There are many considerations for a conference organiser when preparing a suitable environment for interpreting.
Seating arrangements for the Deaf participants
- The interpreter needs to be positioned so that the Deaf participants do not feel segregated from the rest of the audience.
- If there is a system of reserved seating, the seats for the Deaf participants should offer a clear view, not only of the interpreter, but also of the platform and other visual aids.
- A busy doorway near to a Deaf person may be visually distracting, seats reserved away from doorways and visible outside activity are preferable.
(Positioning of interpreter with hearing speaker)
(Positioning of interpreter with Deaf presenter)
Lighting
Windows or other sources of bright light behind the interpreter should be avoided as they make viewing difficult. Even if the interpreter is well illuminated from the front, a strong light from behind may create a silhouetting effect, making it extremely difficult to read facial expressions or lip patterns. Similarly, if the interpreter is to provide a voice-over for a Deaf person, he/she must not sit where they will be backlit.
Light needs to fall on the interpreter’s face, ensuring that it is not in shadow.
Background
The ideal background for an interpreter is a solid colour. Strong colours, brightly patterned wallpaper or harsh white walls can be very tiring on the eyes. Portable plain-coloured panels can be used as a background.
Briefing the interpreter
Any papers relevant to an assignment should be sent to the interpreter(s) in advance: minutes and agendas, copies or summaries of speeches and lectures, a programme for the event, any background information relating to the conference topic, the people involved or the organisation responsible.
If the interpreters will be required at registration or at lunchtime they should be informed. They also need to know if lunch is to be provided for them.
Using visual aids
If flipcharts, OHPs, handouts, film clips or practical demonstrations are going to be used, they must be positioned near to the interpreter so that the Deaf participant does not have to change the direction of his or her attention.
Interpreting requires great concentration and is extremely demanding. Frequent breaks for an interpreter working alone should be incorporated into the programme. For an event lasting for more than 2 hours a minimum of two interpreters should be booked. The speakers should be made aware of the sign language interpreter’s presence in advance. They too, must understand the interpreter’s role and how this will affect their presentation. Here are some pointers:
- Avoid talking too fast, but do not deliberately talk slowly and do not wait for the interpreter to ‘catch up.’
- Avoid jargon and abbreviations.
- Allow plenty of time when using visual aids. Explain the slide or diagram first and then show it, pause to allow the Deaf participants to look, and then speak (when the Deaf participants have to look back to the interpreter). It is impossible to study the visual aids and to watch the interpreter at the same time. The Deaf person should also be given time to take notes if they wish, before the talk continues.
- Be aware that when reading from a prepared text the rate of speech increases, this may make it unnecessarily difficult for the interpreter.
- Do not forget the potential for a delay between the original message and the interpreted message. This is particularly relevant if the audience is asked to provide comments or questions - the Deaf participants should be given the opportunity to respond.
Workshops
If conference participants are to attend workshops or special sessions, it must not be assumed that all the Deaf people will want to attend the same session; an appropriate number of interpreters must be provided for all the workshops. Organisers may want to circulate a list of workshops available to the participants before the event in order to plan the rota and gain some indication of the number of interpreters required.