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Communication Rules

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This is a text-equivalent of the slide show on communication rules. It is basically a list of the text found on each slide in the show. The show has illustrations along with the text.

Here are a few simple communication rules, that can help us all to understand each other better.

1. Get rid of background noise
2. Get my attention ... before you speak
3. Don't stand with your back to the light
4. I can't lipread you
   • In the dark
   • If you don't look at me when you speak
   • If you cover your mouth up when you speak
   • If you are speaking with your mouth full
   • If I can't see your eyes
   • If you all speak at the same time
5. Please speak clearly ... and don't mumble
6. Don't shout! ... it distorts the sound
7. Don't over exaggerate ... it distorts your natural lip movements
8. Beards and moustaches ... can make it difficult for people to lipread you
9. Try and avoid
10. Bright and jazzy colours and patterns
11. Plain colours are much less tiring on the eyes for the lipreader
12. Please remember to include me ... in your conversation
13. Be prepared to repeat what you said, if necessary
14. Rephrase it ... try saying it a different way
15. Write it down
16. Use sensible gestures ... to give me a clue if needed

Summary

• Get rid of background noise
• Get my attention before you speak
• Don't stand with your back to the light
• I can't lipread you
  • In the dark
  • If you don't look at me when you speak
  • If you cover your mouth up when you speak
  • If you are speaking with your mouth full
  • If you all speak at the same time
• Don't shout
• Speak clearly
• Don't over exaggerate
• Beards & moustaches can be a problem
• Try & avoid bright/jazzy colours & patterns
• Repeat, rephrase, write it down
• Use sensible gestures

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