Module 1 · Summary
Five Phrases to Remember
In a busy correctional environment, you may not always have time to think carefully about how you phrase every interaction.
When someone is struggling to read, write, understand spoken instructions or communicate in the language being used, small changes in the way we communicate can make a big difference.
The aim is not to lower expectations, remove rules or make things easier for the sake of it. Quite the opposite. The aim is to make sure that people understand what is expected of them — so that they have a genuine opportunity to follow the rules.
The following five phrases are simple tools you can use in everyday interactions. They can help you:
- reduce unnecessary shame;
- check understanding rather than assume it;
- identify where communication is breaking down;
- encourage people to ask for clarification; and
- support people to follow instructions independently.
You don't need to remember every phrase in this activity. If you remember only five, remember these:
- “Let me explain it another way.”
- “Let's go through it together.”
- “Which part is unclear?”
- “Show me what you think you need to do next.”
- “It's okay to ask for clarification.”
Remember
Accessible communication isn't about lowering the standard. It's about making the standard clear enough for more people to meet it.
Your phrase for practice
Choose one phrase you would like to use in your own practice. This is a personal choice and is separate from the cards you marked for review.
My phrase for practice
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Five Phrases to Remember — personal summary — FLEX-ability, Module 1: Understanding Learning, Inclusion and the Correctional Experience
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