Communication Checklist

Written communication 
 
	 Is text colour contrasted with background 
	 Is typeface sans serif 
	 Is text large enough for most people to see (Are community languages in large print) 
	 Is layout clear and easy to follow – avoiding columns and box inserts – (although some people with dyslexia prefer columns) 
	 Do the graphics help to explain what it is about 
	 Is the title/subject easy to gauge/understand 
	 Is there an audio tape version 
	 Is there a signed video version 
	 Is there a large print version 
	 Is it in the present tense 
	 Are there any unnecessary adverbs or adjectives 
	 Are there any acronyms, are they explained 
	 Is there any jargon/in-house language which could be avoided 
	 Is there a named or titled person to contact, and a variety of ways to contact him/her 
 
 Verbal Communication 
 
	 Are you aware of how and where to get a sign language interpreter 
	 Ensure you look at people when talking to them 
	 Try speaking as clearly as possible 
	 Keep your hands away from your lips when speaking 
	 Ensure you are easy to understand (Plain English) 
	 Explain things until person understands 
	 Offer to help 
	 Being friendly aids communication 
	 If a person has a problem, can you offer alternatives 
 
 Signage 
 
	 Is it easy to notice 
 Is signage logically placed and used 
 	 Is signage unified 
	 Do the signs make sense to a stranger 
	 Have you considered the height, typeface and use of pictures 
	 Have you also considered colour contrasting, colour coding, tactile/Braille information