Conversations at your own pace

Begin with the person, not a label

This is an original PCHO conversation checklist. Ask what works for the person in front of you. Speaking differently, slowly or not at all does not give you permission to make decisions for them.

Do not infer understanding or intelligence from the way someone speaks. Some people also need support with understanding; ask rather than assume. Hearing loss, speech difficulty and language difficulty are not interchangeable.

Give the message time

Ask whether the person wants help before finishing a sentence or taking over a device. Leave space for an answer. VERSTA’s guidance recommends listening patiently and letting a person who stammers finish.

A useful question is: “Would you like more time, or would another way help?” Avoid turning every conversation into a test of fluent speech.

Check, do not guess

Explain what you understood and invite a correction. A person might choose speech, writing, gesture, pictures or a communication aid. Do not assume a yes/no question, reading aloud or writing will always solve a difficulty.

Keep attention on the person even when a companion is present. Ask permission before sharing or repeating their message to someone else.

Make room for participation

For a meeting, club or learning activity, you can ask the organiser:

• Can contributions be made using different communication methods?
• Can the agenda be shared in a suitable format?
• Is there room for pauses and extra response time?
• Who will agree arrangements before the activity?

Aphasie suisse’s regional portal and VERSTA’s peer routes are places to explore participation. Check actual dates, access, fees and availability with the organiser. A listing is not a confirmed place.

A note to show someone

Choose or adapt these sentences; they will not suit everyone:

“Please speak directly to me.” “Please give me time to finish.” “Ask me how I prefer to communicate.” “Please check that you have understood.” “Ask before helping or speaking for me.”

You can print this guide using the Print control. PCHO does not collect your personal communication preferences. The checklist supports ordinary interaction; it is not speech therapy or a clinically validated communication assessment.