TOP TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH PEOPLE WITH APHASIA

July 2026

It can be challenging to communicate with people with aphasia. Here are some top tips to help:

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1. Ensure you have the person's full attention when communicating

2. It may help to write down key words

3. Say one thing at a time

4. Relax – be natural

5. Recap – check you both understand

6. Don’t pretend you understand

7. Try not to rush – slow down, give the person with aphasia time to process what you've said and time to respond

8. Draw diagrams or pictures, it may help to use props, e.g. maps, photos, objects to support conversation

9. Reduce background noise

10. Ask what helps, e.g. some people would prefer that others don’t finish their sentences for them

11. Use pen and paper

12. Use natural gesture to support spoken language

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The most important thing is to remember to give the person with aphasia extra time to get their message across.