| Interpreting is a highly demanding cognitive process which involves multi-tasking (listening, memory and production), high intensity of mental constraints, decision-making and problem-solving. Interpreting for presentations with PowerPoint slides further complicates this process, as it requires the interpreter to do interpreting in a multimedia environment with additional task, i.e., slide reading and processing.This thesis is an attempt to shed light on the impact of PowerPoint presentations on the interpreter's listening, memory and production processes.This thesis is composed of five chapters excluding an introduction and conclusion.Chapter 1 is an analysis of the cognitive characteristics of interpreting as a highly demanding process followed by a brief overview of the history of PowerPoint.Chapter 2 introduces Gile's EM as a theoretical framework and proceeds to examine the positive effects of PowerPoint slides on the listening, memory and production processes during interpreting.Chapter 3 focuses on the other side of the coin, namely, the negative effects of PowerPoint slides.Chapter 4 is a case study demonstrating both the positive and negative effects of PowerPoint slides to interpreters. It reveals the importance of preparation and coping tactics.Chapter 5 includes suggestions on how to prepare for interpreting tasks involving PowerPoint presentations, and coping tactics for fast speech delivery, fast and changing slides delivery and graphics interpretation so as to maximize the benefits and minimize the side effects. |
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