While interpreting works well in many churches, it is pretty common to hear pastors (and sometimes even members) complain that interpreting is boring and slows everything down. In this article, I will go through some of the common causes and how to fix them.
Boredom Producer #1: Using the wrong interpreting mode
The number 1 reason why interpreting can be boring in churches is that a church is using interpreting the wrong way. As far as churches are concerned, interpreting comes in two flavours or “modes”.
Consecutive interpreting takes place when the preacher and interpreter take turns, roughly a sentence at a time. It requires no tech and can be set up with nothing more than a second microphone.
Simultaneous interpreting takes place when the interpreter works while the speaker is still speaking. To do this, they either whisper into people’s ears or talk into a microphone inside a soundproof box, in another room or somewhere else entirely. People then listen to the interpreting via receivers or just using their own mobile devices.
While consecutive interpreting is cheap, it is only really suitable for 1 (and at a push, 2) languages at a time. In fact, it only works for two languages if the sound technicians know how to split the sound from microphones into different speakers.
It will always make services and sermons longer and needs to be done very well to keep people’s attention. When a church chooses the wrong mode or doesn’t know how to get the best from the one they are using, there will always be problems.
How do we solve this issue?
Make sure you are using the right interpreting mode for your church and that you are using that mode effectively. For one language, any mode can work. For more than one, simultaneous is usually best. Whichever mode is used, it is important to learn to work effectively with interpreters.
Boredom Producer #2: Misusing AI technology
While AI interpreting technology does have its uses, interpreting sermons is most often not a good one.
Yes, if the languages needed in a church change from week to week, then AI interpreting is the only real option.
Yes, if a church doesn’t have access to interpreters and doesn’t have the technological know-how to set up remote interpreting then AI interpreting can help.
But AI interpreting lacks the intonation, emphasis and even rhythms of normal human speech. In this previous article, I even show what the voice from AI interpreting will sound like.
AI interpreting will not be good at drawing people in. It should only be used in places where it is the only option or for conversations.
How do we solve this issue?
Only use AI interpreting when it is appropriate and suitable to do so.
Boredom Producer #3: Dropping people in at the deep end
As much as churches often need their language problems solved right now, picking people from church and asking them to interpret with no training and no preparation often doesn’t lead to good results.
Doing interpreting well takes a mixture of talent, drive, and training. And strangely enough, there are some suggestions that not everyone can do simultaneous interpreting, even if they are perfectly bilingual.
Most often, throwing people in at the deep end can cause problems for those listening and for the interpreters. Few people cope well with struggling publicly,
How do we solve this issue?
It’s important to build systems to check people are suitable for interpreting and to get them the ongoing training and support they need.
Boredom Producer #4: Last minute surprises
As this video explains, good church interpreting requires solid preparation.
Making sure the interpreters have notes and scriptures ready beforehand and that they know about any stories coming up makes a huge difference. In addition, making sure interpreters have good feedback mechanisms and pastoral support will go a long way to making sure that interpreting works well for everyone every time. Expecting interpreters to perform well without preparation or making big changes at the last minute means that interpreters have to carry a lot more weight. The effort of them adjusting may well come out in a more monotonous delivery or a higher number of hesitations. This isn’t fun for anyone involved.
How do we solve this issue?
Make sure interpreters have notes beforehand, try to avoid preaching from a manuscript and try to reduce the number of last-minute surprises where possible.