ILO Guidelines for speakers addressing meetings with interpretation services

When taking the floor in person

• Please remove your earpiece and keep it away from the microphone before speaking.
• Speak directly into the microphone at a moderate and steady pace.
• If interpretation is available in your language, you are encouraged to speak in your mother tongue.
• You are encouraged to speak freely rather than read from a prepared text, as this facilitates accurate interpretation.
• If reading a written statement, please provide a copy to the interpreters in advance. For guidance on how to share your statement, please refer to the meeting information note. Interpreters are bound by professional secrecy, statements are to be checked against delivery.

When speaking remotely

High sound quality is essential to ensure accurate interpretation and to safeguard interpreters’ auditory health. Speakers connecting remotely are requested to observe the following:

• Use a stable internet connection, preferably via ethernet rather than Wi-Fi.
• Ensure a quiet environment by closing doors and windows and disabling notifications.
• Use a standalone microphone or a headset with an external microphone. Built-in computer microphones should not be used.
• Keep the camera on during your intervention, as visual cues assist interpreters.
• Where possible, arrange a sound test in advance of the meeting.

Please note that if the sound quality is insufficient to allow interpretation, the intervention may not be interpreted.