RSI: Recommendations for speakers

Event with remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI):
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SPEAKERS

Quality of sound output and input

It is imperative that you are well understood and that you understand any questions or comments you may be asked.

  • Use microphones that pick up only your words and not ambient sounds:
  • Choose a place insulated from external noise, with windows closed and avoid interruptions.
  • Mute your microphone when not speaking. You don’t want everyone to hear you shuffling papers while someone else is speaking.
  • Use headphones to prevent sound feedback. It will also help you to listen to others and understand the questions they ask:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Putting on a headset with a microphone and plugging it into the computer does not ensure that this is the device that will be used. Make sure you are using the right audio inputs and outputs by accessing your device or platform settings.

Video signal quality

  • A minimum Internet connection of 20-30 MB upload and download, stable and jitter-free, is required. Don’t use your mobile phone camera, particularly your selfie camera.
  • It is recommended that your face fills the screen and is well lit (avoid backlighting).
  • If you are going to share a presentation on screen, do a test run beforehand to familiarise yourself with changing slides and ensure that it looks right.
  • Make sure that the organisers have a copy of the presentation in case there are any problems.
  • Do not send a pre-recorded talk unless it is professionally recorded. If you send it, please also provide any presentations (PowerPoint, Keynote, etc.) included in the recording for the interpreters to study.

Bad connection

  • If you notice that your connection is failing  or you are told by the organisation that your image or voice is choppy, turn THE CAMERA OFF so that you can at least be heard more clearly.
  • If you were screen sharing, ask the organisers to project your presentation, telling them when to switch slides.
  • It is better not to be seen but to be heard than to be neither seen nor heard.

Quality of interpreting

  • Remember that there are people who do not listen to you, but to the interpreters.
  • Provide your presentation or any other material in advance to the organisation so that it can be forwarded to the interpreters. It does not matter that it is not the final version (although you will have to provide it on the day of the presentation) but interpreters need to know the subject matter and check specific vocabulary and acronyms.
  • If you are going to read a text out loud, the interpreters need a copy.
  • If you are going to recite quotes from memory, please forward a list so the interpeters can look them up and render a suitable translation.
  • The interpreters merely translate what you say, they do not translate the texts you see on the screen. If you want to convey what is on the screen to listeners, read the texts aloud, even if it is redundant for people who speak your language, so the interpreters can translate them.

TRINOR ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR THE QUALITY OF THE INTERPRETING IF THESE CONDITIONS ARE NOT MET.