What should an interpreter do if a participant speaks over another?

In situations where participants speak over one another, it is imperative for an interpreter to maintain clarity and ensure accurate communication. Waiting for a speaker to pause before interpreting allows for a clearer and more coherent interpretation. This approach helps prevent confusion that could arise from overlapping speech and ensures that the intended message is conveyed accurately to all parties.

By waiting for the appropriate moment to interpret, the interpreter can focus on delivering the information without the interference of simultaneous dialogue. This technique not only improves comprehension for the listeners but also reflects the interpreter’s professionalism and commitment to effective communication.

The other options would compromise the quality of the interpretation or lead to misunderstandings. For instance, pausing the interpretation might lose crucial context or content if not timed correctly, while ignoring overlapping speech could result in incomplete or erroneous messages being conveyed. Asking a participant to speak louder may not address the underlying issue of overlapping conversation and could create discomfort or frustration among participants. Hence, the best practice is to wait for a pause, allowing for a smooth and logical flow of conversation.