This is the most commonly asked question, and it is quite easy to answer. You will use your stronger and naturally dominant hand. This hand is the one you use daily while writing, eating, turning a screwdriver, and doing most tasks.

Therefore, if you are right-handed, then your right hand will be your dominant signing hand. If you use your left hand for most daily tasks, then the left becomes your dominant signing hand. For those novice signers who are ambidextrous, eventually you will begin to favor one hand, and that will become your dominant hand.

Are you having trouble deciding which hand to use? Ask yourself the following questions:

• Which hand do you consistently use when writing and eating?

• Which hand do you use when tossing or catching a ball?

• Which hand do you use when reaching or using tools?

• Which hand has a natural feel when forming a sign?

• Which hand gives you an extended comfort zone?

As mentioned before, the new signer often feels very awkward and out of control. If you are a natural “righty” or “lefty,” do not change your dominant action hand simply because it feels a bit uncomfortable at the start. Give it some time — this feeling is normal and soon dissipates.

Once you have made the decision to be a right-handed or left-handed signer, do your absolute best to be consistent and do not switch back and forth. Constantly changing your dominant hand will only serve to confuse you as you acquire this new skill. This is especially true for new signers.