5 ways to improve your experience with your onsite interpreter

While the average growth rate for all jobs is around 4%, translator and onsite interpreter jobs will grow a whopping 20% in the next decade. As companies in the United States start to use onsite interpreters more often, it’s important to understand which practices are best when using them to communicate with Deaf and limited English proficient (LEP) people.

Whether it’s an American Sign Language (ASL) or Spoken Language interpreter, we have 5 tips to help you have a great onsite interpreter experience.

Tips for using your onsite interpreter

There are many ways to make sure everything goes smoothly when working with interpreters. While there are American Sign Language interpreters and Spoken Language Interpreters, the rules for working with both are quite similar.

For starters, mutual respect between you and the interpreter is a great way to kick things off. You have your role, and the interpreter has theirs. While you’re trying to build a connection with the consumer, the interpreter wants to make sure that happens. Once you and the interpreter are on the same page, the 5 tips below will be a breeze.

1. Eye contact with the onsite interpreter

When do I look at the onsite interpreter?

Eye contact is a great way to build trust and rapport, which is why your eye contact is best suited for the consumer more than the interpreter.  After all, the conversation is with the consumer, not the interpreter.

By having good eye contact with the consumer, you create the trust and rapport you need in order to build a connection and a successful relationship. To make sure you’re building a connection with the right person, be sure to keep your line of sight directed toward the consumer.

Learn more about mastering eye contact with the interpreter.

2. Consider your rate of speech when using interpreters

 

Is the onsite interpreter getting everything we say?

We’ve all been there. When you’re in a hurry and you have a lot to say, it can be hard to hit the brakes. Unfortunately, fast talkers are more likely to have a clunky, awkward onsite interpreter experience. Of course, no one means to talk fast, and interpreters don’t mean to slow you down. But here’s the thing:

A fast-paced conversation doesn’t just affect you and the interpreter. It also impacts the consumer. When the interpreter can’t capture all the important pieces of your message or the consumer’s message, both of you could be missing key information. By slowing down a bit, and pausing after complete thoughts, you can help everyone stay on the same page.

3. Talking to the onsite interpreter

Can I chat with the onsite interpreter?

Conversations with your onsite interpreter do tend to happen. The question is: should they happen? If so, when? While the onsite interpreter is there to support you and the consumer, your focus should rarely be the interpreter.

Instead, try not to think of the interpreter as a party in the conversation, but rather a medium for the conversation to pass through. Otherwise, that extra side convo may cause a wide range of issues that affect you, the interpreter, and the consumer.

Learn more about talking to the interpreter and when it’s okay.

4. Leaving the onsite interpreter and consumer alone

I’m not with the consumer. Where should the interpreter be?

In many cases, things get complicated when the interpreter and consumer become close. While leaving the interpreter and consumer alone together is a particular consideration in the medical field, it’s something everyone should keep in mind.

The reason is this: your best conversations happen when the interpreter and consumer stay neutral. Unfortunately, leaving the interpreter and consumer alone in the same room can alter this neutral state, affecting the goals of your conversation. Remember, the interpreter is an extension of you. When you’re not with the consumer, they shouldn’t be either. Keep this in mind and your interpreter will be able to provide objective communication for both you and the consumer.

5. Providing notes to onsite interpreters ahead of time

Does the interpreter need details about my meeting?

To some extent, scheduling an interpreter is similar to booking a flight. In both cases, you get to provide details in advance online to help improve your experience. As a result, you’re prepared, they’re prepared, and the overall encounter is much smoother.

Prepping your interpreter with details may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s a good practice to always remember. Clearly, the interpreter is going to be more prepared for the interaction if they know what to expect. If you can remember to give the interpreter some context, you’re one step closer to having a great onsite interpreter experience.

Ready to use an onsite interpreter?

Whether you need an interpreter one time or a thousand times, you never know when one of these tips will come in handy. Let’s review each of these tips to ensure you have a great onsite interpreter experience.

1. Making eye-contact with onsite interpreters

   Eye-contact with the interpreter is okay, but only in certain situations. Remember this: when in doubt, try to keep your eye contact directed towards the consumer.

2. Rate of speech with onsite interpreters

   We all have moments where we talk fast. However, let’s make sure those moments aren’t when you’re working with an interpreter. To make the conversation as effective as possible, be sure to speak at a rate your interpreter can keep up with.

3. Conversation with onsite interpreters

   If you need to speak to the interpreter, make sure it’s for the right reason. Otherwise, there could be consequences for you, them, and the consumer.

4. Leaving consumers and onsite interpreters alone

   While it’s extremely important in the medical field not to leave the interpreter and consumer alone, it’s a great practice to keep in mind for everyone who uses onsite interpreters. Consider this point, and keeping the conversation neutral will become much easier.

5. Providing details to onsite interpreters in advance

   A plan in hand makes everything that much smoother. This is especially true when working with interpreters. By providing the interpreter with a few details before your appointment, everyone can prepare for a great experience.

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to make the most of your next onsite interpreter experience. Still have questions about interpreting? Talk to one of our experts at Hands Up Communications today to get the answers you are looking for.

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