Improving VO using the Communication Accommodation Theory

Interpreting from BSL into English can bring a unique set of challenges — finding the right tone, managing processing, and keeping meaning accurate while sounding natural. This session introduces Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) and explores how Alan Bell’s ideas on Audience Design and Audience Care can help you produce voiceovers that sound more authentic, reflective, and appropriate for your audience.

Through practical discussion and examples, we’ll look at how interpreters can adjust their delivery to suit the listener, stay connected to the Deaf client’s message, and maintain accuracy and integrity throughout.

What We’ll Cover:

• Understanding CAT and its relevance to interpreting from BSL into English

• Exploring Audience Design and how to adapt your style for different audiences

• Considering Audience Care and how empathy and cultural awareness shape effective communication

• Practising strategies to improve clarity, confidence, and reflective awareness in your voiceover work

Why Join Us?This is a relaxed, practical session focused on helping you improve your voiceover delivery and processing skills. You’ll come away with a stronger understanding of how audience awareness influences interpreting choices and with strategies you can apply straight away in your own work.

Join us for an engaging evening of learning and reflection — and gain tools to help you produce voiceovers that are accurate, thoughtful, and well-matched to their audience.

Trainer: Stephen Ellis-Menton

Duration: 3 Hours

CPD Points: 3 Stuctured

Language of Instruction: English

Participation: Active

Recording Available? No