Interpreting

Preparations

  • Who will be the person whose words you will interpret?
  • What special speaking habits does this person have?
  • Is he or she used to working with an interpreter? Are further instructions required?
  • Will it be one-way interpreting or will you have to interpret in both directions?
  • Will it be consecutive interpreting or will you interpret simultaneously?
  • On which occasion will you interpret – political, business, or private?
  • Whose interests are relevant?
  • What kind of room is offered at the venue? Which positions will everyone take?
  • What is your target group?
  • What is the meeting, talk or conference about? Are there any materials available?
  • Do I need to learn some specialized vocabulary?
  • Which cultural codes are relevant?
  • Will the talk be confidential? Is there any document you need to sign?
  • Is there any water available?
  • Have you got pens and a note-pad?

As the speaker

  • Provide the interpreter with all the information required. See the questions above for preparation.
  • Let your partner know that there will be an interpreter.
  • Introduce your interpreter to your partner.
  • Speak directly to your partner, not to the interpreter!
  • Pause after every sentence!
  • Don’t expect the interpreter to transport any emotions – this is still your job.
  • The interpreter will also not be able to explain technical terms.
  • If you need to talk to your interpreter, you should inform your partner first!
  • Don’t try to take over the interpreter’s job in the middle of the action!
  • Avoid cracking jokes or using your native dialect!

As the interpreter

  • Try to get hold of all the media and documents relevant for the job.
  • If possible, arrange for a meeting with the speaker you’re interpreting!
  • Bring along a notepad and a pencil for taking notes.
  • There is only little time to think. Be prepared to react quickly, flexibly and spontaneously!
  • You may drop points of little importance, but don’t make up any content!
  • For most of the spoken text, use mediation. Focus on the main points, purpose, tone and message.
  • If you didn’t understand the speaker, feel free to ask again.
  • Stand face to face with the audience, but watch the speakers to analyze their body language. Maintain eye contact with the audience.
  • Depending on the cultural codes involved, be prepared to soften the tone or to be more explicit.

If you do consecutive interpreting,

  • Wait for the speaker’s signals to start interpreting. Don’t pause for too long.
  • Take a deep breath just before you start interpreting.
  • Speak loudly and clearly. Make sure everyone can hear you.
  • Don’t increase your speaking pace towards the end.
  • Your version should be around 20% shorter than the original.
  • Keep your speech concise, don’t repeat yourself.
  • Try to look relaxed and as if you were enjoying the show.
  • Even if the speaker speaks in a very informal way, don’t resort to colloquialisms and slang.
  • In the end of the speaker’s turn, feel free to ask one or two questions about names and facts.
  • Be sure not to miss the last sentence – it often contains the most important message.

If you do simultaneous interpreting,

  • You should be able to see the speaker at all times.
  • Maintain eye contact with both parties.
  • Also, the microphone should be tested beforehand.
  • Don’t sigh or swear, and please don’t yawn.
  • Don’t stop or pause. If you fail to translate properly, please move on! Things like these do happen a lot!
  • If the speaker is definitely too fast, feel free to say “the interpreter would ask the speaker to slow down”.
  • Your tone of voice should not sound as if you were bored.
  • Turn on the microphone only for the actual speech, not while everyone is still preparing.
  • Don’t get too close to the mike, otherwise everyone will hear your breathing. The same applies to scribbling and rustling paper.
  • Avoid using too many “ers” and “ums”.
  • Don’t ever forget to switch off the microphone at the end.