Looking away while signing
Checking your phone or smartwatch
Talking to someone else mid-conversation
Chewing gum, eating, or drinking
Poor lighting (making it hard to see facial expressions or signs)
Wearing sunglasses indoors
Blocking your hands (crossed arms, holding items)
Standing too far away or behind the person
Signing too quickly or too slowly
Using inconsistent or unclear signs
Lack of facial expressions
Turning your head while signing
Having loud background noise (even if you’re both signing)
Using your voice while signing without mouthing clearly
Wearing distracting clothing (busy patterns, long sleeves that cover hands)
Ignoring or not matching the Deaf person’s signing pace
Trying to multitask during the conversation
Not facing the Deaf person directly
Interrupting with unrelated questions or commentary
Having visual clutter behind you (e.g., moving background, TV on)