How to Sign Encourage

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), the sign most commonly taught for ENCOURAGE uses both hands as if gently pushing someone forward from behind. Hold both hands open and flat with the fingers together, palms facing forward, at about waist height near the sides of your body. Then push both hands forward in a short motion, usually repeated twice. Pair the movement with a warm, supportive facial expression.

Two points can change the answer. First, this describes ASL, the sign language most widely used in the United States. Other sign languages, such as British Sign Language, have their own signs, and the ASL form may not be understood in those languages. Second, signs can vary by region, community and context. Related ideas such as support, motivate or cheer on may use different signs, so pick the sign that matches what you mean.

Step by step

• 1. Handshape: Open both hands flat with the fingers together and the thumbs resting alongside. ASL resources often call this a flat or "B" handshape.
• 2. Palm orientation: Turn both palms to face forward, away from your body.
• 3. Starting position: Place your hands at about waist or hip height, a little out to the sides, as if they were resting behind someone you are about to nudge ahead.
• 4. Movement: Push both hands forward together in a short, gentle motion. Most taught versions repeat the push twice.
• 5. Facial expression: Use a positive, encouraging expression. In ASL, facial expression carries meaning and tone, so a blank face can make the sign read flat.

How to tell whether you are signing it correctly

Record yourself or watch yourself in a mirror and check these points:

• Both palms face forward, not up or toward each other.
• The motion goes forward, as a push, not upward or in a circle.
• Both hands move together and stay roughly level.
• The push is short and repeated, not one long sweep.
• Your face looks supportive and matches the meaning.

Watching yourself confirms that the sign matches the description. It does not confirm that a fluent signer would read it naturally. The most reliable check is to compare your version with a video from an established ASL dictionary, or to ask a Deaf or fluent ASL user for feedback.

Signing it on a video call

Because this sign is made at waist height, a typical head-and-shoulders camera frame can cut it off. Before you sign it on a call, sit or stand far enough from the camera that your hands stay visible from about your waist up, and check your self-view. Many apps mirror the self-view, so the picture you see may be flipped compared with what the other person sees. For a two-handed, symmetrical sign like this one, mirroring does not change the meaning. Seeing your hands in your own preview shows that they are in frame. It does not guarantee that the other person sees smooth, clear motion, because that also depends on their connection and display.

What this guide does not cover

No verified source material, such as a reference video or dictionary entry, was provided for this guide. The description above reflects the form commonly taught in ASL learning materials, but it has not been checked against a specific source here. Local or community variants exist. If accuracy matters, for example in teaching or in an important conversation, confirm the sign with a reputable ASL dictionary video or a fluent signer.