Tips for Leaders

DEAF BAYOU e-News

March, 2006

. . . "Introducing Yourself!" . . .

by:  Linda Annala, B.A.,M.Ed., C.A.G.S.

DEAF BAYOU e-News Contributing Writer

Hi DEAF BAYOU e-News Readers (and Responders), 

My name sign is "LA on shoulder" aka Linda Annala.

(L I N D A   A N N A L A).  I am writing a column for DEAF BAYOU e-news.

Y’All might want something interesting to think about and practice a new idea if you really like it. How to Introduce Oneself to a new person, at a meeting, a new organization or to a newsletter is a good place to start! 

First of all, when we make new contacts in our Deaf + Community, one tells his or her name first before one asks the other person.

 Sometimes it's the other way around, but it's better to be the first to volunteer who you are to another person, to another group or in a newsletter.

A Preface to Signing and questions (?) is: When asking a question of the other, your eyebrows move in together almost as a frown in a question, and if communicating with a person, who can't see your face, add the sign "?" to help clarify the question as a question.

"What's your name?" (YOUR NAME?) and "What's your name sign?" (NAME SIGN point)  Usually when they ask for your name, be sure to fingerspell your name clearly and slowly.

"Where are you from" (WHERE point FROM?) is the next question in Introduction Process.  I am from Louisiana.

"Did you go to Deaf School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?" (You GO DEAF RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL IN BR, LA.?).  One might ask when I say "from Louisiana."  I went to a public day school in New York City, but I've worked at Louisiana School for the Deaf for a few years!

"Are your parents Deaf?" (YOUR MOTHER-FATHER DEAF?)

Is typical question because of the wide diversity of Deaf Culture.

Normally one will say "My parents are hearing," or "My grandparents are Deaf and went to Deaf School," or "My parents went to mainstream schools but they are Deaf."  I was born Deaf to hearing mother and father, and Mom put me in school for the Deaf at age 3.  (Psst, I learned much more at home through my love of reading! Another PSST, lot of Deaf Students learned how to sign in little boys and little girls bathrooms during break time/recess. Because in each class or grade there were usually a Deaf Child of Deaf Parents who took Signing very naturally!) I went to a superb Deaf Church on Sundays and I learned A LOT from Deaf Adults who went there also and a few were self-reliant and capable leaders and teachers!!! I'm fortunate!

"What do you do?" (For a living) or "What job/work do you do?" (WHAT J O B point HAVE? Or Point WORK?)  is usually the next question in Introductory stage. I did quite a few different things since graduating from college.   Worked as a teacher, as a counselor, as a coordinator of services, as an editor and writer for newsletters, as a "Jill of all trades" as I've picked up a few invaluable learning experiences in my lifetime!

"Why are you contributing to this DEAF BAYOU e-news?" (WHY point WRITE COLUMN in DEAF B-SOUTH Inform?)   I have to confess that I need an outlet for my energies. There are a lot of stuff out there that we all could learn and apply to our day to day living, and to become a better person.  How's that for a short introduction?

"It's nice meeting you" (NICE MEET YOU) is usually the end of Introductory Process.  It all depends on how two people connect and they may continue chatting and exchanging more information.

See you later!

La on shoulder!