Bringing in a professional interpreter — whether for ASL or Spanish — is a great first step toward clear, respectful communication. But the interpreter can only do their job well if the rest of the room knows how to work with them too. Interpreters follow a formal Code of Professional Conduct set by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, and understanding a bit about that framework helps everyone in the room work together more smoothly.
Here are seven tips we share with clients before their first interpreted session.
1. Speak Directly to the Person, Not the Interpreter
It’s natural to instinctively look at the interpreter while they’re relaying your words, but eye contact and body language should stay directed at the Deaf or Spanish-speaking person you’re communicating with. The interpreter is a conduit, not the conversation partner.
2. Speak at a Normal Pace
Slowing down dramatically or over-enunciating doesn’t actually help — it can make interpretation harder, not easier. Speak naturally, at a normal conversational pace, and pause occasionally in longer explanations.
3. One Person Talks at a Time
Group settings — meetings, classrooms, family conversations — can get chaotic fast. Interpreters can only relay one speaker at a time, so establishing a “one voice” norm keeps everyone included and avoids missed information.
4. Share Materials in Advance When Possible
If your appointment involves technical terminology, legal language, or a specific agenda, sending materials to the interpreter ahead of time helps them prepare accurate terminology — especially valuable in medical, legal, or business settings.
5. Avoid Side Conversations
Quick asides between hearing or English-speaking participants can leave the Deaf or Spanish-speaking person out of the loop entirely, even for a few seconds. If it’s worth saying, it’s worth interpreting.
6. Give the Interpreter Breaks in Longer Sessions
For sessions over an hour, interpreters typically need short breaks or a second interpreter to rotate in. This isn’t a sign of a problem — it’s a best practice that keeps interpretation accurate and reduces fatigue-related errors.
7. Ask Questions If You’re Unsure
If you’re not sure how to address the interpreter, where to stand, or how to handle a specific moment, just ask. Most interpreters are happy to guide you — there’s no such thing as a bad question when the goal is clear communication.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Whether you’re coordinating an ASL interpreter for a Deaf employee in Las Vegas or a Spanish interpreter for a client meeting in New York, these habits build trust and make every session more effective. Good communication isn’t just about hiring the right interpreter — it’s about knowing how to work with them once they’re in the room. The National Association of the Deaf also offers helpful background on ASL and Deaf culture if you want to go deeper.
If you’re still deciding between video and in-person support, take a look at our post on VRI vs. on-site ASL interpreting. And for anything high-stakes, our guide to certified vs. non-certified interpreters explains why credentials matter.
Have an upcoming appointment and want interpreter recommendations tailored to your situation? Get in touch with our team — we serve businesses across Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, Anaheim, Long Beach, San Francisco, and beyond.