To achieve the best results in organising an event where you provide simultaneous interpreting, we suggest you put at the disposal of all participants the following list of best practices. Ask the moderators/facilitators of the sessions to pay attention to these aspects and remind everybody else of them, if needed.
Best practice tips for speakers
– Send any kind of relevant documents/information in advance, for the persons who do the interpreting to prepare properly; this ensures that your message is conveyed as accurately as possible.
– Introduce yourself to the persons who will do the interpreting and ask them if they need any sort of clarification, or if they have any questions regarding the content of your speech. Let them know about any changes you may bring to your text subsequently.
– Avoid simply reading out your speech, if possible. For starters, written texts tend to be a tad more complex than natural speech, which may hinder comprehension, particularly when read out at a fast pace. Secondly, people tend to speak more monotonously when they simply read a text rather than express themselves freely, which further complicates understanding the main ideas.
– If you must read, try to prepare in advance and deliver the speech as closely to the way you would speak naturally as possible, and use short sentences. Remember to use the proper intonation and emphasise the important words.
– Please mind the sensitive ears of the interpreters. Avoid hitting the microphone against the table or other objects, and do not shout or blow air into it to check if it is on and working. Hold it about 10-15 cm away from your mouth (roughly the distance between your thumb and your little finger).
– Remember that the interpreters can hear (and therefore, interpret) only what is said in the mic. Always use a microphone when you take the floor.
– State what language you are going to use before you start speaking, especially when there is a multilingual discussion going on and the language in the main mic changes often.
– Speak at a constant pace and take short, natural breaks between your sentences.
– Establish eye contact with the interpreters every now and then in order to make sure that everything is running smoothly. If you are going too fast, they will make a sign and let you know. Also, remember that those who do the interpreting might not be professional interpreters!
– Avoid using heavy technical jargon, acronyms, and complicated and unknown names unless you have sent this information to the interpreters beforehand or you make a point in saying them slowly and clearly or explain them, as the case may be.
