Using the microphone.
• Sit directly in front of the microphone and remove your headphones to prevent audio interference. Wait until the translation of the previous speaker ends before you start speaking. Do not move away from the microphone: remember that interpreters are in soundproof booths and can only hear you thanks to the microphone.

Speak in your native language.
• If the languages provided allow you to speak in your native tongue, you will be more at ease, you will be better understood, and you will avoid having to be “retranslated” in your native language.

Speak at a reasonable speed.
• Never forget that you are speaking to get your message across. Even if the people in the audience speak your same language, don’t talk too fast. A normal talking speed lets everyone – including interpreters – better follow your speech.

Speaking is better than reading.
• Speak from memory. An extempore speech, with a memorandum and with AV materials to be projected, is more easily understood by the audience and easier to translate for interpreters. If you have to read your speech, make sure the interpreters have already received the text in advance.

Try to avoid speaking in acronyms.
• Spell out lesser known acronyms in their entirety (using the full name) the first time you use them: i.e., the World Health Organization, not “The WHO”. A list of acronyms could be a useful reference document for the interpreters.

Pronounce numbers clearly.
• Please remember that it is extremely important to clearly enunciate numbers. If complete lists of numbers are necessary, please give these lists to interpreters in advance.

Avoid puns and double entendres.
• Plays on words are extremely difficult to translate into other languages and for different cultures. Try to avoid them.

Provide documentation.
• Before each job, the interpreter studies the subject and technical terminology. Therefore, it is essential for him to have documentation, speeches and abstracts in advance. Your documentation will be handled confidentially. Furthermore, give the interpreter the addresses of any reliable websites that might be helpful.

Through your help, interpreters can translate your message more effectively!