WordFinding Strategies For Aphasia A HowTo Guide Top 10 List

The Treatment: Word-Finding Strategies
There are many word-finding strategies people with aphasia can use when they can’t think of the word they want to say. Each person will find some strategies more helpful than others, so it’s a good idea to practice them all to learn which ones work best for you. Often a combination approach is most useful, trying one and then another. Each strategy gives a bit more information to the listener and stimulates the area of the brain that’s refusing to give up the word.

Here are 10 helpful word-finding strategies for people with aphasia:

Delay
Just give it a second or two. With a bit of extra time, the word may pop out on its own. Be patient with yourself, and ask your partner to give you time.

“Do you have any… um… oh… one sec… any scissors?”

Describe
Give the listener information about what the thing looks like or does. Any extra information can help them know what you’re talking about. It may even help you to say the word.

“Do you have any… oh dear, those things that cut? Scissors!”

Association
See if you can think of something related. Even if it’s not quite right, it may prompt the word or convey the meaning.

“Do you have any… ah my… they’re not knives, but like that?”

Synonyms
Think of a word that means the same or something similar.

“Do you have any…clippers?”

First Letter
Try to write or think of the first letter of the word. Scan the alphabet to see if any letter triggers anything for you.

“Do you have any… (traces an S in the air)… scissors?”

Gesture
Use your hands or body to act out the word, like playing a game of charades. Even gesturing with your hands in a non-specific way or tapping the table may help activate the brain.

“Do you have any… (makes cutting gesture with fingers)?”

Draw
Sketch out a quick picture of what you’re trying to say. You don’t have to be an artist to use drawing to communicate.

“Do you have any… (draws scissors on a notepad)?”

Look it Up
Think if there’s somewhere the word is written down or pictured. A communication notebook, the Contacts app in your phone, or a ticket stub in your pocket may hold the word.

“Do you have any… (points to scissors in a picture dictionary)?”

Narrow it Down
Give the general topic or category. Is it a person, place, or thing? A family member or a friend? Stating the topic can help your listener predict what you might be trying to say by providing some context.

“Do you have any…oh…they’re office supplies.”

Come Back Later
If you can’t think of the word and your partner can’t guess, it’s okay to give up for now. Our brains work out problems while we do other things, so it’s possible the word will simply pop out later. This is a last resort, so try other strategies first.

“Do you have any… [tries every other strategy]… oh, never mind… I’ll ask you later.”