Communicating with Deaf People
There’s no one way to be deaf, and deaf people communicate in all kinds of ways—both with each other and with hearing people. The best way to know how to communicate with someone is to ask them, but there are also some general tips that can be helpful to keep in mind.
Deaf People Are The Experts on What Works Best for Them
Every deaf person communicates in their own way.
What worked for one deaf person may not work for someone else. For example, some deaf people may be comfortable reading lips while others would prefer you to write things down or type out your message on your phone.
It’s okay to ask questions!
In fact, most deaf people prefer it when others ask about their communication needs rather than making assumptions. For example, one deaf person might use hearing aids or cochlear implants. Another person may not use assistive listening systems at all. There are a variety of experiences and preferences, and they are all valid.
Each deaf person’s experience matters.
When deaf people have the power to share feedback on what support and tools they need, it not only leads to better access outcomes but also is a way for institutions to ensure that they are providing effective communication for their deaf students.
Different situations may require different approaches.
Once accommodations have been established, continue to check in to follow-up and see how things are going. What worked when you met one-on-one with that deaf person would not always be applicable in a more formal setting like a business meeting or training. Being open to updates helps everyone stay on the same page and ensures consistent access.
Getting Attention
Deaf people are highly observant and often use creative, visually attuned strategies to stay aware of what’s happening around them. Because of this strong visual orientation, they may already notice you without any extra effort. However, if you typically rely on sound—like calling someone’s name—it’s helpful to remember that visual or tactile cues are often more effective ways to connect.
Here are some ways you can get a deaf person’s attention in a respectful and effective way:
- Wave your hand in the person’s field of vision. Make sure you’re in their line of sight, but don’t wave too close to their face!
- Flick the lights on and off, once or twice. This works well in shared spaces like classrooms or meeting rooms. However, be advised that this may have adverse effects on people who are light-sensitive or who may have epilepsy.
- Gently tap their shoulder to let the person know you’re there. Be sure your touch is light and respectful.
- Knock on a shared surface, like a table, desk, or other piece of furniture. Sometimes, even a wooden floor can do the trick! This method uses vibration to help get their attention without needing sound.
These are small actions, but they can make a big difference in helping communication go smoothly. It’s always okay to ask what works best. Deaf people know their own needs and usually appreciate when others make the effort to connect.
Think About the Surroundings
Where you meet or talk with a deaf person can make a big difference. It’s not just about how loud or quiet it is—it’s about making sure the space helps everyone focus, see, and understand clearly. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Make sure the speaker, interpreter, or person using sign language isn’t standing in front of a bright window or light. Strong backlighting makes it hard to see faces and hands.
The deaf person should be able to see the speaker, interpreter, captions, or any visuals without turning their body or straining their neck. Ask if the setup works for them and adjust if needed.
A room doesn’t have to be silent, but it should be free from sudden loud noises, background music, or other sounds that might make it hard to focus — especially for those who use hearing aids or cochlear implants, which can amplify all sounds. Do what you can to reduce background noise, such as turning off background music or machines, or closing windows.
Avoid placing interpreters or speakers in front of busy backgrounds like bright screens, flashing lights, or heavy foot traffic. A calm, steady background helps keep the focus on the message.
In Large Group Settings...
- Use name tags if people don’t know each other. This helps deaf people (and everyone else!) follow who is talking.
- Set simple ground rules to help the conversation flow. This might include saying your name before speaking, raising a hand to take turns, or making sure only one person talks at a time.
Every setting is different. Taking a few moments to think through the space shows intention and often leads to better communication for everyone.
Plan Ahead for Accommodations
Some accommodations take time to set up, so it’s important to plan early. Services like ASL interpreters or real-time captioning may need to be scheduled days or even weeks in advance, depending on availability. Here are some recommendations for what you can do:
- Help reduce stress by clearly sharing what support will be available. For example, if you’re planning an event, say on the flyer or website that accommodations are available and explain how to request them.
- Make sure your contact info is easy to find.
- Being open and clear from the start creates a welcoming space—and prevents confusion or last-minute scrambling.
Tips for Communicating with a Deaf Person
Communicating with deaf people doesn’t have to feel intimidating. Most of the time, it just takes a little thoughtfulness and intention. The best way to start? Ask what works best for them individually and follow their lead. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Always speak directly to the deaf person, not the interpreter or support staff.
Even if someone else is helping facilitate communication, like an interpreter or speech-to-text provider, it’s important to make eye contact and talk to the person you’re actually engaging with.
Let the deaf person decide how they want to communicate.
Some people use sign language. Some prefer to type, write things down, or use apps. Some prefer to speak using their voice. If someone tells you their preference, go with what works best for them. You don’t have to understand every reason in order to honor their choice.
Speak at a natural pace.
Slowing down too much or exaggerating your words can make it harder to understand you. Don’t shout, just speak clearly and calmly.
Limit movement while you talk.
Moving around too much, like pacing or turning your head often, makes it hard to see your face, mouth, or expressions. Try to stay still and face the person when you’re speaking.
Natural gestures can help!
If you naturally use your hands when talking, that can make things easier to understand. Just don’t force gestures if it doesn’t feel like you.
Keep your hands away from your face.
Covering your mouth, talking while eating, chewing gum, or smoking, can make it difficult for someone to see your expressions.
If you're not understood the first time, try saying it another way.
Rephrasing often works better than repeating the same sentence over and over. Think of a simpler or clearer way to say what you mean.
Give extra time.
When using interpreters or captions, there’s often a short delay. Be patient, and wait for the full message to come through before moving on. Make space for the deaf person to respond without rushing or interrupting.
Don’t say “never mind” or “I’ll tell you later.”
It can feel dismissive—like the conversation isn’t important enough to include them. If it’s worth saying, it’s worth making sure everyone is included and can understand.
And if you don’t have formal accommodations available at the moment, don’t panic. There are other ways to connect:
- Write it down. Use pen and paper, a text message, or a notes app.
- Point to helpful signs or objects. A quick gesture can guide someone toward where they need to go or explain what you’re talking about.
- Use speech-to-text apps (like Google Live Transcribe or Otter) if available. These are not 100% reliable, and should not be used in high-stakes situations where the information being shared is of critical importance.
- Draw it out, mime it, or use simple visuals. Sometimes creativity works best!
What matters most is showing that you are aware and willing to make communication work. Deaf people are skilled at adapting—and they’ll value your effort to do the same.
Deaf 101 Online Module
The Deaf Awareness Micro Certificate is a free, self-paced program that encourages self-awareness and understanding of systems and attitudes experienced by deaf people. This module will allow you to explore lived experiences of deaf people and learn strategies to create accessible environments. Through self-reflection, you will be challenged to examine attitudes and assumptions about deaf people and apply methods to challenge and deconstruct them.
