interactive workshops

Through years of observation and experience, Bridge Communications has developed a seamless and interactive learning environment for ASL-English interpreters.

Unlike the typical interpreting workshop, which often includes a presenter lecturing endlessly, copious notes on PowerPoint handouts, and no time for hands-on practice, Bridge Communications encourages hands-on experience and tools for practicing on your own.

Our workshops include:

  • Interactive participation – Lets you learn, practice, and support new ideas and skills
  • Bound workbooks – Provide you useful information that can be referenced again and again
  • Video-based practice – Reinforces discussion portions of the workshop

Invest a few hours with Bridge Communications and you too can take your ASL-English interpreting skills to that next level.

Workshops Offered:

Eye Gaze & Blinks in ASL: The Eyes Have It!

Breaking eye contact in a signed conversation is considered rude! Are there ways to do it appropriately? How do you know whether the signer is narrating or assuming a character role? Do blinks have meaning in ASL? Download details (PDF)

Four Number Systems You Need to Know! ASL Numbers for Interpreters

Do you know how to correctly convey the following in ASL: Channel 4, four children, 4th in a list, and the last four digits of your SSN? This workshop can teach you how to sign numbers like a pro! Download details (PDF)

Interpreting Frozen Texts: Freeze or Thaw?

Interpreting and translating are different skills. Handling frozen texts often requires both. Do you know how to interpret the Lord’s Prayer, the Twelve Steps, or the Miranda Warning effectively? Download details (PDF)

Interpreting in Spiritual Settings: Wholly, Holy, or Holey?

You feel called to interpret in a Spiritual setting. Now what? Do you have the necessary tools (knowledge and skill) to create a sense of Sacred Space for the deaf congregates while adequately and accurately conveying the sense of wonder and majesty contained in this most important event? Download details (PDF)

Preparing for the NIC Interview: It’s the How, Not the What

You know your ethics. You don’t know what to expect during the NIC Interview and you’re concerned about representing yourself well. This workshop will teach you a method to represent yourself well during the exam! Download details (PDF)

The Interpreting Process: Intention or Retention?

Producing an effective interpretation requires more than simply remembering and regurgitating the source text. The speaker’s goal must be understood and created in the target language with intention! Download details (PDF)

Preparing for the NIC Interview & Performance Exam: In the NIC of Time!

You know your ethics and your skills—that’s not in question. What you don’t know is what to expect during the NIC Interview & Performance exam. You want to represent yourself well and earn the credential you deserve. This workshop will help you do just that! Download details (PDF)

Four Culturally-Rich ASL Concepts: A Rose by Any Other Name

DEAF doesn’t mean deaf and hearing people usually don’t know they are. If you’re confused, think how your consumers feel when you use words in ways they don’t understand. Download details (PDF)

Interpreting Constructed Dialogues: Who Said What to Whom?!

“Wait! You said that or the other person said that? I can’t figure out who’s saying what!” If you’ve ever struggled with character role shifting, this workshop is for you. Download details (PDF)

PowerPoint Poisoning and Other Presentation Pitfalls

Research indicates PowerPoint presentations often interfere with participant comprehension, organization, and retention of information. You are a dynamic presenter with knowledge and experience that will positively impact the work of interpreter practitioners. Are your presentations hindering your message?Download details (PDF)

The Workshop Workshop: Session Delivery from Creation to Presentation

You have experience, knowledge, and wisdom that you would like to share through formal in-service training sessions, but you don’t know how to start. How does one develop an effective training session, useful presentation, and quality handout materials?Download details (PDF)

A Look at Deaf & Hearing Manners: To Do & Taboo

“Why do they do that? Don’t they know that’s rude?!”
If you’ve wondered why Deaf or hearing people behave in certain ways, this workshop can help you understand! Download details (PDF)

Recognizing ASL Performatives: Shift Happens

“Wait! Who’s talking? Did this story happen to you or someone else? Why can’t I tell who’s being discussed?” If you miss a subtle shift in referent, it can compromise your interpretation. This workshop will help you recognize ASL performatives because let’s face it… shift happens. Download details (PDF)