Lipspeaker

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Lipspeaking is a method of communication used for hard of hearing people that can lipread. Lipspeakers will relay the speaker’s message to the lipreader forming the shapes of the words clearly without speech. Lipspeakers will also use facial expression and gestures to convey rhythm and phrasing of the speaker’s words.

Lipspeakers may have some knowledge of a sign language (British Sign Language in the UK) and some will use sign language to support the lipspeaking. This is useful for the lipreader if some of the words are difficult to lipread. Lipspeakers are expected to work in total confidence at all times.

They should be neutral and unbiased. Lipspeakers are purely vessels of communication.

Signature currently offers training in lipspeaking. In order to work as a lipspeaker, you will usually have to be qualified to at least a level 2 standard. Once at a Level 3 standard, more complex jobs will become available such as working in a legal environment, for social services and public forums.

The Association of Lipspeakers is a national register for lipspeakers and can offer some guidance for those wanting to become a lipspeaker.