Speak effectively when being interpreted

• Speak your mother tongue if possible
• Speak naturally, at a reasonable pace
• Speaking is better than reading
• Remove your headphone and speak into the microphone
• Quote document references
• Put figures, names and acronyms clearly
• Explain rare acronyms
• Make sure the interpreters have the text if you read a speech
• Contact your interpreters before the meeting
• Talk with your interpreters and give them feedback

Guidelines for speakers in a web cast event

preparing slides

1. Slides are normally shown on the web in a format of about 320 x 240 pixels. Make sure your smallest font is readable at this resolution.
2. Prepare at least one announcement slide in electronic format that will remain online during your presentation. The slide should contain: name of speaker, name of organisation, title of speech, date and time of the conference.
3. Use common fonts such as Arial, Helvetica, Times, etc. and be sure that all images are embedded in the file (and not just links to a file on your hard disk).
4. Do not use any animation effect or sound;
5. Use different slides to have objects appearing progressively;
6. Simple slide transition effects are possible, but only people in the actual conference room will see them;

giving the presentation

1. Think of the interpreters. Please follow the general tips for speakers above.
2. Provide an electronic copy of your presentation before the deadline. This material will be forwarded to the interpreters, who need to know the subject in advance to give a better performance during your speech.
3. Always look at the audience and do not walk around
4. Show each slide for at least a couple of minutes – participants should have time to read the text and listen at the same time
5. Even if simultaneous interpretation is provided; your slides will not be translated, so please choose an appropriate language for them.
6. Avoid wearing white or light colours. Wear solid colours, patterned or striped clothing can cause undesirable visual effects.

Source: EC, Directorate General for Interpretation