Expressive Hands Slides
ASL High School Level 1 & 2
Unit 4 • Interpersonal Communication
Expressive Hands
Signing Emotions, Non-Manual Markers, & Empathetic Conversational Turn-Taking
Core Vocabulary
12 Emotion Signs
Grammar Target
Non-Manual Markers
Interactive Skill
Empathy & Inquiries
Linguistic Foundation
In ASL, the Face IS Grammar
NMMs = Non-Manual Markers
Spoken English vs. ASL
In English, tone of voice conveys emotion and punctuation. In ASL, your facial expressions, head tilts, and eyebrow positions carry that exact grammatical meaning.
Key Rule: Signing "HAPPY" with a blank, neutral face is grammatically incomplete and confusing!
The NMM Emotion Multipliers
Subtle / Normal Mild smile or brow furrow
Intense / Very Eyes wide, sharp nod, teeth visible
Overwhelmed Puffed cheeks, head drop / shake
"Intensity changes in the face, not just bigger hand movements."
Always maintain eye contact during expression changes to sustain conversational connection.
Sign Mechanics
5 Parameters of Every ASL Sign
HOLMS Architecture
1
Handshape
Open 5, Flat-B, Flat-O, 25, or Fist shapes
2
Orientation
Palms in, out, up, down, or facing each other
3
Location
Chest, forehead, chin, or neutral signing space
4
Movement
Upward brushes, downward pulls, or circular arcs
5
NMMs
Facial affect, raised/furrowed brows, mouth shapes
Why it matters: Changing even ONE parameter changes the word entirely (e.g., HAPPY vs ENJOY vs PLEASE).
Precision is respect
Vocabulary Set 1
Core Positive Emotions
4 Signs & Markers
HAPPY Open-B Handshape
Flat open palms sweep upwards brushing upward off the chest in repeating joyful motions.
NMM: Natural authentic smile, raised cheekbones, energized eyes.
EXCITED / THRILLED 25 Handshape (Middle Bent)
Middle fingers flick upward alternating repeatedly across left and right chest areas.
NMM: Wide excited eyes, mouth open in slight 'O' or grin, energetic head bounce.
PROUD A-Handshape (Thumb Out)
Dominant thumb tip slides firmly upward from belly center to upper sternum.
NMM: Shoulders back, chin lifted proudly, confident nod.
CALM / PEACE Flat-B Hands (Cross & Push Down)
Palms cross softly at chest and press downward smoothly, spreading outward.
NMM: Soft exhale ("poo" or relaxed breath), shoulders dropping gently.
Practice drill: Mirror the teacher with synchronized manual speed and facial expression!
Vocabulary Set 2
Challenging & Heavy Emotions
4 Signs & Markers
SAD 5-Handshape (Face Down)
Both open-5 hands in front of face drop downward smoothly toward chest.
NMM: Corners of mouth turned down, eyebrows drawn together, downward gaze.
ANGRY / MAD Claw-5 Handshape
Claw hand pulls sharply away from face/chest with intense tension.
NMM: Furrowed eyebrows, tense jaw, intense focused eye contact.
SCARED / AFRAID Open 5 (Push Inwards)
Fists open abruptly into 5s crossing in front of torso with a sudden shudder.
NMM: Eyes widened in alarm, quick intake of breath, slight recoil.
TIRED / EXHAUSTED Bent-B Hands
Fingertips placed at chest ribs drop and roll downward until wrists rest on body.
NMM: Drooping eyelids, heavy sigh, slouched shoulders.
Notice how physical body posture reinforces each emotional state!
Vocabulary Set 3
Nuanced & Conversational Feelings
4 Signs & Markers
CONFUSED / MIXED-UP THINK + MIX (Claw)
Index finger points to forehead, then both claw hands circle and churn together.
NMM: Furrowed brow, head tilted slightly sideways, squinted eyes.
NERVOUS / ANXIOUS Open-5 Palms Down
Both open hands held in front of waist shake with rapid side-to-side trembling.
NMM: Biting lower lip, darting eyes, tight neck tension.
SURPRISED / SHOCKED L-Shape to G-Pinch Snap
Index & thumb at sides of eyes snap open suddenly into wide L-shapes.
NMM: Eyebrows shoot high up, mouth drops open in round 'O'.
SICK / NOT-WELL 25-Handshape (Head & Stomach)
Middle fingers touch forehead and abdomen simultaneously with slight twist.
NMM: Pained grimace, head tilted forward, closed eyes.
Mastering nuanced signs allows you to express exactly how you feel!
Dialogue Turn 1
Initiating the Conversation
WH-Question Grammar
Formal / Standard
YOU FEEL HOW?
In ASL syntax, WH-questions place the question word (HOW) at the end of the sentence.
WH-Question NMM: Furrow your eyebrows down, tilt head slightly forward, hold last sign!
Casual / Peer Greeting
WHAT'S-UP? / HOW YOU?
Middle fingers flick upward off chest (WHAT'S-UP) with friendly upward head nod.
Casual NMM: Raised eyebrows (open invitation), friendly direct smile, warm eye contact.
Class Drill: Pair up. Person A signs "YOU FEEL HOW?" with furrowed brows. Person B holds ready stance.
Dialogue Turn 2
Expressing Emotion & Cause
Topic + Comment Structure
Sentence Formula:
ME FEEL [EMOTION] + BECAUSE / WHY [REASON]
Example 1 (Positive):
"ME FEEL EXCITED WHY? ASL TEST ME ACEO"
"I'm feeling excited because I aced my ASL test!"
Example 2 (Challenging):
"ME FEEL TIRED WHY? HOMEWORK A-LOT"
"I'm exhausted because I had so much homework last night."
Grammar Note: In ASL, WHY (r-q) functions as "because" when signed with raised eyebrows!
Dialogue Turn 3
Empathetic Responses & Support
Active Listening Signs
OH-I-SEE
Y-handshape nodding downward repeatedly. Shows you are tracking their story attentively.
NMM: Continuous slow nod, attentive eyes.
SYMPATHY / SORRY
Open-8 hand circles over heart (sympathy) or A-fist circles over chest (sorry).
NMM: Soft empathetic expression, slight head tilt.
NEED HELP YOU?
Directional sign: Closed fist resting on flat palm moving towards partner.
NMM: Raised eyebrows (yes/no question), lean forward.
Cultural Norm: Deaf culture values genuine connection and supportive validation. Never look away while your partner is sharing!
Interactive Lab
Activity: "Silent Cafe" Dialogues
Voice-Off Immersion
A
Turn 1: Inquire
Sign "YOU FEEL HOW?" with proper WH-brow furrow and direct eye contact.
B
Turn 2: Express + Reason
Sign "ME FEEL [X] WHY [Y]" matching your face with 100% emotional intensity.
C
Turn 3: Empathize
Sign "OH-I-SEE" or "SYMPATHY" and offer "NEED HELP YOU?".
Strict Voices-Off Rule: Use your worksheet prompts to complete 3 paired partner rounds!
Switch roles each round!
