You may be thinking of using a BSL interpreter for the first time, or you may have used one before and want to know more about the how the process works. The following tips are to help you get the most out of your interpreter and to make communication as easy as possible.

Do...	Don’t...
Speak directly to the deaf person, not the interpreter.	Feel uncomfortable if the deaf person looks at the BSL interpreter rather than you.
Make sure that the deaf person can see the interpreter clearly.	Allow more than one person to speak at anytime.
Allow the interpreter to sit opposite the deaf person and near the hearing person.	Expect the interpreter to continuously work for more than 20 minutes, negotiate.
Try to make sure that there is no background noise, so the interpreter can hear what is being said.	Ask the interpreter to give advice or offer opinions other than to ensure that effective communication is taking place between both parties.
Send information to the interpreter well before the meeting, to give the interpreter time to prepare.	Ask the interpreter for personal details during the assignment.
Remember the interpreter will interpret everything that is said or signed (even signed or audible asides).	Expect the interpreter to offer their opinion or take sides during a debate, they will always remain neutral.
Book two interpreters for an event lasting more than 2 hours and where communication is intense.	Feel offended if the deaf person does not look at you while you are talking as they will have to mainly focus on the interpreter.