How to work with interpeters

Speak directly to the customer as if the interpreter is not there—ignore the interpreter completely

Speak clearly and unhurriedly

Take turns to speak

Pause every couple of sentences

Wait until the interpreter has finished before continuing.

If there’s space, sit in a triangle with the interpreter on one side, the client on the other – equidistant from each other. The interpreter needs to be able to see your faces.

Use a speaker phone when possible so that all parties can hear everything that is said.

Stay within audio reach of the device, and don’t turn your back to talk – the biggest difficulty interpreters face on the phone is not being able to hear clearly.

If you are pointing to things (with the client present), you will need to explain or name what you are pointing to – the interpreter can’t see what you’re doing.

If there is more than one person in the room with you, tell the interpreter, and perhaps use your name(s) each time you speak so the interpreter is aware of who is speaking.

The most important thing is the sound quality, so consider whether using video software (Zoom, Teams, Meet) would work better, even without the camera on.

See above regarding sound quality. If the visual image is too slow and/or it is affecting the sound, turn the camera off and rely on the sound.