships, and more successful interactions.
Guide to Effective communication Using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) for Non-Speakers
For non-speakers, using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems can empower them to speak (through the AAC) confidently and effectively. This guide provides strategies to help non-speakers enhance their communication skills using AAC.
1. Understand Your AAC System
- Familiarize Yourself: Know the features and capabilities of your AAC device or software. Understand how to access vocabulary, symbols, and predictive text functions.
- Customize Your Device: Personalise your AAC system with commonly used phrases, words, and personal preferences to make communication smoother and quicker.
2. Plan Your Writing
- Outline Your Ideas: Just like traditional writing, start by creating an outline. Organise your thoughts and structure your content logically.
- Set Clear Goals: Determine the purpose of your message. What do you want to communicate? Having a clear thesis or main point will guide your speaking.
3. Use Predictive Text and Phrase Banks
- Leverage Predictive Text: Many AAC systems offer predictive text to speed up writing to speech. Use this feature to complete words and sentences more efficiently.
- Phrase Banks: Utilise pre-stored phrases and sentences that you frequently use. This saves time and helps maintain the flow of speaking.
4. Write Clearly and Concisely
- Use Simple Language: Aim for clarity by using straightforward language. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Be Direct: Focus on your main points and avoid tangential information. This keeps your speaking concise and to the point.
5. Confidence in Word Choice
- Select Words Carefully: Choose words that accurately convey your message. Don’t be afraid to use a thesaurus feature if available.
- Be Assertive: Use definitive language to express your ideas confidently. Avoid overly cautious or hedging phrases.
6. Edit and Revise
- Review Your Work: Go through your writing to check for errors and improve clarity. AAC devices often have spell-check and grammar-check features.
- Seek Feedback: Ask a trusted person to review your writing if appropriate. Constructive feedback can help you improve and build confidence.
7. Practice Regularly
- Daily Writing: Incorporate speaking into your daily routine. Practice helps you become more comfortable and proficient with your AAC system.
- Experiment with Different Styles: Try various types of writing (e.g., conversations, emails, essays, social media posts) to build versatility and confidence.
8. Build a Positive Mindset
- Believe in Your Abilities: Confidence comes from within. Trust in your knowledge and the effectiveness of your AAC system.
- Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: View errors as a part of the learning process rather than setbacks.
9. Use Strong Openings and Closures
- Compelling Introduction: Start with a strong opening that captures attention. Use engaging phrases or questions to draw the listener in.
- Powerful Closing: Conclude with a summary of your main points or a call to action. Ensure your final sentence leaves a lasting impression.
10. Avoid Overuse of Qualifiers
- Be Decisive: Limit the use of words like “might,” “could,” or “maybe.” Assert your points with confidence.
- Strong Statements: Formulate sentences that reflect certainty and conviction.
11. Practice Self-Editing
- Read Aloud: Use the text-to-speech feature on your AAC device to listen to your writing. This helps identify awkward phrasing and errors.
- Utilise Editing Tools: Make use of any built-in grammar and style-checking tools available in your AAC system.
12. Customise for Efficiency
- Personalized Shortcuts: Create shortcuts for commonly used words and phrases. This enhances writing speed and efficiency.
- Regular Updates: Continuously update your AAC system with new vocabulary and phrases relevant to your evolving communication needs.
By following these strategies, non-speakers can enhance their speaking skills using AAC, leading to more confident and effective communication. This not only improves personal expression but also fosters better interactions in various aspects of life
