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- Brain & Nerves
- Memory & Word Finding
Word Finding Tips for Adults
Ways to find a word that is on the tip of your tongue, plus a card you can use to ask for more time.
Describe it
If you cannot think of the word, describe the thing instead. Ask yourself:
- What does it make you think of? “It reminds me of food.”
- What type of thing is it? “It is a utensil.”
- What does it do? “It helps me scoop.”
- What does it look like, taste like, feel like or sound like? “It is silver.”
- Where can you find it? “In the kitchen.”
- What is it used for? “I use it to eat soup.”
It’s a spoon!
Word finding with song
Singing helps our brain and makes talking easier. Try it!
- Tap the dots with your hand.
- High dots mean high sounds.
- Low dots mean low sounds.
It’s OK to need more time
Here are ideas of what to say when you need more time to think or talk:
- “I need time.”
- “I need to talk.”
- “I have something to say.”
- “Give me one moment.”
- “Please wait while I think.”
Cut out this card and use it when talking with others:
I have aphasia. I know what I want to say, but I sometimes need more time to find the right words. Please be patient while I think. 🙂
