7 tips to help you communicate when you have dysarthria

These 7 simple tips will improve how you communicate with others if you have dysarthria, which is a weakness of the muscles used for speech.

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1. Face the person you are talking to

By facing the person you are talking to and making eye contact, it allows people to see your mouth moving and facial expression as indicators of what you are saying.

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2. Avoid background noises

Turn off any televisions, radios or other noise sources which may be distracting for the person you are talking to.

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3. Move closer to the person you are talking to

By moving closer to the person you are talking to they will be able to hear you better and also see your mouth clearer.

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4. Speak more slowly and emphasise your words

By talking slower it gives your tongue and lips more time to move to the right place and by emphasising your words it makes the muscles work harder.

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5. Only repeat what is needed

When you are asked to repeat yourself, only repeat the part of the sentence the other person has not understood, as otherwise the same words may still not be clear.

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6. Use shorter sentences

By using shorting sentences you are less likely to run out of breath and avoid the sentence ‘trailing off’.

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7. Always start your sentence on a good breath

By breathing in and taking your time before starting a sentence it gives power to your voice.

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Want to know more?

If you would like to find out more about dysarthria then please get in touch, or visit the NHS dysarthria page.