HealthInfo Canterbury
Finding & recalling words
It can be frustrating when you can't find the words. But there are things you can do to make it easier.
Get others on board
Communication is about partnership. If you have trouble communicating, make sure the people you talk with most often know what's difficult so they can help you.Set some rules for them. For example, if you can't find a word, do you want them to help you find it, or do you want them just to give you more time?
General tips to help you communicate
- Choose a time and place to communicate that suits you, and when you are not tired.
- Make sure you have your listener's undivided attention, and try to be close to them – it's good to be face to face.
- Have a pen and paper handy. Stay calm and show people what helps. Have a go and don't be too hard on yourself.
- Let the person you're talking with know if you don't understand something.
- Use conversation props such as:
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If you can't find a word:
- Can you describe it? For example, "library" = "the place where you borrow books".
- Can you talk around the word? For example, "Europe" = "the place where tourists visit, Italy, Germany, all of it together".
- Can you show it (gesture)? For example, "piano" = demonstrate playing it.
- Can you think of a similar word? For example, "sad" = "unhappy".
- Can you spell the word or part of it?
- Can you write the word or part of it?
- Can you draw a picture?
- Can you point to it or a picture of it?
Tips to help you remember names
- When you meet someone for the first time, say their name back to them, for example, "Hello John", or "I'll just check we've got your name right in the computer. Is it Mary?"
- Make a link between the person's name and their mannerisms, physical characteristics, job or company (for example, Mike is the physio with blond hair).
- Write down a memory cue on their business card or in your notebook (for example, Sarah = loud laugh).
- If you are having trouble retrieving a person's name, try "thinking around" them:
- When did you meet them?
- When did you last see them?
- What is their job?
- What are the names of other people they know?
- What letter does their name start with?
- When you find their name, use it in conversation again ("I agree, Ray"). The more times you use their name, the better the chance you will retrieve it next time.
- Look at the person's business card, on which you have written memory cues, before you meet them. You'll then be prepared to retrieve their name.
Written by community speech-language therapists, Canterbury DHB. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2020.
Sources
Review key: HISCD-79694
