1.  Pointing

Ask the person to point to the desired object. Once the correct object is identified, ask the person to repeat the word after you.

2.  Gesturing

Encourage the person to use body language to communicate needs and thoughts.

Some examples include:

• Hand on the stomach, frown on the face = feeling sick

• Hand out, palm up = want something

• Arms around own shoulders, shudder = feeling cold

3.  Pantomime

Ask the person to use his/her hands to “describe” an object or an event:

• Drawing with a finger on the table = pencil

• Opening and closing index and middle finger = scissors

• Rocking motion with folded arms

4.  Writing

Encourage the person to write the message, key word, or at least the beginning letter(s) of the word.

5.  Drawing

Ask the person to try drawing the object or symbol.

6Substituting another word

a)Synonym - Ask the person to use a word that has the same or similar meaning:

• “couch” for sofa

• “cup” for mug

• “pencil” for pen

• “child” for baby

b)Antonym - Encourage the person to use a word with an opposite meaning

• “it is not hot” for cold

• “it is not new” for old

7. Using several associated words

Ask the person to say a few words that are related to the word:

• “drink, hot, black” = coffee

8. Circumlocution (circular talk)

Encourage the person to say as much as possible about the topic:

• “bride and groom, reception, rings” = wedding

• “wood, smoke, chimney” = fireplace

9. Description

Encourage the person to use a more focused way to describe the item. It may help to ask him/her the following open-ended questions:

a) What is it used for? (e.g., eating, wearing, pounding, driving, cutting with...)

b) What does it look like? (talk about the color, shape, size)

c) What is it made out of?

d) What parts does it have?

e) How does it feel?

f) How does it taste?

g) How does it sound?

h) Where can you find it/ where do you keep it?

10.  Yes/No Questions

If you are still uncertain of the intended message, you may help focus the word search by asking the person yes/no questions, e.g., “Is it in the house? Is it round? Do you eat it?” If you think you know what word the person is trying to say, you may help him/her to say the word by:

a. Saying a phrase or sentence the person can complete e.g., “macaroni and _________” (cheese) or “You want some mashed ______” (potatoes)

b.  Saying the beginning sound (or sounds) e.g., “you want a drink of mmm____” or mi__ (milk) or “the word starts with a ‘b’ sound” (banana)