There are two levels of lip-speaking, and it is important that you use the correct level for your particular assignment. Listed below are the areas of work in which Level 2 and Level 3 lip-speakers are currently trained to undertake.

Level 2 Lip-speakers

Level 2 Lip-speakers are trained to manage speeds of up to 120 words per minute and are qualified to work at meetings organised specifically for, or to include, deaf and hard of hearing people. These may include:

• talks and club meetings
• practical course and demonstrations
• open or public meetings
• some one-to-one consultations
• religious services (where the liturgy is familiar to the lip-speaker)
• personal telephone calls

Level 3 Lip-speakers

Level 3 lip-speakers are trained to manage speeds of over 120 words a minute - fast speeds being made lip-readable by omitting the redundancies of language, reducing adjectival words and phrases, and eliminating inessential language while maintaining accuracy.

Level 3 lip-speakers are experienced to deal with all situations. They are qualified to undertake professional assignments in the following settings:

• in the workplace - in meetings, interviews, or on training courses
• in further or higher education
• in legal settings; in meetings with solicitors and barristers, at tribunals, in police stations and Courts of Law
• in social services, including child protection and mental health
• in consultations with health professionals & medical settings
• in theatre and television
• in marriage guidance
• in political meetings
• in assignments with lip-readers who have particular requirements, for example Usher Syndrome