How to Look More Professional in Your Video Sign Language Interpreter Services

If you offer video sign language interpreter services, you need to look presentable on camera. You could have hundreds or even thousands of people watching your hands carefully. If the video quality is fuzzy or blurry, it is more difficult for people to see and process your signing in real-time. Excellent video quality is only the beginning. You still need to look professional in front of the camera. It is the only way your clients and audience will take you more seriously as a sign language interpreter.  

 

Languagers provides you the top 5 ways to look more professional in your video sign language interpreter services. 

 

1) Lighting 

 

A high-resolution camera is always a good thing, but it won’t help you much without an adequate lighting source in your environment. Any professional photographer would emphasise to you the importance of good lighting. It allows people to see you clearly while eliminating the shadows and dark spots on your face and hands.  

 

Any professional video sign language interpreter should look bright and vibrant to everyone watching them on the video conference call. You don’t need to invest in a commercial quality lighting system or anything like that. The simple act of putting a lamp behind your computer camera would make you appear brighter. If the light source can be moved or adjusted, then make the light shine on your face directly.  

 

2) Smile and Blink 

 

People have a habit of staring cold-faced into the camera, meaning they do not smile or blink. Sometimes they are nervous or freeze because they don’t know what to say next. This could make you look like a serial killer or at least someone who is emotionally disturbed.  

 

A true professional is not afraid to smile and blink in front of the camera. That is why you should get in the habit of smiling when you speak while letting your eyes blink naturally. It will make you come across as a friendly and kind person to your audience.  

 

3) Think About a Person Rather Than the Camera 

 

People get uncomfortable in front of the camera because they think about the camera too much. It is understandable because the camera lens is directly pointed at your face. You might feel intimidated by the camera each time you speak.  

 

One way you can overcome this intimidation is to put a picture of someone you know on the camera and talk to them directly. It could be a picture of a friend or family member who makes you feel comfortable. Then as you talk to the camera, you can stare at the picture rather than the camera lens. This should make you feel much more comfortable.  

 

4) Good Posture 

 

As a video sign language interpreter, you perform a professional service for your clients. Even though you can work alone from a home office, do not get too relaxed in your chair. A professional person always maintains good posture by sitting up straight in their chair and looking straight ahead.  

 

Do not slouch or look down. Keep your head up and stay focused on your job as an interpreter. You don’t need to look directly into the lens, but you should keep eye contact within the general direction of the camera.  

 

5) Business Casual Attire 

 

Another way to appear professional is to dress in business casual attire. You might be at home, but you are still working a professional job. All the other people on the conference call will trust your professionalism and integrity if your appearance is a reflection of these attributes. Avoid wearing t-shirts, pyjamas, sweat shirts, and other casual clothing.