Deaf etiquette
Deaf etiquette is very different in many ways from the etiquette of the hearing world. The Deaf way can be described as direct, expressive, and not shy at all. It is important to maintain eye contact, speak expressively, and feel free to use a pen and paper to communicate, if necessary.

What to do and what not to do
When speaking with a deaf person using an interpreter, here are a few things to help you do it with class. Do:

• speak directly to the Deaf person.
• allow the interpreter to stand or sit close to you so that the Deaf individual can see you and the interpreter at the same time.
• look at the Deaf person, not the interpreter.
• speak at a normal rate of speech and make your statements clear.

There are some things you should not do. Do not:

• say things to the interpreter that you don't want repeated to the Deaf person.
• ask the interpreter for her or his opinions about the Deaf person.
• hold personal conversations with the interpreter.
• stop to watch or to wait for the interpreter to begin signing.

End your conversation by explaining why it is time to leave, without breaking eye contact.