Verbal Communication Skills

Carmen Willings | teachingvisuallyimpaired.com | February 21, 2026

Verbal communication skills help students who are blind or visually impaired express their thoughts, needs, and ideas clearly while building meaningful relationships with others. Because students may have limited access to visual social cues, direct instruction can help them develop confidence and effectiveness in spoken communication. Instruction focuses on initiating and maintaining conversations, asking and answering questions, expressing feelings and opinions, and using appropriate tone, clarity, and language across a variety of situations. Strong verbal communication skills support social interaction, self-advocacy, academic participation, and independence in school, community, and workplace settings.

Conversation Skills

Resources and activities that help students initiate, maintain, and participate in conversations while developing effective listening and speaking skills.

Conversation Skills

Give & Receive Compliments

Resources and activities that teach students how to give sincere compliments, respond appropriately to compliments from others, and build positive social connections.

Give & Receive Compliments

Positive Interactions

Resources and activities that help students develop friendly, respectful, and cooperative communication skills that support healthy relationships.

Positive Interactions

"I" Messages When Upset

Resources and activities that teach students how to express feelings, concerns, and frustrations respectfully using "I" statements to promote positive communication and problem-solving.

"I" Messages When Upset

Respond to Feedback

Resources and activities that help students accept feedback, ask clarifying questions, and respond appropriately to suggestions, corrections, and constructive criticism.

Respond to Feedback

Interview a Professional

Resources and activities that help students practice communication skills by preparing questions, conducting interviews, and engaging in professional conversations.

Interview a Professional

People at School Activity

Resources and activities that help students identify school personnel, practice communication skills, and develop confidence interacting with a variety of individuals in the school environment.

People at School Activity

Apps for Communication

Resources and information about technology tools and apps that support communication, conversation practice, and social interaction skills.

Apps for Communication

Use Verbal & Nonverbal Cues

Resources and activities that help students combine spoken language with appropriate tone, body language, and other communication cues to interact effectively with others.

Use Verbal & Nonverbal Cues

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The mission of Teaching Students with Visual Impairments is to provide educators, families, and professionals with the resources needed to support students who are blind or visually impaired. The goal is to equip those in the visual impairment field with practical tools and instructional guidance that help students develop independence and become successful members of their communities.