Keep this handy. It gathers the most useful, evidence-aligned habits from our speech
guides into a printable set of reference cards - tables, a map, and quick do’s and
don’ts. Print it, screenshot it, or bookmark it.
🗣️ Talking with someone with aphasia Aphasia affects language, not intelligence - they know what they want to say.
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Give plenty of time; keep a calm, patient face.
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Use short sentences and one idea at a time.
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Offer choices ("tea or coffee?") instead of open "what?".
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Accept gestures, drawing, pointing, and writing.
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Confirm what you understood before moving on.
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Finishing their sentences unless invited.
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Pretending to understand when you didn't.
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Quizzing ("what's this called?") - it adds pressure.
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Talking over them or rushing.
🧭 Which strategy for which problem Match the difficulty to the habit that helps most.
If the difficulty is… Try this Why it helps Understanding speechShort sentences, one idea at a time, add gestures Less to hold in mind at once Finding words Describe it, prime the first sound, use gestures Opens more routes to the word Slurred speech (dysarthria)Slow down, over-articulate, short chunks Gives the muscles time and clarity Sounds come out wrong (apraxia)Slow, deliberate tries; rhythm or melody Supports motor planning
💡 When a word won't come A quick map of word-finding routes - try the next branch if one stalls.
Word won't come?
Describe it – its group, use, and what it looks like Prime the first sound – "b… b… banana" Use a linked word – "knife and… fork" Show it another way Gesture or point Draw it Type it on a phone Come back to it – move on and let it surface
🔊 Clearer speech: dysarthria vs apraxia Two different problems - and the habits that help each.
Dysarthria Apraxia What it is Muscles are weak or uncoordinated Trouble planning the movements Biggest help Slow down Slow, deliberate attempts Also try Short chunks, breathe, over-articulate Rhythm or melody; watch a mouth or mirror Backup Keep a pen or phone handy Fewer words; lower the pressure
📆 Make practice stick A little, often, on things you actually say.
Practice that sticks
Little and often – beats rare long sessions Make it personal – words and phrases you actually use Rehearse real scripts Ordering food A phone call Greetings Carry over – what your speech therapist recommends
Go deeper
Remember: this is general education, not medical advice. Your clinician knows your
situation best.