It is important to establish whether the person wishes to have help finding the words.

Continually stopping during a conversation to help a person find a word you already know can halt the flow of conversation. Sometimes, it is better to just carry on.

If the person does want help try the following:

• Give first sound clues, for example: “It begins with b.”
• Use lip reading: “Watch my face/lips to get the shape.”
• Give another word or phrase related to the one they are trying to say, for example bad weather for rain.
• Tell them what it rhymes with, for example: “It sounds like smell” for bell.
• Use gesture to give a clue.
• Write down the first letter or couple of letters or, if necessary, the whole word.
• Give a clue about the category of the word, for example: “It is a type of fruit” for apple.
• Give a run-up to the word for example: “A nice cup of…” for tea.
• Give the opposite to help cue the word, for example: “It’s not black it’s…” for white.
• Give an associated word, for example: “Cup and…” for saucer.

If the person is becoming frustrated it is better to move on.