Tips for talking
For rehab patients with aphasia
Toronto Rehab
Use these tips to help you talk and make sure you understand.
Tips for talking
• Use simple words and shorter sentences .
• Think of another word or try to say it a different way.
Patient Education
Improving health through education
• Let people know you need a bit more time. It takes the pressure off both of you.
• Try to write words you can’t say (or at least the first few letters).
• Take a break and come back to it later.
• Have a sense of humour. It’s hard to be stressed when you are laughing!
• Don’t try to be perfect. The main thing is getting your message across.
It’s okay if it’s not exact.
Tips for making sure you understand
When you are talking to people:
• ask them to slow down and use shorter phrases • ask them to repeat things
• go to a quiet place for conversations (turn off the TV and radio)
• talk face to face to understand better
• ask them to write things down so you can look at the notes later
(or you can take notes if possible)
• don’t talk about serious topics if you are feeling tired or unwell
(it will be more difficult to communicate at these times)
Please visit the UHN Patient Education website for more health information: www.uhnpatienteducation.ca
© 2016 University Health Network. All rights reserved.
This information is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice,
diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. A single copy of these
materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only.
Author: Lisa McQueen
Revised: 07/2016
Form: D-5884
C034-D