Well, first let’s take a minute to imagine what it might be like if you couldn’t communicate.

For example, what would it be like at the shops? How would you ask for that stunning little black number in a different size?!

Or order your morning coffee?

Or if you’re out for lunch or dinner and want a variation on the menu?

Or if you couldn’t talk to your friends or family on the phone?

Communicating is something we do every day without thinking about it. And as humans, we have developed a more sophisticated way of communicating – through speech.

Speech however, is only one way of communicating and we all use other methods every day perhaps even without realising it. Incredibly, it is estimated that only 7% of our daily communication is verbal, ie through speech and that the remaining 93% is through other means.

Let’s have a look at some of these other methods:

Body language – including posture, touch, and use of space (even more topical now with social distancing!
Eye contact – really making that connection with someone through eye contact
Facial expressions – you can tell a lot about how someone is feeling by their facial expression
Gesture – sometimes we do this in combination with speech! Do you think this lady is happy or sad? Take a look at her facial expression and hand gestures.

Drawing - not everyone’s forte!

Writing - or texting!

Our tone of voice can also play a part in how we communicate especially when it comes to letting someone know how we feel. Have a think about how your tone changes depending on whether you are happy, angry, sad, serious, flippant etc.

All of these ways of communicating are how we relate to the people around us, how we form and keep relationships, and how we function in the world. It helps us to make the most of our opportunities in education, health and all social aspects of our lives.

As Speech Pathologists, we want to help the 1.2 million Australians living with communication impairment to communicate with confidence through whatever means they choose. We also want to raise community awareness of a disability which is largely invisible – out of sight, out of mind!

So, is communication everyone’s right? ABSOLUTELY!

Sometimes our ability to communicate using speech deteriorates due to factors such as stroke, neurological conditions, traumatic brain injury, or even just ageing. But that doesn’t mean we lose our ability to communicate our message or continue to enjoy meaningful relationships and activities.

If you have a communication difficulty and would like to know how to improve your communication skills, please see your Speech Pathologist.

And if you know someone with a communication impairment, here are some tips for successful communication.

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL COMMUNICATION

If you’d like to find out more about Speech Pathology, you may like to visit Speech Pathology Australia.

Guest Author: Ella Hamilton - Speech Pathologist

August 2021