Useful Hints

Pre-interview
Conduct a pre-interview conference with the interpreter.

The following should be covered:

• Introduce yourself to the interpreter.
• Establish a style of interpretation, eg is it informative or direct interpreting.
• Explain to the interpreter any specialised words or concepts that may be difficult to interpret.
• Permit the interpreter to ask for clarification or repetition if the message from either part is unclear.
• Explain to the interpreter that you as the interviewer are in charge.
• Determine with the interpreter if they have any issues or concerns they wish to share with you before the interview begins.
• Introduce the interpreter to the client and allow interpreter to explain their role.
• In a Health matter determine what the patient/family want to achieve from the interview.

Interview

• Arrange seating in a triangular format.
• Speak clearly using short sentences and plain English.
• Do not speak too fast and only give one idea at a time.
• Allow sufficient time for the interviewee to answer and the interpreter to interpret.
• Speaking directly to the client, explain the ground rules of the interview.
• Where possible do not leave the room during the interview; this can make it awkward for the interpreter and interviewee and can place the interpreter in a compromising position.
• Ask the interviewee to tell their story rather than using question and answer routines, which can be uncomfortable and/or ineffective.
• To clarify if the message has been understood both ways, ask the interviewee to tell you what they think you have said in their own words.

Post-interview

• After the interview, when the client has left, debrief with the interpreter regarding the interview.

Download Useful Hints (pdf 447Kb).