INPUT ARTICLE: Article: At the beginning of a group meeting, you should briefly introduce the interpreter by saying, "This is [name] and she will be the interpreter for today." This will let everyone know what the interpreter's role is in the room and acknowledge her presence for the deaf person. You may then want to allow the deaf person to introduce herself to the group, using the interpreter. If you are meeting the deaf person one-on-one with an interpreter, you should introduce yourself to the deaf person, not the interpreter. Face the deaf person and speak slowly and clearly. Most deaf people can read lips, but the deaf person may also have the interpreter sign your name. The deaf person may also introduce their interpreter to you, but you should avoid addressing the interpreter directly. Interpreters are there to facilitate, not participate, in the conversation. Make sure you are standing in a spot where the interpreter can be seen by the deaf person. Do not stand between or in the sightline of the interpreter and the deaf person. You may ask the interpreter where they would like you to stand or have the interpreter stand to the side of you in their chosen spot. The deaf person may also prefer to sit in the front of the room, close to the interpreter, so she can see the interpreter clearly during the meeting. You should start the group meeting by handing out any written materials right away as this will help the deaf person follow along and note anything if she misses the interpreter's signs. You may also want to create a clear itinerary for the meeting and hand it out so the deaf person is aware of what is going to be discussed. Remember the interpreter is not part of the conversation you are having with the deaf person and is not allowed to voice any personal opinions or enter the conversation. You should make eye contact with the deaf person and position your body toward her. If the deaf person needs the interpreter to explain something, she will turn and ask the interpreter. Allow her to do this, rather than try to do it yourself. You should try to speak in your normal speed and your normal tone of voice. Try to not rush or stumble when you speak and project your voice so it can be heard. Take a breath between each sentence as this will allow the interpreter and the deaf person time to catch up with what you are saying. If you are reading a text out loud, speak slowly and clearly. Avoid shouting or yelling, as this will not make it easier for the interpreter to sign to the deaf person and can be considered rude or inappropriate. Remember that there will be a slight lag as the interpreter signs to the deaf person. Keep this lag in mind as you speak and be patient as the interpreter finishes signing your words to the deaf person before moving on to your next sentence or thought. This lag will usually be a few words behind your speech. Allow for time for the interpreter to finish so the deaf person can respond and participate in the discussion. If the interpreter is confused or unclear about what you are saying, she may ask you to repeat your statement or ask questions about your statement for clarity. Answer her questions patiently and promptly to keep the conversation flowing for the deaf person. It can be confusing and overwhelming for the interpreter when more than one person is speaking at a time. In a group meeting setting, have everyone speak one at a time or take turns speaking around the room. You may also want to give the floor to one person at a time so the interpreter can focus on that person. You should make sure there is a brief pause between speakers so the interpreter has time to finish signing to the deaf person. This pause can also allow the deaf person to collect her thoughts and respond to the speaker. Avoid talking over someone else or interrupting someone during the meeting, as this can throw off the interpreter and make it more difficult for you to communicate effectively with the deaf person.

SUMMARY: Introduce the interpreter. Position yourself out of the sightline of the interpreter and the deaf person. Pass out any written materials at the beginning of the meeting. Speak directly to the deaf person, not to the interpreter. Talk in your normal speed and tone. Wait patiently while the interpreter communicates your words to the deaf person. Have only one person speak at a time.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Some people who suffer from halitosis or are self-conscious of their breath will carry around a toothbrush with them. Bring a small tube of toothpaste. If you don't have toothpaste, know that brushing with tap water can help reduce the smell of microbes that collect when you eat meals. Small, portable toothbrushes can be purchased at any grocery store or pharmacy cheaply. You can also try keeping a pack of mini, disposable toothbrushes with you. This way they won't get dirty and be sanitary each time you use one. In addition to a toothbrush or in place of it, you can easily escape to the bathroom and floss your teeth. Many types of floss have a minty aftertaste that'll help freshen your breath. Dentists recommend that you floss after every meal to ensure that food particles don't get lodged in between your teeth. If this seems like too much work, floss at least once a day preferably before bedtime to combat foul breath. Flossing after meals is one of the best ways to combat halitosis (bad breath). Consider carrying floss or flossing tools, such as dental floss toothpicks, to floss easily on the go. Listerine comes in travel-sized bottles that can easily be carried in back pockets or pocket books. Gargle for 20 seconds and spit. It will help fight bacteria that cause bad breath as well as give your mouth a fresh smell. Make sure you choose a mouth rinse that boasts anti-gingivitis and/or anti-plaque fighting power. Listerine also makes strips that dissolve on your tongue. These are designed to combat bad breath quickly, but can be quite strong.

SUMMARY: Use a portable toothbrush. Floss your teeth. Use Listerine or some other type of anti-bacterial mouthwash.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: This can be a spreadsheet file, database file, or even a text document with the proper formatting. Spreadsheet files are most commonly used; this guide assumes you are using a spreadsheet. Your data file should have all the information that will have to change from copy to copy. For example, if you're writing a form letter, your data file will hold the names and possibly the addresses of everyone you intend to send the letter to. Put one item of information in each cell along a line, so that each type of information (first name, last name, honorific, and so on) is in its own column. Make sensible column names. Mail merge reads data in columns. It will assume that the first entry in each column of information is the general name for that type of information, so use names that make sense for you. For example, start a column of first names by typing "firstname," then put all the first names below it. When you are asked which field to insert into your letter, you will see "firstname" as an option and remember what is contained in that column. Microsoft Office users who also use Outlook for their e-mail can use their Outlook address book as a data file instead, if desired. Save it somewhere you can find it easily, and name it something you will easily remember. This is the document you will be inserting information into. For example, if you're writing a form letter, the primary document is the letter. Any item that mail merge will fill in for you (such as names) should be left blank for now.

SUMMARY:
Build a data file. Save the data file. Write out your primary document.