Deaf Awareness Week 2023

Top Tips for Communicating Effectively with Deaf People

Respect, patience, and sensitivity are paramount when engaging with deaf people. Here are some key tips for effective communication:

Capture their attention 

Before speaking to a deaf person, ensure you have the person’s focus. You can do this by waving, gently tapping their shoulder, or establishing visual contact.

Employ visual cues

Facial expressions, body language, and gestures enrich communication by providing vital context. Maintain eye contact and employ appropriate facial expressions to convey emotions. Don’t overdo it though, just communicate naturally.

Speak clearly

Articulate naturally, without exaggerating lip movements. Avoid covering your mouth, chewing gum, or speaking hastily. Remember, some deaf individuals rely on lip-reading for comprehension. If a deaf person is struggling to hear what you’ve said multiple times, try rephrasing. 

Use plain language

Steer clear of intricate jargon, slang, or idioms that may prove challenging to understand. Instead, use simple and concise sentences to effectively convey your message. Avoid being patronising. 

Write or type when necessary

Keep writing materials or use your phone or tablet to communicate through written messages if preferred by the deaf person. This proves useful in situations where lip-reading or sign language may not suffice.

Honour personal space

Be mindful of personal boundaries, as peripheral vision is relied upon by some deaf people. Allow sufficient space for comfortable viewing of your face and any visual cues.

Avoid shouting

Shouting is ineffective for lipreading or hearing what you are saying. This is because the vowels get louder, while the consonants stay the same. Instead, speak clearly and at a normal volume. Be mindful of background noise and speak up if it is noisy or leave the room.

Use visual aids

Diagrams, images, or written instructions enhance understanding. When appropriate, incorporate these aids to provide additional support in communication.

Consider sign language

If you know British Sign Language or if the individual uses it, communicate accordingly. However, remember that not all deaf people use sign language, so ask beforehand!

Be patient and understanding

Effective communication may require additional time and effort. Demonstrate patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt your communication style to make it easier for both of you.

Remember, each person is unique, and communication preferences may differ. Ask them about their preferred method of communication and any specific accommodations they require.