Introduction

As a VRS (Video Relay Service) interpreter, possessing a robust set of soft skills is crucial for ensuring effective and meaningful communication between Deaf and hearing individuals. This blog post explores the top soft skills every VRS interpreter should cultivate to excel in their role and provide exceptional service. From interpersonal skills to cultural competence, these abilities are foundational for building trust, ensuring accuracy, and fostering a positive interpreting experience. Let's get into the first five essential soft skills that every VRS interpreter should develop.

1. Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are essential for VRS interpreters, enabling them to thrive in diverse social and professional settings. By actively listening, empathizing, and communicating effectively, interpreters build positive relationships and ensure clear, meaningful interactions during calls.

When VRS interpreters possess the soft skill of interpersonal skills, they practice:

• Listening carefully,  giving their full attention and meaningfully engaging in the interpretation process. 
• Empathize with others, easily understanding and relating to different emotions, which makes them appear caring and connected.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, ensuring their thoughts are well-expressed and they accurately understand others' messages, reducing confusion and frustration.
• Handle disagreements diplomatically, promoting a positive and collaborative environment.
• Balancing participation in group settings,  contributing constructively without dominating discussions or withdrawing, thereby fostering group cohesion and productivity.

These skills are integral to fostering trust and ensuring smooth communication between Deaf consumers and interpreters in the VRS setting. This soft skill can be honed through practice and experience.

A VRS Inside Look: 

During the VRS call setup process, it is sometimes the case that the Deaf consumer will provide background information to the upcoming call.  The VRS interpreter can employ their interpersonal skills by nodding along and reflecting their understanding to the Deaf consumer or asking clarifying questions when needed.  These small interactions have a big impact on the Deaf consumer's experience with the VRS interpreter, building the trust needed for a smoother communication process.

2. Communication Skills

Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful interpretation in the VRS setting as it ensures that messages are conveyed accurately and clearly. VRS interpreters who excel in communication skills are adept at delivering detailed and understandable information, adapting their style to suit their audience, and maintaining a respectful dialogue.

When VRS interpreters possess the soft skill of communication skills, they practice:

• Clearly convey messages, ensuring that all necessary details are included. 
• Listening attentively and not interrupting, which fosters a respectful and productive dialogue.
• Employing non-verbal cues which align with their verbal messages, showing genuine interest through eye contact and open body language.  
• Utilizing language that is accessible and easy to understand, avoiding jargon or overly complex terms to ensure clarity and inclusiveness in their communication.
• Seeking and providing feedback in order to confirm information to avoid misunderstandings.
• Integrating a friendly tone with open body language that avoids sarcasm thus creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages open dialogue and fosters an inclusive environment.
• Communicating clearly by adjusting signing styles to fit the audience's preferences, ensuring everyone comprehends the message across different situations.

The soft skill of communication can be developed through education, training, and consistent practice in interpreting. Being clear, concise, and empathetic in communication ensures mutual understanding. Strong communication skills enhance clarity and inclusiveness, elevating the overall effectiveness and professionalism of VRS interpreters.

A VRS Inside Look:

While on a VRS call, it is sometimes important to communicate information quickly and clearly.  For instance, while voicing for a Deaf consumer who is telling their loved one a story, the interpreter may lose track of a reference in space and thus need to communicate their lack of understanding.  The interpreter must be able to quickly and clearly communicate that lack of understanding and at which point in the story it occurred so the Deaf consumer knows exactly where to repeat their story.

3. Cultural Competence

Cultural competence is crucial for VRS interpreters as it allows them to navigate and respect the unique aspects of Deaf culture effectively. This soft skill ensures interpreters accurately convey not just the language but also the cultural nuances, traditions, and norms that are integral to the Deaf community. Understanding and respecting Deaf culture is vital for any VRS interpreter.  

When VRS interpreters possess the soft skill of cultural competence, they practice:

• Using ASL, while deepening their understanding of the cultural nuances within the Deaf community. This allows them to accurately convey not just words but the intended cultural meanings behind them.
• Respecting traditions in Deaf culture such as understanding that only Deaf people can give name signs or the culturally acceptable ways to get someone’s attention.
• Understanding and being familiar with Deaf cultural norms such as the importance of eye contact, facial expressions, and body language in ASL (American Sign Language).
• Sensitivity to Deaf identity and language by being aware that Deaf individuals often see themselves as part of a linguistic and cultural minority rather than as disabled. This includes using appropriate language that reflects respect for Deaf identity and avoiding terms that might be perceived as offensive or outdated.
• Understanding the importance of navigating regional variations in ASL. Just as spoken languages have dialects, ASL has regional variations. VRS interpreters should be knowledgeable about these differences to ensure accurate communication.
• Addressing cultural differences by being sensitive that they may exist between Deaf and hearing consumers, such as differing views on directness in communication or differing expectations around personal space and touch.

