Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Lesson 1

Answering Questions

AAC Self Study Course

CDAC

Adapted from Penn State Mentor Project

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Introduction

In this lesson you will learn about answering questions and supporting a young person who uses AAC.
In this lesson you will learn about answering questions and supporting a young person who uses AAC.

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Answering Questions

  • In the following examples, you will see two different interaction styles of answering questions.
  • Imagine that you are the young person who uses AAC. Let's call him Sam.
  • Which of these styles do you think you would prefer and why?
Examples of interaction styles

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Archie's response

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Matt's response

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Which of these responses do you think is more effective, Archie's or Matthew's?

Let's take a look at each one and break down what is happening in each interaction.
Which style is more effective

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Archie's Answer

  • Archie does not really listen to Sam. He does not ask questions to find out about Sam and how he feels.
  • Archie does not focus on Sam, instead he talks about himself. He criticizes Sam and reacts quickly without considering the impact of his response.
Archie

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Matt's Answer

  • Matt listens to Sam and shows that he respects and cares for him. He asks questions to make sure he understands what Sam is saying.
  • He shares some of his experience but keeps his response focused on Sam and his feelings.
 Matt

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Good Communication

Matt uses good communication skills.

Matt listens
  • He listens.
  • He asks questions.
  • He focuses on issues.
Archie uses poor communication skills.

Archie criticizes
  • He criticizes.
  • He does not ask questions.
  • He talks about himself.

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

What communication skills do you need?

When you are supporting people who use AAC, it is important for you to:

  • LISTEN to the person

  • ASK questions to make sure you understand what the person is communicating to you

  • FOCUS on what the person wants to communicate about
What communication skills do you need?

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

LAF, don't CRY

  • You can remember to be a good communicator by thinking about LAF, don't CRY.
  • Each letter in this saying reminds us what to do when supporting a person.
  • Here is what the letters stand for...
 Smiley face

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

LAF

Remember to LAF:

 Before you respond, ask yourself:
L Listen to the person Did I listen to the message carefully?
Did I show I care?
A Ask questions to better understand Did I get enough information to answer?
Did I ask good questions?
F Focus on the person Did my answer show that I am thinking about the other person and how they might feel?

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Don't CRY

Don't CRY:

 Before you respond, ask yourself:
C Don't Criticize Did I remember not to criticize?
R Don't React too quickly Did I think carefully before answering?
Did I think about the impact of what I was saying?
Y Don't Yakkity yak! Did I give the person the chance to communicate everything they wanted to say?

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

When to use LAF, don't CRY

Let's look again at the example of the interaction between the adults and Sam.

Matt remembered to use LAF, don't CRY.

Let's see how he did it.

Two pieces to the communication puzzle

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Answering Questions

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

LAF, don't CRY

Matt remembers to use LAF. He:

  • Listens to Sam and shows he cares. He says: "Sam, it sounds as if you are worrying about how you look with your AAC system".
  • Asks questions to make sure he understands. For example, he says "Can you tell me more about what you want to do and why?"
  • Focuses on what Sam is saying by talking about his concerns.
 Matt remembers to use LAF

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Let's do another example...

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Julie asks Farrah about volunteering

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Julie asks Sue about volunteering

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Which of these answers do you think is more effective?

Why?

Let's take a look at each one and break down what is happening in each interaction.

 Who's answer was more effective?

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Farrah's Answer

  • Farrah listens to Julie and shows that she understands Julie's feelings.

  • Farrah asks questions to get more information.

  • She keeps his response focused on Julie and her feelings.
 Farrah's answer

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Sue's Answer

  • Sue listens to Julie but she doesn't ask questions to find out about Julie and how she feels.

  • Sue doesn't focus on Julie instead she talks about herself. She reacts quickly without considering the impact of her response and how to encourage Julie to continue the discussion.
 Sue's answer

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Good Communication

Sue uses some parts of LAF but doesn't ask questions or encourage Julie to respond. Sue

Sue

Farrah shows she is listening to Julie. She asks questions and focuses on Julie's issue. Farrah

Farrah

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Do you know LAF don't CRY?

Check to see that you remember the LAF, don't CRY strategy.

Do you remember what these letters stand for:

L

A

F

 Don't

C

R

Y

Lesson 1: Answering Questions

Well Done!

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