Self-Announcing during a VRS call
You have a choice to self-announce or not.
There may be some confusion from the hearing callers because calls are subject to:
- Pause/Delay throughout the call due to interpretation
- Robotic sound during VI transfer
- Unexpected voice or a change in voice if the VI is transferred to the call
Therefore, informing hearing callers that a Video interpreter (VI) is interpreting ASL/LSQ to English/French can help avoid confusion. Before the VI connects the call, let the interpreter (VI) know you would like to self-announce. Once you are connected with the hearing caller, here are some examples of ways to self-announce:
1. Inform the hearing person an interpreter is present.
Example: “My name is Bill, and I have a sign language interpreter on the call.”
2. Inform the person you are calling that there may be a pause or delay from time to time due to the interpretation.
Example: “An interpreter is translating our call, and there may be brief delays throughout the conversation.”
3. Inform the call recipient that a sign language interpreter (VI) may not be the same gender as you.
Example: “My name is Bill. My interpreter is of a different gender than I am, and you will hear their voice instead of mine.”