Before the Summit:
- Ensure that communication with the interpreters’ coordinator is taking place in order to get information about the simultaneous interpretation process.
- Ensure that the speakers and the session chair are aware that simultaneous interpretation will take place during the session and that they are aware of the relevant session chair and speaker guidelines which indicate what this means.
- Forward information from the interpreters’ coordinator to the chair of your session if they are not already in direct contact.
- It is essential that speakers are made aware that simultaneous interpretation can only be provided at a good level if they submit their papers in time.
- Foster detailed email conversations between the interpreters’ coordinator and
- chairs before the conference to pre-empt all questions
During the Summit session:
- Remind the session chair and speakers of the simultaneous interpretation taking place.
- Ensure that the panel of speakers and the session chair pick up earphones before the session starts; otherwise they will not be able to hear the interpretation of the questions during the Q & A session and won’t be able to respond.
- Help the session chair to ensure that the speakers are keeping to the speaker guidelines and are not speaking too fast or not clearly enough.
- Ensure that the audience is able to follow both the presentation/paper and the interpretation; communicate to the session chair if something is going wrong.
- In open discussion, help the session chair to ensure that there is enough time for the interpreters to interpret the discussion.
After the session:
Session Chairs are invited to give feedback on simultaneous interpretation, through a form provided to them in the session.
The above guidelines have been adapted from IFLA WLIC guidelines.