Being a supportive communicator starts with being aware of your own habits. The following short activity helps you tune in to your natural communication style and how it might feel to someone experiencing dementia.
How to Play:
- Record yourself (audio or video) explaining a simple task or story. Here are some example prompts to use:
- Explain how to get from the front door of your building to the nearest washroom.
- Describe how you make your morning tea or coffee.
- Talk about your favourite birthday or celebration.
- Describe a hobby you enjoy and why you like it.
- Explain how to fill up a car with gasoline.
- Play it back and note your word choice, tone, facial expression, and pacing.
- Ask yourself: Would this sound clear, calm, and reassuring to someone who might be confused or anxious?
- Try again, adjusting your speed and tone.
- To make it more impactful, try asking a friend to review your recording.
You might be surprised by what you notice. This is a simple but powerful way to build empathy – hearing yourself the way others might.
After you have completed the activity, go to Activity 3.2 in your workbook and answer the following questions.
Questions:
- What were you good at right from the beginning?
- What did you notice that you were able to improve with practice?
- What will you focus on when you communicate with people living with dementia