How to Get Ready for Online Speech Therapy & Communication Coaching
We are excited to meet with you for your first online session! These suggestions can help you feel prepared.
Download Zoom to Your Device
We recommend downloading the Zoom application to your desktop, laptop, or tablet before your first meeting. The Zoom app streamlines the login process and allows you to store your speech-language pathologists’ personal meeting ID for use in future sessions. We would prefer you not to use your mobile device to log into your zoom meetings.
Make Sure that Your WIFI Connection is Reliable
Try to optimize your internet connection by sitting as close to the router as possible. Ask others connected to the same router not to stream movies or play games during your sessions. Ensure that you have closed all of the other programs running on your device.
Test Your Audio, Microphone, and Video
Be sure that you know how to turn on the camera and the microphone before the session. To check your audio in the app, go to Settings> Audio. Choose the right input and output for your audio and microphone. Then navigate to video and do the same for your camera. Testing out your camera and microphone before your meeting is a great way to ensure that your videoconferencing systems are working.
Check Your Lighting
It is very important for us to be able to see you clearly since we are going to be watching your mouth and facial expressions carefully. You will want to have any light (lamps or sunlight) in front of you, not behind you. If you can’t sit facing a window, or there isn’t enough sunlight streaming through it, your best bet is to re-create this scenario. Try installing LED bulbs in a desk lamp and placing the lamp towards the wall in front of you. Also, check the camera placement to make sure that the camera is positioned so that we can see your face clearly.
Find a Quiet, Uninterrupted Place to Connect
Try to find a learning environment that is quiet and free from distractions. Put up a sign or let other household members know that you are in an important meeting. Please do not move around during your session and do not connect while riding in a car.
Join the Meeting
To access your meeting, click on the link that your speech-language pathologist has provided for you. Alternatively, you can open the app and click “Join meeting” and enter the speech pathologist’s meeting number.
Wear Headphones
Headphones and a microphone make it easier for your speech pathologist to hear you clearly. An inexpensive pair will work just fine. If you are a parent working with your child and you both need to hear the speech pathologist, then using a headset may not be appropriate. Check with your speech pathologist if you think this applies to you.
Keep a Glass of Water Nearby
Having some water close to you during your session is ideal. Sometimes when you are speaking, your voice can get dry. Having a glass of water handy can make your throat feel more comfortable.
Have a Pen and Paper Handy
Your speech pathologists will share their knowledge, skills, and tools with you throughout your virtual meeting. You may want to take notes during the session. Having a notebook dedicated just to your meetings is a good way to keep track of all of the new skills that you will learn.
Before Each Session, Write Down any Topics that You Want to Discuss
Jotting down questions or thoughts about your session will help you stay on track.
These are just some general tips to help you prepare for your first online session. If you have any more specific questions, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist.
About the Author
Allison Geller is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the owner of Connected Speech Pathology. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Florida in Speech-Language Pathology. Allison has practiced speech therapy in a number of settings including telepractice, acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, and private practice. She has worked extensively with individuals across the lifespan including toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, and adults. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of communication disorders including receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation disorders, voice disorders, fluency disorders, brain injury, and swallowing disorders.
Allison served as the clinical coordinator of research in aphasia in the Neurological Institute at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. She is on the Board of Directors for the Corporate Speech Pathology Network (CORSPAN), a Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) certified clinician, and a proud Family Empowerment Scholarship/Step-Up For Students provider. Allison is passionate about delivering high quality-effective treatment remotely because it’s convenient and easy to access. What sets us apart from other online speech therapy options is—Allison takes great care to hire the very best SLPs from all over the country.
