What is Fingerspelling?

Fingerspelling is the technique of spelling words with your hands using a series of signs that correspond to each letter of the alphabet. In the United States, the American Manual Alphabet is most frequently used, and many other countries have their own manual alphabets. The American Manual Alphabet uses all 26 letters of the English alphabet, and utilizes 22 different hand positions to represent these letters.
Fingerspelling is often used in conjunction with American Sign Language, when it is necessary to spell out a specific word for which no sign may be available, like names, or titles. American Sign Language is based more on phrases and ideas than proper words, so there are times when it is very important to get the proper information across between speakers. Fingerspelling is also a link between sign language and English... it bridges the gap.
When learning sign language, it is common to start with spelling using your fingers. It is an easy place to start, and the beginner can feel a sense of accomplishment by being able to communicate quickly. From there, the beginner is introduced to the gestures and signs of American Sign Language.
Although it is possible to communicate only with your fingers, it can be frustrating. Imagine holding a conversation where you are spelling out each word out loud... the person you are speaking to has to keep track of all the letters and put them together as words inside their head, remembering each previous word as you continue with the sentence. While it is important to know how to spell with your fingers for specific circumstances, relying on it for an entire conversation is unwieldy.
When using fingerspelling, it is important to use proper positioning for your hand. Despite how a sign may be drawn in a book, you want to position your hand in a comfortable manner. Remember that drawings are done so you can understand the details of the sign, not so much for the proper positioning of your hand. As long as you are holding your hand in a comfortable position that allows the person with whom you are speaking to see the sign, you're okay. You should never be causing your hand or wrist pain while signing.
While spelling, try to keep your hand around shoulder height for ease of reading by the other person. Don't bounce your hand between letters, except for a small bounce when you have double letters so there is a difference noted. Don't be afraid to go more slowly... it is harder to read fast fingerspelling, as the signs may not be as clear as when they are done more carefully. A brief pause between words is helpful to anyone reading the signs, so they know a new word is beginning.
Practice is essential. Try not to practice spelling the alphabet in order. Use sentences from books, or family names, or anything that will jumble up the letters so you can get in the habit of signing each letter carefully no matter what precedes it or follows it. You may want to integrate fingerspelling while playing board games, while going through the dictionary or phone book, or other activities.