Service under the Spotlight: Face-to-face Interpreting

Each month, we get you better acquainted with a TLS service; when and why you might need it, how to book it and how to make the most of the booking.

You may be new to the world of booking language support, or perhaps you book the same service each time because you don’t know what else is out there, or perhaps you have never considered that something different might work for you – this is for you!

In this issue, we are looking at our face-to-face Interpreting. This is booked via our bespoke booking portal.

It is for you if:

You need to communicate for a prolonged time about something fairly complex.

It is not for you if:

You are in a hurry or making a last minute booking and just want to get quick and basic facts from a situation.

When it works best:

Face-to-face interpreting can be especially useful for establishing trust with a service user, particularly one you know you will see on more than one occasion.

Tips to get the most from your booking:

• Share all the details you can before the booking takes place; eg what you want from the meeting/appointment, any problems that may arise
• At the beginning of the booking, introduce everyone and, if it’s the first time your service user is meeting the interpreter, ensure that they understand the interpreter is there to convey what you are saying and not provide advice or emotional support
• Speak clearly and avoid jargon, and pause regularly to allow the interpreter to speak to your service user.

If you would like to know more, call our bookings team for guidance and support on 0808 175 1230.