For instance, if you want to communicate that you don't know something, try shrugging your shoulders and looking puzzled. If you want to indicate that everything is fine, try giving the thumbs up gesture. If you want to indicate that you're hungry, try rubbing your stomach and point toward your mouth. Using common sense and universal gestures can go a long way toward conveying simple ideas and concepts. Z. This will allow you to fingerspell word for word to a deaf colleague what you would normally speak, and vice versa.
Fingerspelling is a lot slower than either speaking or signing, but it works.
Don't worry if you can't sign or fingerspell well. What is far more important than speed or accuracy is that you are trying. And with the trying, many of the attitudinal barriers will simply melt away and the smoother the communication will become with time and practice. Be sure the receptionist is comfortable making deaf employees, applicants, and customers feel welcome when they walk in the door. For instance, if you are sending a voice mail to all staff, be sure to send an email as well.