As educators, we can support students by explicitly teaching how to use language effectively in conversations. These skills should be modeled, practiced, and reinforced across settings.

Why Verbal Communication Is Especially Important

Students with visual impairments may miss subtle nonverbal cues that guide typical conversations. As a result, verbal communication becomes the primary way they:
  • Show they are listening and engaged
  • Express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly
  • Maintain conversations with peers and adults
  • Clarify misunderstandings
  • Build social connections
Explicit instruction helps students develop confidence and ensures their intent is clearly communicated to others.

Key Verbal Communication Skills to Teach

  • Using Verbal Listening Cues. Teach students to actively signal that they are listening using words rather than relying on nonverbal cues. Model and practice phrases such as “Okay” “I see” “That makes sense” and “Right”. These short responses, often called backchanneling, help the speaker know the listener is engaged.
  • Asking Questions to Maintain Conversation. Students should learn how to ask questions that keep conversations going. Teach them to ask follow-up questions (“What happened next?” “How did that go?”), ask for clarification (“Can you explain that again?”), and to show interest in others (“What do you like about that?”). Provide structured practice in asking and answering questions during conversations.
  • Taking Turns in Conversation. Turn-taking is a critical component of communication and often requires explicit instruction. Teach students to wait for a pause before speaking, avoid interrupting, keep responses at an appropriate length, and invite others to speak by asking questions. Use role-play to practice recognizing natural pauses and conversational flow.
  • Staying on Topic. Students may need support in maintaining a topic during conversation. Teach students to respond to what the other person said, avoid abruptly changing topics, and to use transition phrases if shifting topics (“That reminds me of…”). Practice structured conversations with clear topics to build this skill.
  • Using Appropriate Tone and Expression. Tone of voice conveys meaning and emotion. Teach students to match tone to the situation (excited, serious, calm), avoid speaking in a monotone when expressing emotion, and to recognize how tone can change meaning. Use modeling and audio examples to demonstrate differences in tone.
  • Adjusting Voice Volume. Students benefit from learning how to regulate volume based on the environment. Teach students to use a quieter voice in small or quiet settings, use a louder voice in larger or noisy environments, and to monitor feedback from others and adjust as needed. Provide opportunities to practice different voice levels in real contexts.
  • Initiating and Ending Conversations. Starting and ending conversations appropriately is an important social skill. Teach students how to begin a conversation (“Hi, how are you?” “Can I ask you something?”), join a conversation (“Can I join you?” “What are you talking about?”), and end a conversation politely (“I have to go now.” “It was nice talking with you.”). Role-play common scenarios to build confidence.
  • Repairing Communication Breakdowns. Students should learn how to handle misunderstandings or unclear communication. Teach them to ask for clarification (“I didn’t understand that.”), repeat or rephrase information, and to acknowledge confusion and try again. This skill is essential for maintaining effective communication.

Instructional Strategies

  • ​Model Strong Verbal Communication. Demonstrate effective conversation skills during interactions with students. Think aloud to explain what you are doing and why.​
  • Use Structured Practice. Provide guided opportunities such as partner conversations, small group discussions, and role-playing common scenarios.
  • Provide Immediate, Specific Feedback. Offer clear feedback that connects language to communication such as “You asked a great follow-up question. That kept the conversation going.”
  • Reinforce Across Settings. Encourage students to use these skills throughout the day in classrooms, social settings, and community environments.
  • Encourage Reflection. After conversations, ask students to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. This builds awareness and independence.

Building Communication Confidence

Verbal communication is a powerful tool for students who are blind or visually impaired. When students learn how to use language to show interest, ask questions, take turns, and express themselves clearly, they are better able to connect with others and participate fully in conversations. With explicit instruction, consistent practice, and supportive feedback, students can develop strong communication skills that support success in school, relationships, and future opportunities.

Resource Access

Instructional articles on this site are open access and do not require an account. Free Members may access select free resources and goal banks.
Downloadable printable resources, lesson plans, recorded presentations, and ECC instructional units are available to Premium Subscribers.

Full Article List

Guide: Start Here
Tools (VI Basics)
Plan: Referrals & Eligibility
Referral & Eligibility​ ​Medical Vision Information 
FVLMALow Vision Evaluations
Other Evaluations
Plan: IEP Planning
Plan: Collaboration & Accessibility
​Collaboration Accessible Materials ​Classroom Access Instructional Access Technology Access ​Additional Supports Service Delivery Models  ​
Teach: Compensatory Skills
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development ​Alternative Communication ​Emergent Literacy ​Braille Code
​Beginning Braille ​ Braille Fluency & Comprehension  Writing Braille ​​​Nemeth Code Instruction 
​​​Tactile Graphics ​Print Concepts ​​Abacus  ​​Organization Skills​ ​​Study Skills ​​Time Management
Teach: Sensory Efficiency Skills
​Auditory & Listening Skills ​​Visual Efficiency Skills ​​Optical Device Use ​Tactile Readiness
Teach: Assistive Technology 
AT Overview ​AT Use & Maintenance Braille AT ​iOS Instruction Audio Access​ ​Video Magnifiers ​​​Basic Computer Use Computer Access ​Productivity
Teach: Social Skills
Social Skill Basics​
Non-Verbal Skills​​​​ Verbal Communication Skills Cooperative Skills Identity & Self-Awareness ​Interactions & Relationships Managing Challenges & Safety
Teach: Self Determination
Teach: Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene & Grooming ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation
Household Skills Clothing Management ​Money & Budget Shopping & Consumerism Phone Use ​Safety & Emergency Preparedness ​​Services & Community Resources
Teach: Orientation & Mobility
Teach: Recreation & Leisure
Teach: Career & Vocational
Printables
Free Resources​ Premium Resource Library 
Teaching Strategy Printables 
​Premium Program Printables
​Premium FVLMA Printables
​ECC PrintablesCompensatory Skills Printables
Sensory Efficiency Printables
Assistive Technology Printables
Social Skills Printables
Self Determination Printables
Independent Living Printables
Recreation & Leisure Printables
Career & Vocational Printables
Evelyn Jane Stories 
Learn: Teaching Strategies & Planning
Learn: ​ECC Units
Beginning of the Year Units ​​Fall UnitsWinter Units ​​Winter Units ​​Spring UnitsAnytime Units
Learn: ​Interactive Activities
Learn: Recorded Presentations
Learn: Complete Set Bonus ​