How to Talk to a Person Who Can't Hear

Anthony Natale, a deaf actor who has appeared in Mr. Holland's Opus and Jerry Maguire, as well as on TV's Ellen, is the easygoing instructor in this introduction to sign language for the hearing. Together with various guests from the entertainment industry, Natale discusses a wide range of topics liable to crop up in personal, professional, and general conversations--from asking for a date to renting a closed-captioned video. Following each skit, Natale repeats the key words or phrases, demonstrating each sign (in all, over 300). Although at times a little difficult to understand, Natale's enunciation is nevertheless remarkable, especially considering the fact that he's never heard a single word of spoken English. Unlike See & Sign (VL-7/94) or Beginning American Sign Language Videocourse (VL-5/93), this is aimed at a hearing audience who wants to learn basic conversational sign language. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman)