Cued Speech: Guide

Description of the system

The name Cued Speech describes a system of 8 handshapes and 4 positions around the face, you cue as you speak.  The combination of these 12 cues and the natural lip patterns of the speaker give a complete visual representation of what is said in real time.  Every sound in every word has a corresponding cue enabling the receiver to see how the words sound.

For deaf children Cued Speech does the job of speech; it is your speech made visible.

It is quick and comparatively easy to learn – the entire system can be shown on one page.

A chart showing the handshapes and positions explains how to put them together to cue words.