Mastering cultural competence enables VRS interpreters to provide respectful and inclusive services, improving the quality of interactions between Deaf and hearing individuals. This soft skill is refined by understanding and respecting the cultural norms of Deaf consumers.  Cultural competence ensures more meaningful and accurate communication, making all parties feel respected and understood.

A VRS Inside Look:

It is not uncommon for interpreters to wait on hold with their Deaf counterparts as they wait for a call to connect.  During that time, Deaf consumers may turn their attention elsewhere, keeping their head turned away from the camera for extended periods of time.  Once the call connects, the VRS interpreter can wave their hand at the camera to catch the attention of their Deaf consumer so the call can proceed. 

4. Effective Time Management

Time management is essential in the fast-paced world of VRS interpreting. Efficient time use ensures that interpreters can meet the demands of their role, balancing the needs of both consumers and themselves.

When VRS interpreters possess the soft skill of effective time management, they practice:

• Punctuality and consistently show up on time for scheduled shifts.
• Flexibility with teaming when working with others allows interpreters to adapt quickly to changing schedules, swapping shifts, or taking turns on challenging or lengthy calls. 
• Prioritizing tasks by distinguishing between those that are urgent or important so their efforts align with their productivity goals.
• Minimizing distractions and staying focused on the task at hand, ensuring they use their time efficiently.

Effective time management in VRS interpreting boosts productivity and ensures a balanced, effective service for everyone involved. This soft skill can be honed with strategies, tools, and regular practice. Good time management helps interpreters handle VRS calls efficiently, meeting the needs of both the consumer and the interpreter.

A VRS Inside Look:

When working in the VRS setting, interpreters must effectively manage their breaks so they do not fall behind in their performance.  Some companies provide a set break while others allow for some flexibility.  Generally, for every hour an interpreter spends on the VRS system, they are given a break anywhere between 9 to 12 minutes in length (much too short for this demanding job).  This grueling work schedule demands interpreters to effectively manage their time thus contributing to a more positive VRS experience.

5. Attention to Detail

In the realm of VRS interpreting, attention to detail is essential for ensuring accurate and meaningful communication. VRS interpreters must focus on details like idioms, technical terms, and cultural references. Attention to details ensures that no critical information is missed during interpretation so as to fully convey both the meaning and tone of the conversation effectively. 

When VRS interpreters possess the soft skill of attention to detail, they practice:

• Ensuring accurate interpretation by carefully conveying every concept and cultural nuance. Attention to detail also includes correctly interpreting idioms, technical terms, and culturally specific references. This ensures that both the meaning and tone of the conversation are accurately conveyed between the parties
• Observing Non-Verbal Cues such as facial expressions, body language, and gestures, which are crucial in sign language communication. This helps them to fully convey the speaker's intended message.
• Maintaining consistency and clarity in terminology and sign choices, especially in technical or specialized fields, ensuring that communication is clear and comprehensible throughout the conversation.
• Following protocols and procedures by adhering strictly to professional and ethical guidelines, including confidentiality protocols and the appropriate use of technology, which are vital in maintaining trust and integrity in the VRS industry.

Being meticulous in one’s attention to detail helps in delivering accurate interpretations and avoiding misunderstandings. This soft skill can be enhanced through practice and mindfulness while interpreting, building trust in the VRS interpreter.

A VRS Inside Look:

While on a VRS call, interpreters should maintain consistency in their terminology and sign choices. For instance, if a Deaf consumer uses a specific sign for "computer," the VRS interpreter should note this preference and consistently use the same sign throughout the conversation. This consistency helps ensure a seamless communication experience, making the Deaf consumer feel more connected and understood by their hearing counterpart.

Conclusion

As a VRS interpreter, honing soft skills is essential for facilitating clear and respectful communication between Deaf and hearing individuals. In this blog post, we've highlighted five crucial soft skills: interpersonal skills, communication skills, cultural competence, effective time management, and attention to detail. Developing these skills not only enhances the quality of interpreting but also fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Call to Action

Share a soft skill you've found most important for effective communication between Deaf and hearing individuals. Comment down below!