Advice on using a Sign Language Interpreter

• Look at the person when signing/speaking to them through an interpreter.
• Look at the person who is signing/speaking to you. This may feel awkward at first since the message is coming through your interpreter.
• Address the person directly:
  Appropriate: "What is your date of birth?"
  Inappropriate: "Ask him his date of birth."
• When possible, please share any notes, outlines, or handouts with the interpreter in advance.
• If, during the assignment, you plan to turn down the lights, remember to leave enough lighting on the interpreter.
• The interpreter may ask for specific seating/positioning to facilitate the best viewing angles.
• Sign/Speak in your normal tone, at your normal pace. The interpreter will tell you if you need to pause or slow down.
• People sometimes read aloud, differently than they typically sign/speak. When reading extensively from written materials, consider supplying a copy to the audience and the interpreter. Be aware of the pace of your signing/speech.
• Be aware that the interpreter should interpret everything said. Avoid discussing subjects you don’t wish the other person to know.
• When separated from the person you are communicating with, avoid giving messages to the interpreter for later relay to the individual.
• Relax. If you are unsure of the appropriate way to proceed in a particular situation, just ask.