What is Communication?
Communication means how people:
-
Talk
-
Listen
-
Share feelings
-
Ask for help
-
Make choices
Everyone communicates in different ways, such as:
-
One-to-one talking
-
Body language
-
Gestures
-
Signs
-
Pictures
-
Devices
Communication is more than speech.
One-to-One Communication
Many people — especially autistic people — prefer one-to-one communication.
This is because of:
-
Social anxiety
-
Sensory overload
-
Feeling overwhelmed
-
Difficulty processing groups
Busy environments can be hard, such as:
-
Classrooms
-
Meetings
-
Shops
-
Public places
Support strategies:
-
Quiet rooms
-
Small groups
-
Calm spaces
-
Familiar staff
Busy Surroundings & Anxiety
People may struggle when there are:
-
Lots of people
-
Loud noise
-
Bright lights
-
Too many conversations
This can cause:
-
Anxiety
-
Stress
-
Shutdown
-
Withdrawal
Reducing sensory overload improves communication.
Closed Questions
Closed questions have fixed answers.
Usually:
-
Yes / No
-
Or set choices
They are helpful when someone struggles with processing or speech.
Closed Question Examples
Example 1
What colour is the sun?
A. Yellow
B. Red
C. Blue
Example 2
Is there butter in the fridge?
Yes / No
Example 3
Is your name Sara?
Yes / No
Closed questions help people:
-
Feel less pressured
-
Process information easier
-
Respond faster
Open Questions
Open questions need longer answers.
They often begin with:
-
How
-
What
-
Why
-
When
-
Where
Open Question Examples
-
How happy are you with the service?
-
What support do you need?
-
Why do you feel worried?
-
When did this start?
Open questions explore feelings and experiences.
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing means:
Repeating back what someone said to check understanding.
Example:
Person: “I feel stressed in groups.”
Supporter: “You feel anxious around lots of people?”
This helps:
-
Avoid misunderstanding
-
Show listening
-
Build trust
Body Language & Gestures
Communication is not just words.
Watch for:
-
Facial expressions
-
Eye contact
-
Posture
-
Hand movements
-
Signs of distress
Body language may show:
-
Anxiety
-
Pain
-
Confusion
-
Happiness
Always be aware of non-verbal communication.
Learning From Experts
Experts include:
-
People with disabilities
-
People with mental health conditions
They are experts by experience.
We should:
-
Listen to their voices
-
Respect lived experience
-
Include them in training
Working With Parents & Carers
It is okay to ask parents or carers for help.
They may know:
-
Communication style
-
Triggers
-
Calming strategies
-
Preferred tools
Always ask the person first if possible.
Communication & Dyslexia
Most people with dyslexia can read.
They may face difficulties with:
-
Spelling
-
Punctuation
-
Grammar
-
Reading speed
-
Processing text
Support strategies:
-
Easy Read documents
-
Larger fonts
-
Visual supports
-
Extra time
Strengths in Communication
Even people who cannot read or write have strengths.
Strengths may include:
-
Speaking skills
-
Creativity
-
Visual thinking
-
Problem-solving
-
Practical skills
Always focus on strengths, not just difficulties.
Frustration & Expression
Many people feel frustrated when:
-
Words make sense in their head
-
But do not come out right
This can affect:
-
Speaking
-
Writing
-
Confidence
-
Mental health
Support by:
-
Being patient
-
Giving time
-
Using visuals
-
Encouraging expression
Key Communication Reminders
-
Use Easy Read language
-
Avoid jargon
-
Use short sentences
-
Ask closed questions when needed
-
Use open questions to explore feelings
-
Paraphrase understanding
-
Watch body language
-
Reduce sensory stress
-
Respect lived experience
Training Questions
Level 1
-
What is communication?
-
Why do some people prefer one-to-one communication?
-
Give one example of a closed question.
-
What is paraphrasing?
-
Name one dyslexia difficulty.
Level 2
-
Explain sensory overload and communication.
-
Compare open and closed questions.
-
Why is body language important?
-
How can carers support communication?
-
Why might someone feel frustrated when speaking or writing?
Communication Research
Body Language, Tone & Words
Research shows that communication is not just about words.
A lot of meaning comes from non-verbal communication.
The 55 – 38 – 7 Rule
Communication is often broken down into:
-
55% Body language
-
38% Tone of voice
-
7% Words
This means how we say something is often more important than what we say.
55% — Body Language
Body language includes:
-
Facial expressions
-
Eye contact
-
Posture
-
Gestures
-
Movement
-
Personal space
Example:
Someone says “I’m fine” but:
-
Looks down
-
Avoids eye contact
-
Has tense posture
Their body language may show they are not fine.
38% — Tone of Voice
Tone means how your voice sounds.
It includes:
-
Volume
-
Pitch
-
Speed
-
Emotion
Example:
Saying “Come here” can sound:
-
Kind
-
Angry
-
Urgent
-
Calm
The tone changes the meaning.
7% — Words
Words are still important — but they are only part of communication.
Words tell us:
-
Information
-
Instructions
-
Facts
But without tone and body language, meaning can be lost.
Why This Matters in Learning Disabilities
People with learning disabilities may rely more on:
-
Visual cues
-
Tone
-
Facial expressions
Because:
-
Words may be hard to process
-
Language may be confusing
-
Literacy may be limited
So staff must be aware of non-verbal communication.
Good Practice Tips
Use Positive Body Language
-
Smile
-
Face the person
-
Open posture
-
Gentle gestures
Use Calm Tone
-
Speak slowly
-
Keep voice relaxed
-
Avoid shouting
-
Avoid harsh tone
Match Words & Body Language
Do not say:
“I’m listening” while looking away.
Make sure:
-
Words
-
Tone
-
Body language
…all match.
Training Reflection
Ask learners:
-
How does your body language look when stressed?
-
Do you speak too fast?
-
Do your tone and words match?
Self-awareness improves communication.
No comments:
Post a Comment