What should interpreters prioritize during an assignment?

Interpreters should prioritize client comfort and effective communication during an assignment because these elements are fundamental to the interpreting profession. The primary goal of an interpreter is to facilitate clear and accurate communication between parties who speak different languages. By ensuring that clients feel comfortable, interpreters can create an environment where they are more likely to express themselves freely and openly, which enhances the overall effectiveness of the communication process.

This prioritization aligns with the ethical standards set forth in the RID Code of Professional Conduct, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining client trust and ensuring they have access to information without the influence of personal biases or external pressures. When clients feel at ease, it usually leads to more effective exchanges of information, fostering understanding and collaboration among all parties involved in the communication.

Other options, such as personal opinions, colleagues' feedback, and venue requirements, while they may have their place in an interpreter's considerations, do not directly address the essential goal of facilitating conversation and ensuring that clients' needs are met during the assignment. Thus, they are secondary to the imperative of prioritizing client comfort and effective communication.