-
Look at the
speaker. Position yourself to get a view of the speaker’s face.
-
Consider
having your eyes examined to maximize visual cues.
-
Avoid
bluffing, or acting as if you understand. Ask questions instead.
-
Try to
direct the conversation to a quiet area of the room.
-
Eliminate
background noise by turning off the TV or faucet.
-
Use
assistive listening devices.
-
Maximize
the use of lighting. Have the light source behind you instead of
behinds the speaker.
-
Avoid
sitting close to hard surfaces as sound may bounce off of these
surfaces, causing reverberation noise that will make it even more
difficult to understand what someone is saying.
-
Reduce the
distance between you and the speaker.
-
Explain
your needs to the speaker. Explain in a polite way how they can
become a more effective talker.
-
Ask for
repetitions. Repeat or rephrase what you think you heard.
-
Relax!
Don’t strain to understand every word that is spoken.
-
Try to
maintain a sense or humor and be prepared to laugh at your mistakes!
