The Realities of Simultaneous Interpretation

Is Simultaneous Interpretation a Stressful Occupation?

Yes. The sustained alertness and concentration required to perform this job well have been compared to those required of an air-traffic controller. However, for that very reason, interpreters’ associations have developed standards governing workload, team strength, and equipment, based on medical studies, which are intended to keep the workload and cumulative stress within reasonable limits.

Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking is an important part of training to become an interpreter for several reasons:

• Overcoming Shyness: Many people studious enough to have acquired a thorough grasp of two or more working languages tend to be of a somewhat shy and retiring disposition and, when faced with an audience, may freeze up and develop mental blocks.
• Managing Intimidation: Interpretation assignments—especially the better ones—often require interpreters to perform before large audiences of important people, which can be rather intimidating.
• Stage Fright: This can be overcome by the same method that student actors use: rehearsal.
• Voice Control: An interpreter, like an actor, a talk-show host, or a news announcer, must learn how to use his or her voice effectively.

Preparation and Anticipating the Speaker

Consistently good performance in conference interpreting depends on sustained mental alertness. An interpreter must maintain attention and concentration through many hours of meetings and absorb the contents of lengthy discussions on many subjects.

Essential Habits for Interpreters

• Physical Well-being: Keeping fit, notably by getting enough sleep and following good habits of nutrition and exercise.
• Intellectual Modesty: A willingness to learn, keeping up with changes in languages as well as current events and related jargon.
• Neutrality: Interpreters must be able to understand and clearly state a wide range of possible ideas and arguments representing different sides of any issue, even arguments which may seem implausible or with which they may strongly disagree.
• Research: Gaining familiarity with the subject matter, attending meetings in advance, and obtaining agendas, background documents, and prepared speeches.
• Observation: Careful observation of speakers’ gestures and demeanor, as well as the reactions of listeners, provides additional clues to the intent behind the words.

Recognizing Speaker Tone

Interpreters must be adept at identifying various emotional states, such as:

• Positive/Neutral: Satisfied, amused, cheery, overjoyed, apologetic.
• Negative/Conflict: Angry, frustrated, puzzled, skeptical, weary, admonitory, irate, defensive.
• Formal: Solemn.