# Communication Checklist

#### Written communication

<ul>
	<li>Is text colour contrasted with background</li>
	<li>Is typeface sans serif</li>
	<li>Is text large enough for most people to see (Are community&nbsp;languages in large print)</li>
	<li>Is layout clear and easy to follow – avoiding columns and box inserts – (although some people with dyslexia prefer columns)</li>
	<li>Do the graphics help to explain what it is about</li>
	<li>Is the title/subject easy to gauge/understand</li>
	<li>Is there an audio tape version</li>
	<li>Is there a signed video version</li>
	<li>Is there a large print version</li>
	<li>Is it in the present tense</li>
	<li>Are there any unnecessary adverbs or adjectives</li>
	<li>Are there any acronyms, are they explained</li>
	<li>Is there any jargon/in-house language which could be avoided</li>
	<li>Is there a named or titled person to contact, and a variety of ways to contact him/her</li>
</ul>

#### Verbal Communication
<ul>
	<li>Are you aware of how and where to get a sign language interpreter</li>
	<li>Ensure you look at people when talking to them</li>
	<li>Try speaking as clearly as possible</li>
	<li>Keep your hands away from your lips when speaking</li>
	<li>Ensure you are easy to understand (Plain English)</li>
	<li>Explain things until person understands</li>
	<li>Offer to help</li>
	<li>Being friendly aids communication</li>
	<li>If a person has a problem, can you offer alternatives</li>
</ul>

#### Signage
<ul>
	<li>Is it easy to notice</li>
  <li>Is signage logically placed and used </li>
  	<li>Is signage unified</li>
	<li>Do the signs make sense to a stranger</li>
	<li>Have you considered the height, typeface and use of pictures </li>
	<li>Have you also considered colour contrasting, colour coding,&nbsp;tactile/Braille information</li>
</ul>