1. Face the person and make eye contact. Ensure there is proper lighting.

2. Speak clearly.

3. Don’t shout and don’t mumble

4. Speak one at a time (very important in group conversations). When in a group, ensure you are not interrupting the person unknowingly.

5. Don’t exaggerate your lip movements or facial expressions.

6. Check if they understand you.

7. If you are not able to understand them, let them know. Ask them to repeat. Don’t ask the person next to them to repeat for them.

8. Don’t assume, be open

9. Be patient and accept them as they are.

10. Ask the person how they would prefer to communicate as specific needs vary from person to person.

11. Just because they are not speaking clearly, do not underestimate them.