POINTERS FOR ACCESSING TELELANGUAGE INTERPRETATION SERVICE

Getting connected to an interpreter

		You can reach Telelanguage interpreters from any telephone. If you regularly deal with non-English-speaking individuals, you should consider using a hands-free or speaker telephone. We also offer dual handset with an adaptor to enable more efficient communication.
		If you have a multi-line phone, put the non-English-speaking person on hold, dial Telelanguage and start a conference call. If you are using a single line phone, use the flash button to include both parties in a conference call. Keep your Telelanguage Access Code accessible.
		When talking to the person who does not speak English, determine which language they wish to speak. Don't assume, for example, a Chinese individual will necessarily speak Cantonese; they may speak Mandarin, Teo Chiew or Hokkien
		Call 888.877.TELE (8353). Our operator will ask you for your Telelanguage Access Code and the language you require. If you have any special requests, such as you need an interpreter with the knowledge of legal or medical terminology, then please inform the operator.
		In a few seconds you will be connected with an interpreter.

Helpful Tips

		Introduce yourself to the interpreter.
		Brief the interpreter and describe the type of telephone you are using: speaker phone, dual handset or single telephone.
		Speak directly to the person you are calling at all times rather than to the interpreter. Say "How are you doing?" rather than "Ask him/her how his is doing?"
		Try to keep the length of speech to be interpreted short, limited to one or two ideas per sentence.
		Include a pause after each sentence so that the call participants do not talk over each other or cut each other off.
		Choose your words carefully and use an appropriate tone of voice. Speak in your regular voice; it is an interpretation problem you are dealing with, not a hearing difficulty.
		If the conference call is going to be a long one (we recommend no more than an hour), make sure you give the interpreter a few minutes break on the half-hour.
		Clearly indicate the end of the conference call to everyone involved.

Remember that Telelanguage operators can guide you through the process and all you need is your Access Code and the language required.