What are the best practices for working with interpreters during a speech?

I think that it is important to keep the audience engaged. Maintaining eye contact and using expressions and gestures that transcend language barriers can go a long way. I try to allow for pauses after key points to let the interpretation catch up, ensuring my audience stays with me every step of the way.

Do not use colloquial phrase “in a pigs eye” by example. Look towards their language syncopation and order your speech to try and fit. Use common words and phrases.

Much depends on whether the speaker is interpreted consecutively or simultaneously. Either way, context/background information is key. Please provide your speech to the interpreter prior to your event as it will be used to study any specific terminology and prepare to make the event a success. It is often necessary to read out a written document or quotation. When text is read aloud, it is particularly difficult to deal with because the structure of written text is different from speech and it is packed with information. Moreover, when reading we normally speak faster, as no time is required for composing what we say. Please take this into account, pause more often and where possible provide a copy of the document to the interpreter.

"Cada traducción es una traición," the old saying states. After vetting, consultation, and submitting your script, there is still room for error and misinterpretation. I would recommend choosing someone who knows your field. For example, since interpreting for medical and legal fields is entirely different, trying to work with the same person will create a relationship in style.

A thorough background check is very important. Interpreting can attract the wrong type of employers. Drug testing as well as for mentioned above to check credentials, references, etc. I would work with each of them individually to ascertain any limitations or issues that might disrupt the message. Then group sessions before the speech. The interpreters will be recorded in all sessions to confirm full and correct translations.

For me, building a relationship with the interpreters is important. Get to know them and understand their work. Jump into the content, share all the slides, what you will be doing, how you will be doing it. Also ask them what would help them, what would make it easier for them. Ask them what else they need to know from you. This helps both parties to be in sync.

It’s also important to give your interpreters any materials, such as presentations, to be used on the day. This helps with research, preparation and accuracy of terminology.

I have had the honor so far in my life to preach 20 different interpreters and after the first time I have made it a point to send all my speeches before me to the interpreter so they are somewhat aware of what I will say. Even if I am not able to send it to them I will print out a physical copy and hand it myself directly to the interpreter. That way in advance they have some knowledge. It’s all about communication. The earlier you can communicate with an interpreter the better.

Completely agree with the importance of engaging with the audience. If you choose qualified interpreters, you shouldn't have to worry to much about the technicalities or having much of a briefing with them. Otherwise, just about everything there is important to some degree.

Another example of seemingly intuitive best practice that (almost) never happens in real life. This simple piece of advice should sound like something almost too obvious to talk about, and yet, 'briefing interpreters' is something you should definitely remember about. Likewise, if interpreters themselves don't approach you (to be briefed ahead of your presentation), that in itself is a worrying sign.

If you’re not able to meet with your interpreters ahead of time, make sure you organise a short briefing Keating 10-15 minutes before your speech. This is a good opportunity to connect with your interpreters and develop a bit of a rapport beforehand.

Practice is crucial and benefits for both, start with shadowing. Practice consecutive interpretation. Can use real-world materials. Seek feedbacks, then improvise.

Slow down! Enunciate. Avoid ums, likes, or other space fillers. Don't forget to breathe. Leave time between sentences and paragraphs.

Never forget you need to give your interpreter enough time for them to process and translate the language as accurately as possible. It can even help you better think of what you’ll be saying next, while they are interpreting. It can be a win-win !

Many people don’t realize translation is different than interpretation. The latter conveys culture in addition to context through spoken media, whereas the former is for written language. Avoiding unnecessary colloquial or idiomatic expressions is important, as there may not be a cultural equivalent in the other language. Allowing frequent pauses is also important for the interpreter to keep pace with the presentation. If possible, stay in the eyesight of your interpreter, as some rely on lip reading and facial expression to properly convey your intended sentiment.

I used to interpret professionally, in literally hundreds of different contexts and settings, all the way from government negotiations, and field-specific conferences, to film premieres, media briefings and large festivals. It taught me a lot over the years, going far beyond the realm of linguistics or any particular discipline. Needless to say, perhaps, speaking clearly and concisely always helps (not just interpreters). Some of the best interpreters out there (and there are rather few great ones, trust me) are capable of adjusting the rhythm, pace and volume of translation in such a way that even consecutive translation feels like (calm/natural-sounding) simultaneous interpreting.

Incorporating natural pauses in your speech gives the interpreter the necessary time to translate your words. This not only aids in accuracy but also ensures the audience can follow along without confusion.

Paying your interpreters correctly is also a way to show respect. You should never ask people to work for free or ask your bilingual colleagues to the job of an interpreter.

Respect EVERYONE who contributes to the success of the event you are part of: the catering staff, the cleaning personnel, technicians and sound engineers, designers, animators and visual artists, security staff, volunteers, and yes, the "invisible", hard-working and mesmerizingly impressive interpreters, too! ;)

Remember, while an interpreter facilitates communication, your direct engagement adds depth, clarity, and personal connection to the interaction. It's about creating an inclusive and meaningful experience for your audience despite language differences.

Remember, you will only ever sound as good as your interpreter so choose wisely. No matter how much you prepare for your speech, unless you engage a professional who can do justice to your words, they may get lost in translation.

Be mindful of the impact of your subject matter. I used two BSL interpreters for one of our domestic abuse performances and after show discussions. It was crucial that the content was discussed with them before they took the job. Anyone impacted by the issues you are exploring needs advance notice and may not wish to contribute. Also, provide an opportunity to de brief and consider their well being.

There needs to be coordination between the speaker and interpreter at the time the speech is written. This becomes especially important if the speaker uses idiomatic language to make a certain point--this has a higher probability of getting lost in the translation. If the interpreter has the appropriate translation ready and at hand before the speech is made, the point being made will retain the effectiveness the speaker is attempting to make.

Ensure the interpreter is positioned where they can see and hear you clearly. Non-verbal cues and body language are integral to effective communication and aid interpreters in delivering a more nuanced translation.