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Hello, my name is [what did she say?], did you understand? My name is [ __?__ ]
[ Gosh, flashy clothes, I can't interpret her! ]
I have to call [ __?!__ ], No choice I have to go to [ __?!__ ]
[ Too dark... I can't interpret this! ]
I am signing, if you also use sign language,
how do we communicate with hearing people out there?
Videophones are a "must" for communicating in sign language!
You need high speed internet, laptop with webcam,
or a videophone device.
If you have it, you can communicate with others.
These four areas are key to making a clear
and smooth videophone call:
Environment
Clothing,
Body Language,
- these two are similar - which I will explain,
and Videophone culture.
For environment, make sure your videophone
is set up appropriately...
with solid wall... avoid rooms with pictures behind you,
avoid wallpaper, window decorations,
mirrors, avoid sitting with hallway behind you
because people walking by, flickering lights...
people watching you
would have a difficult time seeing you and
get distracted.
Where to set up solid lighting. a lamp or light should face you
for clarity, rather than lighting from the side.
With inappropriate lighting, you could look dark.
Where you should sit... not too close, or too far away.
Ideally, you should sit at least 3 to 5 feet in front.
Clothing sets the tone for your VP conversation.
Use common sense and wear appropriate, solid clothing ...
don't be naked, or wear "borderline" clothing...
loud clothes, stripes, or patterns,
making it hard for others to watch you sign!
Body language is same as clothing...
don't make it hard for others to see you!
Body posture, your facial expressions,
if you are eating,
or smoking could leave a poor impression.
Wearing appropriate clothing and signing with clarity
is essential.
Videophone has etiquette and culture.
All over people have different signing styles.
Video interpreters all over are different.
When calling, it is best to know
their time. If you just call at 8 am your time,
you may wake up the other person
because it is 5 am there in California!
It is best to decide ahead when is a good time to call,
Facebook, AIM, or pager to decide
a calling time in advance.
If the person doesn't know who you are calling,
inform the video interpreter ahead of time your name.
With variation of signs all over,
video interpreters cannot read your minds.
For example the word "watch"...
1. Watch
2. Watch
3. Watch
4. Watch.
"My friend, K____ and I went out to...
who is "K____"?
Kelly?
Kristen?
"I went to S-D", had an enjoyable time...
would like to go again next year!
"S-D"... where is it?
San Diego, California? South Dakota?
This is why it is important to fingerspell clearly.
Video interpreters suggest when making video relay calls,
try to think ahead of any situations
and prepare your interpreter ahead of time.
If you call and expect voice recording prompts,
give interpreter information before starting the call...
who you want to speak with, which prompts to press...
press 1, press 2 or press 3... what options to press,
instead of trying to decide...
pause... "press 1 for schedules"... pause... "press 2 for appointments"...
go ahead and give information i.e. your name and,
what you want to do, the person's name,
and which prompts to press to ensure a seamless call.
By preparing and considering
these four key areas,
you will be able to make videophone calls
like a Champ!