To sign "speech" (as in giving a presentation or lecture), form an open handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers straight. Raise your hand near the side of your head with your palm facing forward and slightly toward your opposite side. Move your hand forward and slightly down in two short, distinct arcs or bouncing motions. This forward movement represents projecting your words out to an audience.
Start by signing "tomorrow" to establish the timeline, point to yourself for "I," sign "must," and finish with the sign for "speech" moving outward.
Sign "president," then "speech," and follow up with the sign for "long," using a facial expression that emphasizes the dragging length of the presentation.
Sign "you," "ready," and "speech," making sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly at the end of the sentence to indicate a yes/no question.
Start by signing "tomorrow" to establish the timeline, point to yourself for "I," sign "must," and finish with the sign for "speech" moving outward.
Sign "president," then "speech," and follow up with the sign for "long," using a facial expression that emphasizes the dragging length of the presentation.
Sign "you," "ready," and "speech," making sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly at the end of the sentence to indicate a yes/no question.
Yes, the sign for "speech" is often the exact same sign used for "lecture" or "presentation." The context of your conversation will help the person you are signing with understand which specific English concept you mean.
"Speak" or "talk" usually uses a '4' handshape tapping near the chin or an index finger moving outward from the mouth. "Speech" uses an open hand near the side of the head to show a formal presentation to an audience.
You should always use your dominant hand for this sign. If you are right-handed, use your right hand near the right side of your head. If you are left-handed, use your left hand on the left side.
