• Five people are visible on a stage. They stand in front of a screen. At the top of the screen are three lines of the English lyrics to the song being sung. These lyrics are produced by sign language interpreters. The two people in the middle of the stage are sign language poets. They perform the text in sign language. © Beat the Silence with link: Das WUK | Beat the Silence

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Everyone can learn how to communicate in a successful and accessible way—within their own company and, even more importantly, with others. On this website, we will regularly provide you with glimpses into our activities and share things that move us as well as approaches and best practices that you may find inspiring. One thing’s for sure: sharing knowledge will allow us to all grow together.

Accessible concerts supported by speech-to-text interpreters

A professional speech-to-text interpreter working on her laptop. She is using respeaking, a shorthand mask, and her keyboard. The interpreted live text appears on her screen. To the right, a second laptop is visible. The second speech-to-text interpreter works on this one. © https://www.beat-the-silence.at/

Professional speech-to-text interpreters work together in teams and use the latest technology. © Beat the Silence

Can there be concerts for and by people who are at least partially deaf? Yes, absolutely – acoustic accessibility can make this possible. And speech-to-text interpreters can make an important contribution to acoustic accessibility.

Speech-to-text interpreters translate spoken words into a written text, promptly producing an easily readable text. The text may be presented in different forms that ensure accessibility: subtitles for films, continuous text for conversations between people that users may follow on their individual devices, such as tablets, and sub- or surtitles for concerts. As an addition to sign language, the resulting live texts are intended for those who can read and understand language in its written form.

Professional speech-to-text interpreters create added value

Speech-to-text interpreting is not automatic transcription. It is carried out by professional experts using the latest technology. Transcription programmes on mobile phones and laptops, even those using AI, can only deliver meaningful text under ideal conditions: a single speaker, clear pronunciation, speech that is as meaningful and understandable as possible, i.e. almost like printed text. But we all know that most communication is spontaneous, excursive and unplanned, especially when it involves several people. That’s why we need human intelligence and a sense of responsibility. Unlike transcription software, professional speech-to-text interpreters understand meaning rather than just words. If necessary, they can shorten texts without changing the content and ask questions if anything is unclear. In addition, professional speech-to-text interpreters guarantee data protection and privacy, which cannot be ensured if you use AI programmes. Innovative technical tools make it possible to display the interpreted text in various formats.

How to transform information into a full-blown artistic experience

The live text produced by speech-to-text interpreters puts everything in writing that can be heard: opening remarks, moderation, song lyrics. Taking into account the entertainment character of concerts, live texts will be displayed in a way that fits in seamlessly with the overall artistic experience. The live text may be either displayed on separate screens or in the form of sur- or subtitles that blend in with the visuals that are part of the show. Another option is to provide an internet link via which the audience may access the live text on their mobile phones/tablets. This is an ideal solution for people who may need individual settings for font size, font type, background colour and contrast. If your event is streamed online, speech-to-text interpreters can provide high-quality subtitles that are directly integrated into the stream. Ideally, there are more than two lines of subtitles, thus improving readability.

One investment – lots of added value

A band performing in front of a screen. At the top of the screen, two lines of the English lyrics of the song are displayed, after being produced by speech-to-text interpreters. © Beat the Silence

Live texts make equal participation possible. © Beat the Silence 

Live texts also make it easier to understand foreign-language presentations and cater to the needs of people who prefer to receive information via two channels, i.e. use their senses of hearing and vision. Live texts allow you to offer an attractive additional service. They ensure that people who have difficulty hearing and would not be able to follow everything that is being said without the support of the written text are not singled out and stigmatised. In short, live texts create added value in various respects and will leave a lasting impression on all participants.

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