Hi everyone,
I'm Deaf and use British Sign Language (BSL) as my first language.
I thought I'd share a few easy tips so we can all communicate comfortably, and avoid any awkward staring competitions. 🥸
🤯
English is my second language. So sometimes messages may come across as a bit short, direct, or missing a small word here or there.
That's not rudeness, it's just the brain translating between BSL and English in real time!
👀
Face the person when you speak
A clear view of your face and lip movements makes a big difference.
🗣️
Speak clearly and naturally
Gestures and facial expressions help, keep them coming!
👋
Get their attention first
A wave, a tap on the table, or a gentle tap on the shoulder or arm works perfectly.
It might feel unusual, but it's simply the equivalent of saying someone's name.
🎙️
Turn on captions in meetings
Most video call tools have live captions, they're a game-changer and easy to enable.
🙏
Be patient with clarifications
If they ask you to repeat something a couple of times, that's completely normal, no worries at all.
🤐
Cover your mouth while speaking
Lip patterns are an important part of communication, covering them cuts off a key signal.
🚶
Talk while walking away
Once you turn away, they genuinely cannot hear you, finish the thought first!
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Everyone speak at once
In group conversations or meetings, one person at a time really helps with following along.
😰
Panic if communication feels awkward
It happens sometimes, that's completely fine. Just keep going and laugh it off together.
📢
Shout louder
Volume doesn't help, speaking clearly and facing the person is far more useful. 😄
🔭
Test lip-reading from across the room
Distance, lighting, and angles all affect lip-reading, keep it close and face on.