Tips To Effectively Work With Interpreters:
- Prior to Assignments: It is helpful to meet with the interpreter to explain how the meeting will progress. Provide the interpreter with copies of the agenda and/or other printed materials for review and to follow throughout the meeting.
- Positioning: It is usually best to position the interpreter next to the presenter opposite the Deaf person. This makes it easy for the Deaf person to see the speaker and the interpreter in one line of vision, enabling them to pick up visual clues and expressions of the speaker. Speakers should avoid standing with their backs to windows, bright lights or busy colorful designs. These backdrops make it difficult to see and receive a clear message. In small group discussions, the speaker should consider using a circle or semi-circle seating.
- Reserve Seating: Reserving seating close to the speaker provides for a clear view of the speaker and interpreter and helps to facilitate communication. However, Deaf or hard of hearing participants may choose to sit elsewhere. Respect their wishes.
- Environment: Provide good lighting for the interpreter. If the interpreting situation requires darkening the room to view slides, videotapes, or films, auxiliary lighting is necessary so that the Deaf person can see the interpreter. A solid, dark, colored backdrop or background is also recommended to help the Deaf person see the interpreter clearly.
- Speak Directly to the Deaf Person: Do not say "tell him" or "tell her". Remember when the interpreter speaks, he/she is voicing the words of the Deaf individual. The interpreter is not a participant in this interaction. Respond directly to the Deaf person.
- Direct Eye Contact: While direct eye contact is valued, particularly in a one-to-one meeting, direct eye contact on the part of the Deaf individual is not always possible as the Deaf individual will need to watch as the interpreter signs.
- Speak Clearly, In a Normal Tone, And at a Normal Pace: Be aware that the interpreter may wait to hear and understand a complete thought before beginning to interpret. Interpreters listen for concepts and ideas, not just words, to render an accurate interpretation. If there is a problem with 'keeping up', the interpreter or Deaf person may ask the speaker to slow down or repeat themselves.
- Lag Time: An interpreter is a few words behind the speaker. Remember to give the interpreter enough time to finish so that the Deaf person can ask questions or join the discussion.
- Visual Aids: Remember to pause before giving your explanations of any visual aids so that the Deaf person has time to see it, look back to the interpreter for explanations and still keep up with the information being presented.
- Presenting Videos: If showing videos during the presentation, please try to show a video with closed caption. It is difficult for a Deaf person to watch a video and the interpreter at the same time.
- Group Discussions: Permit only one person to speak at a time during a group discussion. It is difficult for an interpreter to follow several people speaking at once. There should be a brief pause between speakers to permit the interpreter to finish before the next speaker starts. It can be helpful to ask people to raise their hands and to wait to speak after they have been recognized.
- Breaks: If the meeting is long, schedule breaks. Following a sign language interpreter for a long time is tiring for a Deaf person and for the interpreter. Talk to the interpreter about taking periodic, brief breaks. Do not expect the interpreter to interpret during these breaks.
- Team Interpreting: Interpreters working as a team allow communication to flow smoothly and thereby minimize distractions to the meeting process. One interpreter will actively interpret for 20-30 minutes while the other provides back-up to the active interpreter. The interpreters switch every 20-30 minutes.
- The Interpreter is Present to Facilitate Communication: Avoid asking the interpreter for their opinions or comments regarding the content of the meeting. Interpreters follow a code of ethics which requires impartiality and confidentiality with regard to all assignments. Do not assume the interpreter has any prior knowledge of the Deaf person or will be interpreting future assignments.
- Avoid Private Conversations: Everything will be interpreted. Whatever the interpreter hears will be interpreted. Do not ask the interpreter to censor any portion of the conversation.
- The Interpreter is a Professional: Introduce the interpreter to the group and explain why he/she is attending. Thank the interpreter after the service has been performed. If there have been any problems or misunderstandings, let the interpreter or referral service know.
- American Sign Language (ASL): It is important to realize that you are dealing with two different languages. ASL has its own grammar, syntax, and structure, and it may be necessary to rephrase or repeat the message. Examples are also very helpful for the clarification of your message.