A softer, higher pitched, affectionate voice which is easier to decode.
Position of face
In front of the baby so the baby can observe eye movements, facial language and lip movements used to form the sounds of words. As the child begins to speak, face position becomes less important.
Speed
Slower than normal speech and stresses important words - 'Teddy's in the box.'
Length of utterances
Short, single words or focused phrases with lengthened vowel sounds, such as 'Good baby'. Dialogues repeat the child's word to confirm that something is correct, for example, 'Yes. That's a dog.' Child's language is re-played with expansion, for example, 'Yes. That's a dog. A brown dog.' Repetition is not boring to children; they appear to need and enjoy consolidation.
Pauses
Pauses are integral parts of speech, vital for dialogue. Turn-taking has to be learned.
Body language
Gesture to convey meaning is frequent, such as pointing and miming. Facial language confirms language meaning.
