Optimize communication while staying safe during COVID-19

October 05, 2020

By Sarah Steward, MS*

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so many aspects of our lives, it’s hard to even name them all. Several months in, many safety precautions have also slowly become the norm. For example, face coverings, masks, and physical or social distancing have become more common (and often required in public settings). Unfortunately, these precautions in particular have also presented some challenges when it comes to communication—or simply being able to hear and understand one another. By being aware of a few simple speaking and listening tactics, you can make sure you’re communicating effectively when out and about.

Challenges of speaking while wearing a mask

A face or mouth covering can make it difficult to communicate for a bunch of different reasons. And some of these challenges are especially significant for Military Service Members and others who experience hearing loss.
  • Muffled sound. Masks absorb the sound of your voice and can make it hard to make out individual words. It can simply be difficult to hear what others are saying.
  • Louder volume. You often will have to speak louder than normal to be heard through your face covering. Depending on your tone or the context of the conversation, that louder volume might be interpreted as “yelling” or a more aggressive tone.
  • Limited communication cues. Though we often don’t realize it, we use much more than just words to communicate with each other. Facial expressions (smiling, frowning, and biting or pursing lips) and tone help others interpret what we’re saying, but both can be lost while wearing a mask.
  • Less interaction. Due to your need to maintain a distance, or simply not wanting to deal with muffled sounds, loud voices, etc., you might notice yourself just avoiding talking with others altogether.
Tactics for effective communication

Though it can take time to get used to communicating while wearing a face mask, the good news is a few simple adjustments can help you come through loud and clear. The fact is, face coverings aren’t new—we can learn from those who wear coverings for religious reasons, professional safety (for example, medical providers, firefighters, construction workers, welders, etc.), and other purposes too.
  • Get attention. Before speaking, make sure the person you’d like to talk to knows you’re trying to engage with them. If you know them, be sure and use their name to grab their attention, use consistent eye contact, and keep distractions (like glancing at cell phones) to a minimum.
  • Use body language. Without visible facial expressions (at least from the nose down!), consider using more hand gestures when you speak and stay aware of what your body language is communicating. For example, maintain an open and relaxed stance (don’t cross your arms or put hands on your hips), and make sure you are directly facing others. Use your arms and hands (for example, thumbs-up or down), point when appropriate, nod more often, and consider how your eyes and eyebrows can express meaning.
  • Ask and reflect. While asking questions and summarizing what you heard from others is generally a good communication practice, it’s particularly helpful while wearing a mask. Even if you’re the one doing the listening, make sure you confirm what you think you heard and give others the opportunity to clarify when needed.
  • Adjust your pace. While you might find yourself naturally speaking louder, be sure to speak more slowly as well. Though you want to maintain a natural speaking pace, slowing your words down to clearly pronounce can help others understand you. Try to use simpler, shorter words too.
  • Optimize technology. If you’re still struggling to communicate through your mask or from a distance, consider how technology can help. Write out what you want to say and show it to the other person, or send it electronically. Whether you’re next to each other or not, sometimes you might need a little extra help to get the point across. And if you aren’t near one another, make sure you consider the best method to get in touch too.
About the author

Sarah Steward, of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, is a Social Health Scientist for the Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU).

Disclosure: *The opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of USU or DoD. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The author has no financial interests or relationships to disclose.



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