A conversational speech model, such as the one developed at NTID*, may be used as a guide when assessing conversations.
The model visually illustrates the salient features of a conversation and how they impact each other. A screening assessment should evaluate a student's ability across all four components. If problems are detected, a more intensive assessment can be conducted that focuses on specific aspects of a single component.

Students can use the conversational model as a guide to self-awareness and goal-setting through conversations with various partners: peers, faculty and hearing students. A conversational log may be used to keep track of variations in conversational success based on varied partners, situations, and contexts.

*Gustafson, Marianne S. and Dobkowski, Karen G. "Improving Your Conversations: A Course for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Young Adults." The Volta Review, Volume 97, pp. 53-67, Winter, 1995.