Tips for working with an Interpreter
The interpreter is a trained professional whose role it is to facilitate communication between people who do not share the same language. Part of the interpreter’s role is to ensure that they are as unobtrusive as possible within an assignment. In a situation where two interpreters are required for occupational health and safety reasons and are working in tandem, they will attempt to swap during a natural pause to minimise interference with the presenter.
Below are some helpful hints for making your experience of working with an interpreter a pleasant one.
- Assignments over 1 hour duration will generally require two interpreters to work in tandem for occupational health and safety reasons and to reduce the risk of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) or Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS). Your specific needs can be discussed with Echo Interpreting at your time of booking.
- Look directly at the Deaf client and direct all your communication towards them and not the interpreter. For instance, it is unnecessary to say, “Ask him” or “Tell her”.
- Speak at your normal pace, slowing down or producing unnatural parts of sentences will inhibit the communication from occurring naturally. The interpreter is a trained professional and will ask for clarification if needed.
- Ensure that the interpreter is positioned in close proximity to the main speaker/presenter/teacher. The Deaf person will position themselves opposite the interpreter allowing eye contact to be made with both parties.
- Be aware of any visual distractions, such as glare from a window, large table decorations or inappropriate lighting. As the Deaf client is receiving a visual language it is important to ensure there is an uninhibited view of the interpreter at all times.
- When using a PowerPoint presentation, overhead projector or referring to written material please allow a few moments for the Deaf person to read this information before proceeding. It is impossible for the Deaf person to read and watch the interpreter simultaneously.
- When working in a group situation please instruct all participants to raise their hands when sharing questions or comments. This allows the Deaf person to know who is speaking and also allows equal access for everyone. It is important to remember that the interpreter will be experiencing a short time lag as they work and because of this the Deaf person will always be slightly behind.
- In the instance of presentations, lectures, and training, wherever possible please provide any written material, lecture notes, agendas etc to Echo Interpreting prior to the assignment to enable us to pass this information on to the interpreters to assist with their preparation.
- Please be aware that the interpreter’s role is to interpret everything that is said. If there is a comment that you do not want to be interpreted please remove yourself from the room as the interpreter must interpret everything they hear. This includes outside noises, mobile phones ringing and any other side conversations or utterances.
- The Code of Ethics for interpreters states that interpreters shall not engage in discussions with other participants during an assignment. If you have any specific questions in relation to Auslan or working with an interpreter please check with the interpreter before starting or at the completion of the assignment.
Testimonial for Echo Interpreting – by Roz Keenan
Every facet of the Echo Interpreting team is positive. They are always professional, prompt and easy to work with, and make every effort to accommodate our needs. We use Echo in all areas of our organisation – from Board Level, to staff meetings to working on appointments with clients. We highly recommend Echo Interpreting to anyone requiring the services of interpreters.
Roz Keenan
Deaf Children Australia
Testimonial for Echo Interpreting – by Carla Anderson
Gee whiz…that is what I really like about your services….so prompt and quick!!! Much appreciated. Thanks.
Carla Anderson
Able Australia
Testimonial for Echo Interpreting – by Michael Kennedy
Echo Interpreting provides high quality professional interpreting service that I require for meetings and appointments for my work at the Department of Human Services (Financial Services for the Southern Metropolitan Region). I have been very happy with the professionalism and punctuality of interpreters from Echo Interpreting.
My experience with Echo Interpreting has proved that time and again Echo is an efficient agency when booking interpreters for appointments and receiving confirmation, an industry leader in managing appointments. Agency/Client relationship has been great and has assisted in overcoming the “frequent” last minute changes to my appointment times.
I have found Echo Interpreting to be of the highest standard in the provision of services, therefore I highly recommend Echo Interpreting to anyone requiring the services of interpreters.
Michael Kennedy
Financial Services
Southern Metropolitan Region
Department of Human Services
Testimonial for Echo Interpreting – From University DLO
Echo Interpreting has been fabulous! Interpreters are always required for students and often at late notice. In the past we have had difficulty booking interpreters but since having Echo Interpreting on board this is the first year that we have had a flawless system. Echo Interpreting was able to cover all of our interpreting needs and was always very helpful with last minute timetabling adjustments. We will definitely be contacting Echo Interpreting for all of our future interpreting needs.
University DLO