The foundation of impacting interpretation is effective communication.
It is also the foundation for a lot of other things, such as relationships. Whether spoken or written, communication must bridge the gap between the visitor. Basically defined in two parts, communication is the (1) giving and (2) receiving information. As such, interpretation is information and communication is the key to making that happen. Most of communication is the responsibility of the interpreter, as will be explained.
 |
Common ground is the basis for communication;
without it, no communication can take place. No
communication means no interpretation.
|
The first part, giving information, is the practical side of interpreting. Whether information is written on placards or waysides, or spoken like in videos, demonstrations, or talks, the interpreter is the one giving information. The message must be carefully selected, edited, practiced, reviewed, and improved before it can be delivered. Communication is tough, because the message must be given in such a way that everyone can understand. No one likes being given useless or vague information; we do not have time for that. Besides, it is boring and that is counter to what is trying to be achieved in interpretation. The interpreter cannot be boring! Good interpretation provokes! Also, being factual is very important. Making up information is not a good idea, especially if you are trying to teach something. Repeating myths or legends as facts only reinforces perceptions; take the time to do the research.
 |
An interpretive placard at the National Frontier Trails Museum, in Independence, MO
provokes some interesting comparisons between a covered wagon and the very familiar
modern "wagon".
|
We can break giving information into two parts, written and verbal, because they require two different approaches. Many interpretive places like museums and parks use placards and waysides to give meaning and context to static displays or when staffing is low. Some experts have suggested writing for a 4th Grade level to make it understandable, but not too simple, for all readers. What is troublesome with some placards or waysides is that they are done once and are permanent. On one hand, once the text is finished, it is done and does not need to be repeated, however, if it was poorly written or incorrect, then it is stuck that way for a very long time. One additional challenge for writing interpretation is providing for special needs, such as blindness or hard of seeing people. One option would be to include a Braille text portion on the placard or wayside. A cheaper option would be to provide the text on a sheet they could take with them. The placard or wayside also needs to be placed where small people, like children, and people in wheelchairs can see them easily. Video displays should be closed captioned.
 |
Most of the interpretation an interpreter will do is in person through
verbal communication
|
The interpreter is more likely to use verbal communication in the day-to-day life at their site. Making a personal connection to the audience helps connect them to the resource and can be modified to suit the interpreters style. It also allows the interpreter to adjust and chance their style to accommodate their audience as their skill allows. For example, if the interpreter knows American Sign Language, that would be a benefit to visitors that use ASL, but of course, not all interpreters know ASL. If the audience is from another country and understands little English, but has a translator, it is best to boil down the essence of the presentation and speak in smaller sentences so the translator can speak to their audience without trying to remember everything that you said. Being loud enough for everyone to hear takes some practice, especially if you are not a loud person. Eye contact and eye-sweep are important factors in engaging your audience. Getting them involved helps make personal connection to the resource better and helps communicate or illustrate what the interpreter has been speaking about. Speaking at a college-level vocabulary might be great for the adults in the audience, but not great for the children. If an interpreter accidentally uses a word that might be out of the audience's level of understanding, back up and explain the word as a "vocabulary word" that can be tested later on to see if they were "paying attention". Repetition is helpful but do not abuse it. The point is to make oneself understood and clearly as possible, the cannot read your mind and get your passion for the place where you are, you have to get them to understand you and the resource.
 |
| Giving and receiving questions helps reinforce concepts and satisfies curiosity |
Getting interpretation received is important and can be tricky. Making a message clear and understood is the responsibility of the interpreter. Do little quizzes along your presentation to check for understanding; this helps people remember key elements and keeps them engaged. Do a small, informal debrief at the end, asking questions like "What did you learn?" or "What surprised you about...?" Always leave some room to answer questions and give them a couple seconds to think about it, almost to the point that it becomes awkward.
Everyone benefits from a great interpretive encounter, especially if it is done well. By improving the communication methods, an interpreter can make their job easier and the audience's experience better and more enjoyable overall.
