Lipreading

Lipreading is a way of understanding speech by visually interpreting the movements of another’s lips, tongue, and face. Body language, pace of speech, and the monitoring of syllables also play an important task, as well as context.

Lipreading requires great concentration, and can be difficult if the person you are lipreading talks fast or covers their mouth. Not all words are easy to lipread, and it takes time to become proficient.

Once you know the subject of conversation it is easier to lipread the rest of the discussion. Don’t be afraid to let someone know you will be lipreading them, or to ask them to repeat themselves.

Check in your local area for classes, such as your local adult education centre or college. Classes will help you to learn the shapes of the mouth different words cause, and to understand the importance of context.