Rebecca A Withey: Do you have a list of preferred interpreters to work with? Here’s why you should make one (BSL)

As a freelancer, I often get invited to networking events, zoom meetings and ad hoc bookings by hearing clients and so sign language interpreters are required to facilitate communication.

When I first started freelancing, these clients would ask if I had a preferred interpreter to work with. My response was typically ‘no – any fully registered and qualified intepreter will do!’

I assumed I was being cooperative and open minded. I also assumed that all interpreters deliver the same kind of service.

However, after 15 years of being self employed I cannot endorse creating your own pool of preferred interpreters enough. Why?

1. It saves time

If you regularly use the same group of interpreters, you’ll find there’s no need to spend time repeating information. The interpreter will already know how to correctly spell your name, what your sign name is, and the type of work that you do too.

In the past I’ve had valuable time wasted in Zoom meetings when I’ve had to re-explain my surname – it’s Withey and not ‘Withers, Wither or Whitney’ – and by using a regular interpreter I find mistakes are minimal as they already know the vocabulary I tend to use.

It cuts down on receptive errors and reduces the time needed to ‘warm up to another’ and become familiar with how each one of you communicates.

It also saves time in regards to enquiring about about the interpreters terms and conditions, fees and work requirements that they may have. Being familiar with your interpreter really does gives both of you a head start.

2. Specialist intepreters know their stuff

Finding an interpreter who has experience and knowledge in your area of work benefits you in so many ways.

Not only does their expertise allow them to understand and relay technical jargon accurately, it also reduces the time needed to translate information or complex terms as you’re both already on the same page.

Working in film, television and theatre, I find interpreters with experience in these fields can naturally provide a much higher level of service compared to those who typically work in other areas.

They already understand the jargon and can therefore relay information more accurately to me and vice versa. You can find interpreters with specific interests or experience in various fields such as religion, technology, business and even sports. It pays off when you work with someone who understands the topic you’re talking about

3. It builds the rapport needed to represent you authentically

I’ve had many a joke land awkwardly when conveyed through an interpreter I was working with for the first time. Perhaps they didn’t realise I was cracking a joke, or the punch line wasn’t clear enough, maybe it just wasn’t funny (!)

But by using the same team of terps, they get to know you, your style, your humour and ultimately how you like to express yourself.

My regular terps know that my ‘thumbs up’ simply means ‘great’ and that there’s no need to add a formal ‘lovely, thank you very much’ to every thumbs up unless I’ve actually signed those specific words.

By using captions to check voiceover in online meetings, I notice that newer interpreters can sometimes portray me slightly more formally than I would present myself. While I appreciate this politeness, I like to come across to my clients as being warm, approachable and with a sense of humour.

Working with the same team means they get to know you and can therefore relay who you are more in line with how you see yourself.

4. You’re also more likely to have accurate voice-overs

This has been mentioned by a couple of writers on the Limping Chicken before – but the importance of having an interpreter represent you accurately when providing a voice over cannot be emphasised enough.

When meeting a new interpreter, the biggest ‘test’ for me is not how well I understand them, but how well their receptive skills are when I am using BSL. I can see how confident they are at doing this and how accurate their voice overs are.

Many a time I’ve met a new communicator and loved their clear style of signing but as soon as they’re asked to voice over, something shifts down a gear and we just aren’t a match.

Poorly matched voice overs can leave me feeling unheard and frustrated and it’s a big risk for deaf freelancers to take on brand new interpreters – especially if you’re in a high pressure environment such as on a film set, being interviewed by press or asked to give a presentation.

Working regularly with the same person strengthens your bond and level of understanding. If I get you and you get me – that’s the perfect combination to create some fantastic work together.

5. It builds trust and familiarity

Working with the same interpreting team over time enables you to develop a positive working relationship. I guess it’s the freelancer version of having colleagues!

The familiarity and trust that you develop together gives you the assurance and confidence needed to do a good job, as all of your communication needs are being met.

There’s nothing wrong with taking on new interpreters or working with someone different from time to time – because who knows, they could well be the next addition to your ‘pool of regular terps!’

But for the reasons explained above, don’t always leave your choice of interpreters to chance. Working well with your preferred interpreters gives you a solid foundation in your professional life, upon which great things can come from!

Would you agree?

Rebecca A Withey is the Assistant Editor for The Limping Chicken. She is also a script writer, BSL consultant and creative artist based in the Midlands. Rebecca is a Deaf, bilingual BSL user. Find out more at www.rawithey.com