Names are powerful. They shape perception, convey meaning, and sometimes even challenge assumptions. The organization’s name, Visually Speaking, is a clever example of that—it makes you pause, think, and maybe even smile.
When you hear it, your first thought might be: “Oh, they’re speaking visually.” You might even instinctively reach for the 4-handshape ‘SPEAKING’ in front of your mouth. But here’s the trick—the name isn’t literal. We’re not speaking. We’re signing!
This subtle pun was set up by the previous founder, and it’s brilliant. At first glance, it seems straightforward. But once you look closer, you realize the name reflects our core philosophy and mission: communication happens visually, through ASL, not through spoken language. It’s a reminder that for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, the most natural, authentic way to communicate is through signing, not speaking.
Why the Pun Matters
- It makes you think. You can’t just assume the meaning—you have to consider the context.
- It reinforces our mission. Every time someone signs “Visually Speaking,” they’re engaging in the very principle the name celebrates: visual communication through sign language.
- It honors Deaf culture. It subtly reminds the world that communication doesn’t have to be spoken to be valid, vibrant, or powerful.
How to Sign “Visually Speaking”
The correct way to sign the name in ASL captures both clarity and the pun:
Visual – Use the V-handshape coming out from the eyes. This represents seeing, looking, and visual awareness.
Signing – Use two fists with opening and closing motion to indicate “signing” (not speaking). This shows the action of using ASL to communicate.
Add Facial Expression – Emphasize the visual, expressive nature of ASL—non-manual markers are part of the meaning!
The name “Visually Speaking” is more than branding—it’s a conversation starter, a teaching moment, and a playful nod to the power of visual language. It’s a name that makes you think twice, look closer, and appreciate the beauty of signing.
At the end of the day, it’s simple: we are not speaking. We are signing. And that makes all the difference.
🎬 Now It’s Your Turn — Show Us Your “Visually Speaking”!
We want to see how you sign “Visually Speaking” — especially in AI-generated videos!
How to participate:
- Create your AI video showing how to sign “Visually Speaking.”
- Post it on Instagram.
- Tag @VisuallySpeakingSeattle and use the hashtag #SignVisuallySpeaking.
✨ Bonus: In your caption, share what prompt you used!
Selected videos may be featured on Visually Speaking page, website, or future projects. Let’s celebrate visual language, creativity, and Deaf culture together.
This blog post was authored with the assistance of AI
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