If we wish to interrupt or make a contribution during spoken conversations, we listen to the other person’s tone of voice, waiting for an opportunity to politely interrupt. There are similar conventions and etiquette to be followed when signing.  Some of these conventions may take getting used to, but they are all perfectly acceptable in a visual-gestural language such as BSL.

The first of these could be in gaining the other persons attention.  To let the other person know that you wish to make a contribution to the conversation you should discreetly indicate this.  One acceptable method is to slightly raise your hand until acknowledged by the other.  If they are busy at that precise moment they may indicate this by using the sign for “Hold”. This simply means “ I see and acknowledge you, I will get to you next” .

Deaf people often also use techniques such as waving to attract attention, as well as shoulder tapping, stamping feet or even switching lights on and off. Similarly, pointing may be frowned on in spoken language but is a normal part of BSL. 

You should ensure that you definitely have the other persons’ attention before starting to sign. After all BSL is a visual language, if the deaf person does not, or cannot see you, you may end up having to repeat yourself.

Face the other person when signing, making sure that you maintain a natural eye contact throughout.

You should provide the other person with some form of visual feedback to assure them that they are being understood.  This can be as simple as nodding, or providing appropriate responses throughout.  They will expect similar feedback from you when they are signing.  If you do not fully understand the other person, please let them know.  Do not simply nod and pretend that you do.

If, during your signing, you wish to change the topic, it is polite to clearly signal this to the others.  Jumping from one topic to another can be confusing.