There are all sorts of challenges when you lip-read. Many are physical barriers, but often lighting can be a real problem. It can be too bright, too dark, too many shadows, or the simply the light is going in the wrong direction. (I’m starting to feel a little like goldilocks as I write this as the lighting needs to be just right).
I recently wrote about an event at the cinema, where I managed to get subtitles for the movie (yay!). However, I also wanted to write this follow-up post to address the other issue which was lighting.
Cinemas are of course dark for the purposes of watching the movie. However, if you are ever hosting an event in a cinema, please give some thought to the lighting. Some of the lights were turned on for the speakers. However, they were not lit up. There was full lighting at the cinema (so they could be lit up), but it wasn’t turned on and the lights were dimmed. However, when you are sat in the middle of a filled cinema you can’t discreetly change position once you realise this. Nor can you ask them to change the lighting. This applies to most events where you are in the audience.
This meant that I couldn’t actually hear the speakers properly. As embarrassing as it is to admit this, almost missed that I had received a mention in our awards ceremony. I only realised because I realised people were looking at me. I didn’t actually know what I received the award for until after the presentation when I had a chance to read what was written on the piece of paper that was read out at the presentation. If I hadn’t been given that piece of paper probably still wouldn’t know as I would be too embarrassed to ask.
While I was delighted to receive an award, the experience was difficult and took away for simply being able to enjoy the moment. Also I struggled after the awards ceremony to chat people others as I didn’t know what awards they had won and what they had won them for (and in some cases didn’t know their name either). My recommendation – have this key information on a presentation if you are using one (benefits everyone) and make sure your lighting is fit for purpose where you can.
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