Initiating Discourse

• Understand the importance of visual attention in British Sign Language (BSL). Acquisition of the addressee's gaze is key before starting the sign language conversation.
• Familiarise yourself with various strategies for initiating conversation such as raising your hand, waving, tapping on the table, or flicking the light switch on and off.
• Master the usage of non-manual features, such as mouth patterns, body posture, and facial expressions to set the tone of the conversation.
• Practice how to use sign spacings to introduce new topics or change the subject. This involves the skill to employ appropriate discourse markers.

Developing Discourse

• Build the skill to use negotiation language while discussing topics, expressing personal views, and making demands or requests. This aspect of BSL helps to facilitate a smooth discourse.
• Learn to expand the conversation with elaborative signs, based upon the responses of the other signer.
• Understand the importance of turn-taking, by developing the ability to recognize and use role shift, both in terms of using space and changing perspective.
• Practice the use of BSL lexical variety and modulation of signs to emphasise, or to imply the severity/intensity of a situation or feelings.

Taking the Lead

• Reinforce the use of assertive language in BSL, which includes the correct usage of signs expressing disagreements or denials, while maintaining decorum.
• Learn how to set the pace of the conversation, using appropriate pauses and rhythm. This skill is essential in ensuring clear communication while leading the conversation.
• Develop the capability to steer the discourse towards the desired direction by using pertinent questions and reinforcing statements.
• Recognize the significance of chain sequences in discourse. A chain sequence involves linking different signs to form a logical story or scenario.

These key points are crucial for mastering the ability to initiate, develop, and lead meaningful discourse in British Sign Language. Spend time practicing these skills, as they form an integral part of the communication process in BSL.

Regular practice, diligent study, and real-life application of the aforementioned techniques can greatly enhance your BSL proficiency and set a solid foundation for future learning. Remember, language learning is a journey, and mastery will come with time and practice.