• Face the hearing impaired person directly and on the same level whenever possible.
• See that the light is shining on the speaker's face, not in the eyes of the hard of hearing person.
• Do not talk from another room. If you must, make sure the person has heard you call and knows what room you are in.
• Recognize that no one hears as well when ill or tired, especially the hearing impaired person.
• Speak in a normal fashion without shouting or elaborately mouthing words. Words spoken a bit more slowly, not run together too rapidly, are clearer than those which are shouted. Don't drop your voice at the end of sentences.
• Keep your hands away from your face while talking.
• If a person can't understand some particular phrase or word, find a different way to say the same thing (rephrase), rather than repeating the original words over and over.
• Don't talk too rapidly or use sentences which are too complex and go on too long. Slow down a bit; pause between sentences and phrases; make sure you have been understood before going on.
• If you are giving specific information such as time or place, be sure it is repeated back to you by the hearing impaired person. Many numbers and words sound alike.
• Avoid sudden changes of topic. If the subject has changed, tell the hearing impaired person, "We are talking about__________now."

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