
Tips for reading, writing & using the phone
Ngā āwhinatanga e pānui ai, e tuhi ai, e whakamahi ai hoki i te waea
Tips for using the phone
Make phone calls when you are relaxed and take your time. Get rid of any background noise.
Be prepared with:
- pen and paper
- the other person's name and phone number
- questions or points you want to make
- all the information you need.
Think about what the other person might say. How will you answer them?
When you are on the phone:
- tell the person you have difficulty speaking
- ask them to bear with you
- ask them to speak slowly
- if you get stuck, think of another word.
Tips for reading
It can be tricky to process and retain written information. These tips may make it easier for you.
- Get rid of any distractions so you can focus on what you are reading. For example, turn off the radio and turn away from the window.
- Large print might be easier to read.
- Plan when you are going to read important documents. Do it at the time of day when you have the most energy.
- Use a blank piece of paper to cover all the text under the line you are reading. This helps you keep your place.
- Using your finger or a ruler can also help you keep your place.
- Make links between what you are reading and what you already know.
- Underline or highlight key words, headings and sentences as you read them. This helps you process and retrieve them better.
- Write brief notes in the margin or on your blank piece of paper.
- If you cannot write, record a summary on a voice recorder.
- Take breaks. For example, at the end of a chapter or the end of a section. Read your notes or listen to your voice recorder before you start reading again.
- Other people may be able to read aloud to you.
- You might enjoy "talking books", recorded newspapers, podcasts or software that reads the text on screen out loud.
Tips for writing
- Make drafts, review and check them for errors.
- Use computer spell checkers.
Written by speech-language therapists, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Waitaha Canterbury. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2023.
Sources
The information in this section comes from the following sources, some of which may be clinically complex or not available to the general public
Green et al. (1997) Mild traumatic brain injury: a therapy and resource manual. Singular, San Diego.
Koller, K. (2002) Handout: Ranworth Healthcare speech language therapy visual information processing strategies.
McKay Moore Sohlberg (1994) Communication Skill Builders: Understanding Attention Impairments.
Image and embedded video sources
Image of a man focusing no sanding a model airplane from Shutterstock (image ID 1791375929). November 2023.
Image of a man talking on the phone from Shutterstock (image ID 387504061). November 2023.
Image of an elderly couple sitting in a garden from Shutterstock. August 2014.
Image of people in a meeting from Shutterstock (image ID 176023793). November 2020.
Image of 2 Asian people greeting each other face to face from Shutterstock (image ID 180093542). August 2014.
Image of 2 businessmen having a meeting from Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos. August 2014.
Image of 2 men sitting outside and talking from Shutterstock (image ID 748930963). November 2023.
Image of 2 men talking with hand gestures from Shutterstock (image ID 248077960). November 2023.
Page reference: 121678
Review key: HISCD-79694