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GENERAL COMMUNICATION TIPS  Make sure you you have the person's attention before speaking. A light touch on the shoulder or arm, or waving a hand is an acceptable way to get his or her attention.
- Speak clearly and naturally, at a normal pace and with normal expression. If you tend to speak quickly, slow down. Do not overly exaggerate or slow your speech at first. If the person has difficulty understanding, slow your speech more and break the sentences into smaller sections. Check for understanding again.
- Choose a quiet environment. Avoid communicating where there is a lot of noise or visual activity. If there is a TV or radio in the room, consider turing it off.
- Do not cover your mouth or face when you are speaking. This includes covering your mouth with a hand, microphone, long mustache or beard. Also do not have anything in your mouth like eat, smoke, or chew gum, toothpick or smoke while you speak.
- Look directly at the person you are speaking to and maintain eye contact. Do the same when an interpreter is present.
- Repeat the statement, then re-phrase if the person is unable to hear the words spoken.
- Use gesture, facial expression and body language to assist with communication.
- State the topic of discussion as you begin. When you change the topic, make sure the listener is expecting or aware of the new topic.
- Try writing down a couple of words or a phrase to clarify if communication is difficult.
- Be patient and take time to communicate. Saying "never mind" or "it's not important," causes the person with hearing loss to feel they are not important.
- Avoid depending on the TTY or a Relay service to communicate. Make time to meet the deaf person to learn the goodness of his or her personality. If you know sign language, use it! If the person you are trying to communicate with is having trouble understanding, he will let you know. Usually your attempt will be appreciated.
- When addressing a deaf person try to stand in front of a light source such as window or lamp. The person would find it difficult to see your face.
- When planning a meeting, remember that visual aids are helpful to a deaf and hard of hearing participate. If a film is planned, provide a written script, outline, or summary of the film content. Or most importantly, check if the film is closed captioned.
- Make sure your business, office, meeting room, etc. are equiped with assistive devices for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Example: TTY or amplified phones, smoke alarm strobe light, TV with closed captioned and flashers.
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