Communication Support Principles
Principle 3
Match the way you communicate to the ways people
understand.
To get your message across face to face:
- look at the person
- make sure your face can be seen and your mouth is not
covered
- give people time to understand what you are saying
- use short simple, clear sentences
- avoid jargon (i.e. words that are not used every day)
and explain abbreviations
- slow your speech down, speak clearly and regularly
summarise what is said
- match the expression in your voice to what you are
saying
- support what you are saying with gestures and facial
expression
- use photographs, drawings and symbols to illustrate
what you are saying
- offer to write down key words as you talk
- offer audio / video recordings for people to take away
with them
- find out if people have understood.
 Audio quote: Bill
Audio quote: James
To get your message across in printed and online
information:
- use short simple sentences
- avoid jargon (i.e. words not used every day) and
explain abbreviations
- use simple, uncluttered layout with plenty of
space
- use a clear font e.g. arial or comic sans
- use a minimum font size of 12 point (some people will
require a larger font)
- consider line spacing (a spacing of 1.5 lines is easier
for many people)
- use clear visuals, such as symbols, photographs and
drawings, to emphasise the message in the text
- use moving visuals like videos and DVDs, with simple,
succinct sentences and story lines
- check people have understood
- consider the accessibility of online information as
well as printed information.
Audio quote: Lindsay
Audio quote: Linda
Audio quote: T J
 Asking questions: how to make it easier for people to answer
eCommunication
and accessibility
Sources of visual
images to make information easier to understand
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