PrAACtical Suggestions: 5 Ways to Elicit Language Without Asking a Direct Question

SLPs love to talk, of course, but sometimes that works against us. Over-prompting. Jumping in to repeat the last question. Re-phrasing the previous comment. Nature abhors a vacuum and sometimes we just can’t stop ourselves.

What makes us fun at parties, though, can make it difficult for our AAC friends to become active, assertive communicators. Too much verbiage on our part can really slow down the journey toward communicative independence.

We know better. We really do. But sometimes we need a little help to remind ourselves. And, so, a few reminders to us all…

1. Make the expectations clear using visual supports and aided language input.

2. Create a motivating context in which the learner needs to communicate in order to get his/her own agenda met. 

3. Pause. Look expectantly at the communicator. Pause some more. Look even more expectant.

4. Keep pausing. Use a gesture for emphasis (e.g., cup your ear to indicate “I’m listening”). Bite your tongue (it’s almost over).

5. Pat yourself on the back for having created a nice conversational space. Over time, it will help your clients become more independent. 

And that’s a very good thing.

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