Guidelines for using an Interpreter

Follow this guidelines:

Remember that you, not the interpreter, are the "chairperson" who controls the three-way conversation.

Remember to allow at least twice as much time as you would for an ‘English-only’ conversation.

If possible, brief the interpreter before you speak to your client.

Speak DIRECTLY to your client. For example, ask your client, “When did you arrive?”, rather than ask the interpreter, “Can you find out when he arrived?”.

When speaking to your client, do not give too much information at one time.

Before you end the conversation, make sure that both your client and the interpreter know that the session is about to finish.