Working with Interpreters by Phone or Video
Best Practices for Successful Virtual Appointments
Telephone and video interpreting make it easy to connect with qualified interpreters whenever language support is needed. With a few simple communication techniques, you can help every virtual conversation remain accurate, respectful, and easy to follow.
Whether you're speaking with a patient, client, employee, or community member, these best practices will help everyone communicate more effectively.
Before the Conversation Begins
A few minutes of preparation can make a big difference.
Before you begin:
Introduce yourself and explain your role.
Briefly explain the purpose of the appointment.
Share any important context that may help the interpreter.
Allow the interpreter to introduce themselves before the conversation begins.
Remember that the interpreter is there to facilitate communication—not lead the discussion.
2. Speak Naturally and Clearly
Telephone interpreting works best when communication is clear and organized.
For the best results:
Speak in the first person ("How are you feeling today?" instead of "Ask her how she's feeling.").
Use your normal communication style.
Speak clearly and at a comfortable pace.
Avoid jargon, slang, acronyms, and idioms whenever possible.
Explain medical, legal, or technical terms if needed.
Clear communication leads to more accurate interpretation.
3. Pause Frequently
Telephone interpreting is typically performed using consecutive interpretation.
This means:
Speak one or two sentences at a time.
Pause to allow the interpreter to communicate your message.
Be patient—interpreted conversations naturally take longer than conversations conducted in one language.
Giving the interpreter time to interpret improves both accuracy and understanding.
Create the Best Environment
Small adjustments can improve communication during virtual appointments.
Whenever possible:
Choose a quiet location.
Minimize background noise.
Speak one person at a time.
Wait until the interpretation is complete before continuing.
Repeat information if someone didn't hear it clearly.
Better Conversations Start with Better Communication
Phone and video interpreting provide fast, flexible language support without sacrificing quality.
By following a few simple best practices, you can help every virtual appointment run smoothly from beginning to end.
Need Telephone or Video Interpretation?
KW Interpreters provides professional telephone and video interpreting services across Ontario.
Request an Interpreter today and connect with qualified interpreters whenever and wherever you need language support.