Short definition
A presentation is a speaker's visually supported talk – usually with slides – and a central element of many conferences and congresses.
Detailed explanation
From a technical and interpreting perspective, a presentation is more than a slideshow. It provides valuable context for interpreters: technical terms, proper names, figures, and the thread of a talk are often visible in the slides beforehand. That's why presentations are among the most important preparation materials.
Technically, a presentation needs to be integrated well: image on the hall screen, possibly on monitors for the audience, and – especially important – on a screen in the interpreting booth. Interpreters who can see the slides render figures, names, and terms far more precisely. In remote and hybrid formats, the slide image also needs to reach interpreters in sync and in sufficient quality, as required by ISO 20108 for video and audio input.
Relevance in this subject area
Slides are language in visual form. Making them accessible to interpreters – in advance as materials and live as an image – noticeably improves interpretation quality.
Practical example
Ahead of a professional conference, interpreters receive all slide decks. In the booth, they can also see live which slide is currently shown – letting them name study figures and product names exactly as they appear on screen.
Related terms
Presentation technology, Interpreter preparation materials, Interpreting booth, ISO 20108, Event technology