• Always speak in the first person, do not ask the interpreter to ask the other person. The interpreter is your mouthpiece; speak directly to the other party.
• Be aware that it takes 20-30% more words to say into Spanish what you have said in English. Speak a little slower than usual. We can interpret at speeds of 160 words per minute if we know the subject matter, but we may have trouble keeping up if the terms are unfamiliar or if we need to pick our brain for a word in our passive vocabulary.
• Our goal is to say everything you say, so make it easy for the interpreter. Be accommodating when an interpreter asks you to repeat the question, phrase, or term.
• Interpreters need breaks as much or more often than anyone else in the room. Remember this: If you stop talking, most likely, someone else will be speaking. You can take a speaking break, or a sip of water, but the interpreter keeps talking and it’s not just talking, s/he is processing what is being said. Mental fatigue is common in this profession, breaks are necessary.
