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Zoom (For Partners) - Suggestions

Tips for a smoother Zoom interpreter experience: Waiting Room settings and avoiding cross talk.

Written by Quinn Bott

These suggestions help create a smoother experience with an interpreter in a Zoom virtual meeting.

  • Disable the Waiting Room. After connecting to the Zoom meeting, make sure the Waiting Room is off so it doesn't block the interpreter from joining. See Zoom's instructions for enabling and customizing the Waiting Room.

    • While we do not officially support the use of the waiting room with Zoom, some users have had success leaving the waiting room on and very quickly admitting the interpreter once they join the waiting room.

  • Ensure the meeting is not locked: Managing participants in a meeting

  • Ensure that users outside of your organization are able to join the meeting: Allowing only authenticated users in meetings

  • Add the interpreter first. Consider adding the interpreter to the meeting before the other party joins. People with limited English often find it reassuring to have someone who can help them communicate from the start.

  • Avoid crosstalk. Pause to leave a clear break when speaking or listening to the interpreter, so conversations don't overlap.

  • Conducting a test? Once you're connected, mention that you're doing a test call and end the dialog within the first 30 seconds.

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