Communication Tips – Successfully using Interpreters

There are many different kinds of interpreting situations.  Each is unique and requires different skills and sensitivity.  These general tips provide a framework for successful communication.

  • Talk to and maintain eye contact with the person you are talking to – NOT the interpreter.  The Deaf person will need to look at both people.

  • Work together to find the most effective position for the interpreter.  Usually this is as close as possible and just a little behind the hearing person so that the Deaf person can see both people easily.  Avoid locating the interpreter in front of bright light, window glare or other visually distracting backgrounds.  Sometimes it works best for interpreters to move so that they are as close as possible to different speakers, movie screens, displays, etc.

  • Use the first person and talk directly to the Deaf or hard of hearing person, just as you would in talking with anyone else.  Don’t say, “Tell him …” or “What did he say?” to the interpreter.  It is sometimes helpful to pretend that the interpreter isn’t there as he or she should be as unobtrusive as possible and should not bring attention to themselves except within their role as interpreter.

  • Interpreters will also use the first person when communicating for other people but not for themselves.  If the interpreter says, “I don’t understand,” for example, he or she should not be speaking for themselves.  If the interpreter feels the need to say something for himself he should clearly identify that:  ”Excuse me.  The interpreter missed your last sentence.  Could you please say it again?”  Although this may seem very formal and unnecessary, it is critically important that the interpreter adhere to this structure to help avoid confusion.


  • Take charge of the communication situation just as you would in any other.  Do not assume that any communication, let alone understanding, is happening just because an interpreter is being used.  If anything, ask for feedback and confirmation more often.  Try to keep the communication more like a dialogue and if possible, help clarify what is or isn’t getting across.  This is a natural process when bridging two languages.  It does not insinuate that sign language users are less capable or less able to understand.

  • Do not simplify or abbreviate or change material being presented or discussed in any substantial way just because it is to be interpreted.  Do not make any assumption for the Deaf or hard of hearing (D/HOH) person based on your own beliefs or perceptions.  D/HOH people are as different from each other as hearing people.  One should not lower or change expectations in any way, unless such changes are made from specific experience, understanding and agreement with all concerned in a particular situation.

  • Don’t worry about your speed or talking or signing.  The interpreter and other party are responsible for letting you know if something is missed or if they need you to alter your pace.  Be aware that a lot of technical jargon and proper names must be literally spelled out on the fingers.  This can be quite a challenge when lists of names or vocabulary without signs are present.

  • Remember there is a time lag in receiving information through an interpreter.  Both parties should keep an eye on the interpreter to see when his or her hands or lips stop moving.  Only from that point is the receiving party able to digest your message and be ready to respond.  In group situations, especially where either the hearing or Deaf group dominate, extra sensitivity needs to be exercised.  In the typical Deaf minority situation, Deaf people often find that questions, answers or comments are made and responded to and discussions are even closed before they even get the message.  This environment fosters a great deal of frustration and reluctance to participate at all.

  • Try to arrange seating so that Deaf participants can see what is happening, who is speaking, who is responding to whom, etc.

  • Try to either have a moderator or ground rules for turn taking and visually identifying the speaker before he or she begins.  This is usually best done by simply raising one’s hand and being recognized by the moderator and group.  Again, being sure the interpreter is caught up before the next person starts is important to effective communication.

  • Use visual aids whenever and wherever possible.  Charts, drawings, overheads or even writing out difficult terms, definitions and concepts help.  Keep in mind that a person watching an interpreter cannot also watch and follow a chart or map as it is being described.

  • Similarly, one can not watch an interpreter and take notes at the same time.  You can usually find a volunteer note taker to help in this area.

  • Remember that many technical terms do not have signs and must be fingerspelled.  To do this the interpreter must first know how to spell the words.  The speaker should mention the name of the technical term and then spell it for the benefit of the hearing and Deaf present.

  • Help the interpreter to be prepared by sharing information before hand.  This might include names of books, outlines, summaries, goals, handouts, charts, activities, lists of names, etc.  For example, an interpreter practicing for a play might work 100 hours before doing the performance much the same as and along with the rehearsing actors.

  • All interpreting is mentally challenging but sign language is also physically taxing.  A standard rule is to use more than one interpreter for any assignment longer than two hours.  However, there are other situations in which two or more interpreters may be needed for even shorter periods.  When interpreting straight lecture material, for example, few interpreters can continue for more than 30 minutes without the risk of straining their wrists or forearms.

  • Remember that hearing loss does not affect intelligence.  However, not having equal access to education, services or even simple everyday experiences and interactions can be very disabling.

  • Interpreters are not for Deaf people.  They are for communication between people who use different languages.

  • Sensitivity, common sense, a little experience and asking questions when you are not sure are usually the best guides of all.