In the Deaf community, the appropriate strategy for getting the attention of a person within an arm’s distance who is looking in another direction is to tap them lightly on the shoulder. This is considered a polite and effective way to gain their attention without startling them
. Additional points to consider:
- Waving your hand in their line of sight is common if they are facing somewhat toward you, but if their back is turned, tapping on the shoulder is preferred
- The tap should be gentle—more of a tap than a poke or slap—to avoid being intrusive
- Approaching from the side rather than behind is recommended to avoid startling the person
- Other methods like flashing lights or tapping on a table are used in different contexts but are not typical for someone within arm’s reach looking away
Thus, the best practice is a light, gentle tap on the shoulder when close by and the person is not looking at you.
