To sign "Ellen", you will fingerspell the letters E-L-L-E-N using your dominant hand. Keep your hand steady at about shoulder height with your palm facing outward toward the person you are signing to. Form an 'E', transition to an 'L' and slide or bounce it slightly to indicate the double letter, then form another 'E', and finish by tucking your index and middle fingers over your thumb for an 'N'.
Sign 'MY FRIEND NAME', and then smoothly fingerspell E-L-L-E-N to introduce her.
Sign 'E-L-L-E-N COME PARTY', making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'I MUST CALL', followed by fingerspelling E-L-L-E-N to specify who you are contacting.
Sign 'MY FRIEND NAME', and then smoothly fingerspell E-L-L-E-N to introduce her.
Sign 'E-L-L-E-N COME PARTY', making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'I MUST CALL', followed by fingerspelling E-L-L-E-N to specify who you are contacting.
Yes, unless the specific person named Ellen has been given a unique name sign by the Deaf community. Until you know her specific name sign, you should always fingerspell it.
For double letters, you can either perform a slight bounce with the 'L' handshape or slide your hand slightly to the side (outward) to indicate that the letter is repeated.
Focus on clarity rather than speed. It is much better to spell smoothly and clearly at a slower pace than to rush and make mistakes. Your speed will naturally develop with consistent practice.
