Expressive language is often defined as the ability to talk aloud in sentences that can be understood by others. It is possible, however, to express language in ways other than through verbal communication.
Often, due to disability or illness, people know what they want to say but have trouble getting the words out or expressing it. This could be due to a physical limitation, an intellectual disability, stuttering or another speech or voice disorder.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Screen reading software can aid people who are unable to use natural speech to meet all of their communication needs:
There are also several types of augmentative communication devices and products that can promote the communication of language using signs, gestures, pictures, tactile feeling boards, real objects, printed words, communication boards, switches, speech output systems, sound picture boards, and computers:
Speech generating devices use electronically stored speech as a means of communication:
Tools such as graphic organisers allow people who have intellectual disability or learning difficulties to communicate through a series of pictures rather than the use of words and sentences:
Employers and co-workers can support people who have trouble using expressive language by giving them extra time to talk, asking them to repeat what they have said instead of pretending it was understood and also using index cards with instructions, rather than verbal instructions..
References
Better Health Channel 2009, Expressive language disorder, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed on 23 April 2010, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Expressive_language_disorder.
Community Disability Strategy: Better Communication Practices 2009, Information Needs of Disability Groups, Australian Government: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Canberra, viewed on 23 April 2010, http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/pubs/policy/Documents/cds/bicp/p1.htm.