Reviews (9)

Great start for English Sign Language
I think this video is so great. Anthony Natale is funny and I do not dread having to watch it again as I am learning. I am glad in the introduction it is explained Anthony Natale does not teach ASL but signs as he speaks. (Obviously this is confusing for some people). This is not the video to learn ASL but to learn enough vocabulary to be comfortable enough to sign to an ASL signer or any hearing impaired person who signs. It also gives some great insight into the deaf world and encourages everyone to not be afraid to try to meet or talk to a deaf individual. I highly recommend this video as a person embarks on learning to sign, whether it be ASL or English. English sign is growing in popularity because it is easier to learn. This teaches you enough sign to begin signing English Sign Language. If you are interested in learning ASL exclusively, this is not the video for you. They do not teach any ASL grammar. Signing along with English sentence structure is NOT ASL. Great source of vocabulary words for all signers and those interested in learning to sign.

Great for the beginner!
I have always wanted to learn the basics of sign language and after reading all the positive reviews for this particular video decided to give it a shot. I watched it with my 8 year old son and since then we have been practicing signing and having a great time in the process. I have to point out it is very helpful for anyone new to signing to have a video to learn from and not a book... many of the signs involve motion, which is difficult to depict in books without some confusion. We have been surprised at the ease with which we have picked up so many of the basic signs, and this video was well worth the cost. It is well put together, easy to understand, and excellent for a beginner with a little time on his/her hands, so to speak.

signing to get along
I got this dvd because I have always been interested in signlanguage and baby sign. This dvd really gives you a nice base for learning to sign or just to get by if you should happen to meet someone who is deaf. I used to work retail and it really came in handy being able to communicate with a deaf customer who stopped in. I also use it to teach my children. (It really came in handy, when I lost my voice due to a cold) You may want to skip some parts however depending on the age of the child. (like asking for a date, or one sign that done wrong means a totally different thing)I loved it because it shows real life situations instead of a classroom like setting like most videos. It is a great teaching tool, or just as a review, if you are out of practice. I really enjoyed this dvd expecially being able to go to any scene with the dvd version.

THIS WAS GREAT - AND HELPFULL! WHAT A BARGIN.
I bought this at first as a gift to my sister, but very fast
as i watched her watch it, i found out how interesting it is.
the tape shows you very clearly the bsaics of ASL, and as long as you have a little time to devote on watching it you will "Catch it" really fast.

When did i figure this tape is great:
i was at a McDonalds in manhatten (where i live) on 14th and 7th ave, and a person, who gave out cards claiming he can't hear and asks for money.
i asked him a simple question (how are you) by ASL, and he understood and replayed!

any way, if you are interested in ASL (American sign lang)
buy this - also makes a great great gift!

he "talks" too fast with his hands
he does phrases when I need basic nouns,verbs,connectives. single words,then expressions. why can't he walk along pointing out things,like in the film JOHNNY BELINDA? there're subtle nuances &facial expressions to signing that he doesn't address. it's hard a for a beginner to keep up,and I don't see any other videos that look easier,from their descriptions. so,having just lost my hearing suddenly,at age 39,I'm still lost,an island floating away from being able to "hear" people speak to me. ... Read more

Description

Charismatic Anthony Natale of films "Jerry Maguire" and "Mr. Holland's Opus", uses his voice and hands to teach you over 300 words and phrases in American Sign Language. A true Hollywood production, this way-above-average tape employs 12 professional actors in 20 different fun locations - like watching "Friends" while learning to Sign. The only How To video ever reviewed on "Entertainment Tonight", this broadcast quality video is easy and enjoyable to watch over and over, and gives the viewer everything they need to know to begin and continue communicating with a deaf person. Included are signs for family, religion, food, colors, emotions, relationships, sports, dating, school, animals, days and time,plus how to use Relay service, how the Deaf drive, communicate with the hearing, and MORE. Truly an all-in-one video appropriate for a parent who has a deaf child, to friends and co-workers of adult deaf and hard-of-hearing. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

This is the ONLY way to learn to Sign!
This video is great. First, it has the gorgeous Anthony Natale - how lovely to look at him for an hour! Second, it really is like watching a fun sit-com and learning to Sign at the same time. I have tried other videos and been so disappointed so I kept going until I found this one - and this is the one I will watch over and over and when I need brushing up years form now.

How to Talk to a Person Who Can't Hear
This is a great video, very creative and fun
for the whole family. The kids watch it over
and over because it's also very entertaining as
well as educational and informative. Sign language
is a universal communication tool, and can be
used in many beneficial ways other than the obvious.
There are studies that show mothers who use
sign language with their newborns have children
with accelerated communication abilities. It's a
great gift idea for a new mom, or anyone. Anthony
Natale (Mr. Holland's Opus) is great in the video,
too. I give it 5 stars!

Professional Reviews
"This video is a fabulous piece of work!" The Los Angeles Times.

"So accessible & emotionally involving our whole family was intrigued" The New Age Publishing Review.

"Fun, excellent, and well-produced" Leonard Maltin/ Entertainment Tonight.

Parent's Choice Award 2000 - recommended video for ALL ages

Producer and televison writer Christine Jenkins invested her entire inheritance to create this unique video - the FIRST Signing video ever made specifically for the general public.

It's broadcast quality - directed by Brady Connell of "SurvivorI" and "The Amazing Race", starring Anthony Natale of "Mr. Holland's Opus", Jerry Maguire", and dozens of commercials. With appearances by 12 professional actors in 20 fun locations.

Original music by smooth jazz artist Brian BecVar - the composer for Deepak Chopra - was composed especially for this video.

Do not be mis-lead by the cheap knock-off selling from another company. "How to Talk" is the original. And it's fabulous. ... Read more