Have a Conversation in ASL
Learn and practice a short American Sign Language conversation using greetings, questions, fingerspelling, and body language, then role-play with a partner safely.
Step-by-step guide to have a conversation in ASL
30 Signs You Need to Know for Basic ASL Conversations
Step 1
Gather all the materials from the list and sit at a table with your partner.
Step 2
Write a short conversation on your paper with a greeting a question about names a line for fingerspelling a how-are-you question and a goodbye.
Step 3
Use your ASL reference or ask an adult to find the correct ASL signs for each word in your written conversation.
Step 4
Look at one sign at a time in the ASL reference and copy the handshape and movement into the mirror.
Step 5
Practice fingerspelling the names in your conversation slowly in the mirror letter by letter until each letter is clear.
Step 6
Add matching facial expressions and body language in the mirror for each line of your conversation.
Step 7
Stand an arm’s length apart from your partner to make a safe space for role-play.
Step 8
Perform the full signed conversation to your partner while they watch silently so you can focus on signing clearly.
Step 9
Switch roles with your partner so the other person can perform the conversation to you.
Step 10
Repeat the conversation two more times while trying to make your signs smooth and clear.
Step 11
Make a short video or take photos of your role-play to show your ASL conversation.
Step 12
Upload or post your video or photos and share your finished ASL conversation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a printed ASL reference or a mirror?
Use a reputable online ASL video or app instead of a printed ASL reference and substitute a phone's front-facing camera for the mirror so you can copy handshapes and movement.
My fingerspelling looks sloppy during the role-play — how can we fix it?
Follow the step to 'Practice fingerspelling the names in your conversation slowly in the mirror letter by letter,' slow each letter way down, and record a short video to watch and correct specific letters.
How can we adapt this activity for younger children or for teens?
For younger children, simplify the written conversation to a greeting and one fingerspelled name and focus on copying one sign at a time in the mirror, while teens can expand the script, add complex facial expressions from 'Add matching facial expressions and body language in the mirror,' and polish a video for DIY.org.
How can we make the ASL conversation more creative or challenging?
Enhance the activity by writing alternate scenarios, using simple props or costumes during the role-play, aiming to make signs smoother across the three repeated performances, and editing your 'Make a short video' clips into a montage before posting to DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to have a conversation in ASL
50 Basic ASL Conversational Signs
4 Videos
50 Basic ASL Conversational Signs
4 Rules for Having an ASL Conversation | Hearing and Deaf
Your First ASL Conversation | Part 1 | Introductions, Questions and Responses
Learn 40 conversational words and phrases for beginners in American Sign Language ASL
Facts about American Sign Language for kids
🗣️ American Sign Language (ASL) is a natural language with its own grammar and syntax, different from spoken English.
👀 Facial expressions and body movement are essential in ASL grammar—raised eyebrows often mark yes/no questions.
🤟 Fingerspelling uses a 26-letter manual alphabet to spell names and words that don't have established signs.
🤝 Role-playing short ASL conversations with a partner is a fun way to practice turn-taking, confidence, and real interaction skills.
🇺🇸 An estimated 250,000–500,000 people in the United States use ASL as a primary language or means of communication.
How do I teach my child a short ASL conversation and role-play safely?
What materials do I need to practice a short ASL conversation at home?
What ages is learning a short ASL conversation suitable for?
What safety tips should parents follow during ASL role-play?
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