When people think about communication support, they often picture the professional arriving at an appointment, meeting or event.
In reality, one of the most important parts of the process happens long before that.
Choosing the right communication professional isn’t simply about finding someone who is available. It’s about understanding the individual, the situation and the communication required. Thoughtful matching helps create the conditions for effective communication, giving everyone the best opportunity to participate with confidence.
Matching is more than filling a booking
It can be tempting to think that communication support is a simple booking process. A request comes in, an available professional is assigned and the appointment goes ahead.
In practice, good matching involves professional judgement.
Every assignment is different. Every individual is different. A communication professional who is an excellent fit for one situation may not be the most appropriate choice for another.
Good matching considers far more than availability.
It starts with the individual
Some people use British Sign Language. Others prefer lipspeaking, speech-to-text reporting, note-taking or a combination of communication support and reasonable adjustments. Some people’s preferences also change depending on the environment, the purpose of the appointment or who they are communicating with.
Rather than starting with a service, good matching starts with the person.
Understanding communication preferences is often the most important step in the entire process.
Context matters
Communication doesn’t happen in isolation.
The environment, subject matter and purpose of an assignment can all influence which communication professional is the most appropriate match.
A routine meeting may require a different approach to a medical consultation.
A conference presents different communication demands to a job interview.
An educational setting differs from a police interview or a legal appointment.
Understanding the context helps ensure communication support is appropriate for both the individual and the situation.
Experience and expertise make a difference
Professional qualifications are essential, but they are only part of the picture.
Experience working within particular sectors, familiarity with specialist terminology and confidence in different communication environments can all contribute to successful outcomes.
Good matching considers both competence and experience, helping ensure communication professionals are equipped for the assignment they are undertaking.
Why good matching matters
When communication professionals are thoughtfully matched to assignments, everyone benefits.
Good matching can help to:
- support effective communication
- increase confidence for everyone involved
- reduce misunderstandings
- create a more inclusive experience
- improve participation and decision making
While no two situations are identical, thoughtful matching provides the strongest foundation for successful communication.
About Lipspeaker UK
At Lipspeaker UK, we believe communication support should always start with the individual. We work with organisations across the UK to provide professional communication support, training and consultancy that helps create more accessible and inclusive communication for deaf people.
If you’d like to discuss your communication support requirements, we’d be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Matching the right communication support professional helps ensure that communication is effective, appropriate and tailored to the individual’s needs. It takes into account communication preferences, the setting, the purpose of the assignment and the professional’s skills and experience.
No. Every deaf person has their own communication preferences. The most appropriate communication support depends on the individual, the situation and the communication required.d experience.
Before arranging communication support, organisations should understand the individual’s communication preferences, the purpose of the assignment, the environment, any specialist knowledge required and allow sufficient time to identify the most appropriate communication support professional.
Availability is important, but it should not be the only consideration. Effective communication support relies on matching the most appropriate communication support professional to the individual and the assignment.
Qualifications are essential, but experience can also play an important role. Experience within particular sectors, familiarity with specialist terminology and confidence in different communication environments all contribute to effective communication support.