Hands That Talk: A Sign Lang-Inspired

📝 What is the template about?

Hands That Talk is a sign language-themed retrospective that uses British Sign Language (BSL) as both a fun icebreaker and a metaphor for team communication. This template invites teams to reflect visually and meaningfully on their last sprint using the “What, So What, Now What” format — reimagined through the lens of sign language.

🎯 What it helps you achieve

• Encourages inclusive and visual thinking

• Sparks deeper team reflection and discussion

• Promotes clearer communication by exploring the intent and interpretation of actions

• Creates a unique, engaging atmosphere for remote retros

👥 Who would benefit from it the most

• Remote Scrum or Agile teams

• Facilitators looking for creative and themed retrospectives

• Teams interested in improving communication, especially across cultures and styles

• Anyone curious about inclusive, visual-first collaboration techniques

📌 How to use it

Step 1: Icebreaker – “Finger Spell Your Name” Invite team members to use the British Sign Language (BSL) fingerspelling chart to spell out their first names. They can draw the letters using Miro’s pen tool or copy and paste from the reference chart provided. You can swap this for your country’s sign language if preferred.

Step 2: Retrospective – “Hands That Talk” Use the three-column layout to guide your sprint reflection using these prompts:

• What Was Signed? – What actually happened this sprint? Think of facts, events, and outputs.

• So What Did It Mean? – What insights, reactions, or interpretations came from it?

• Now What’s the Next Gesture? – What should we change, try, or commit to in the next sprint?

Add sticky notes to each column, discuss as a group, and identify themes.