One of the simplest and most effective communication strategies I teach families is keywording. Keywording means writing down the most important words while you speak, rather than writing every word in the conversation. It gives the person with aphasia another way to understand the message by combining spoken language with written language. Even when someone has difficulty understanding speech alone, they may recognize key written words, making the conversation much easier to follow. Best of all, keywording doesn't require special equipment—just a pen and paper, a whiteboard, or the notes app on a phone.
Keywording can be adapted to many different situations. The simplest form involves writing one or two important words while talking. For example, if you say, "Your doctor's appointment is tomorrow at 2:00," you might simply write Doctor – Tomorrow – 2:00 PM. During longer conversations, you can write keywords as the discussion changes topics, creating a visual outline of the conversation. Some families use sticky notes, while others prefer a small notebook, dry-erase board, or tablet with a stylus. Keywording can also be combined with pictures, gestures, calendars, maps, or communication books to provide even more support. The exact format matters much less than ensuring the written words are easy to see and directly related to what you're saying.
One of the biggest benefits of keywording is that it reduces the demands placed on auditory comprehension. Spoken language disappears as soon as it is heard, but written words remain visible for as long as they are needed. This gives the brain extra time to process the information. Many people with aphasia naturally look back and forth between the speaker and the written keywords, using both sources of information together. In many situations, keywording can even be more effective than high-tech communication tools. Pulling out an AAC app or opening a communication program can interrupt the flow of conversation, while writing a few keywords takes only seconds and feels natural in everyday interactions. It also works anywhere, never runs out of battery, and can easily be understood by unfamiliar communication partners.
One of the easiest ways to start using keywording is to focus only on the information that carries the most meaning. Imagine you're discussing dinner plans. Rather than writing, "Would you like to have spaghetti for dinner tonight?", simply write Dinner, Spaghetti, and Tonight as you say those words. When discussing appointments, write the date, time, and location. During family conversations, write people's names, important places, or major events. Use large, clear printing with a dark marker whenever possible so the words are easy to read. Keep the paper positioned where both people can comfortably see it throughout the conversation.
Keywording works best when it becomes part of your natural communication style. Pause briefly after writing each keyword so your loved one has time to read it before continuing. Point to the word as you say it aloud, and don't erase previous keywords too quickly—they often help provide context later in the conversation. If the discussion becomes more complex, draw simple arrows, circles, or boxes to show relationships between ideas. For example, if you're planning a doctor's appointment, you might write Doctor → Tuesday → 10:00 → Daughter driving. This creates a visual roadmap that makes the conversation much easier to follow. Encourage your loved one to point to keywords, circle them, or add their own written words if they're able. Communication becomes a shared activity rather than a one-sided conversation.
Like any communication strategy, keywording becomes more effective with practice. I encourage families to use it during real conversations instead of saving it for difficult moments. Write grocery items while making a shopping list together, jot down vacation plans while discussing them, or use keywords when talking on the phone by holding the paper where your loved one can see it. Speech-Language Pathologists can help determine which words to emphasize, how much information to write, and how to adapt keywording for different types and severities of aphasia. With consistent use, many families find that keywording reduces misunderstandings, increases participation, and makes everyday conversations feel less stressful for everyone involved.
