Deaf and blind people who do not know the manual alphabet may use the Spartan alphabet - capital letters spelt on to the palm of the receiver's hand. The most comfortable position is for the interpreter to sit on the right of the deafblind person, particularly if the deafblind person can speak. For conversation with someone who cannot speak, the person with most to spell should sit on the right, and at a slight angle, as if seated at a round table.
Writing is usually fingers to palm.
The receiver's fingers and thumb are spread apart, flat except for a slight curving of the fingers so that they feel relaxed. The letters must be made clearly and distinctly. Words should be spelt rhythmically, long words in syllables. Pauses between words should be brief, and the rate of signing should depend on the receiver's ability to interpret the message. An erasing movement for spelling errors, is made by rubbing the flat of the palm backwards and forwards across the receiver's palm from wrist to fingers.