Are you one of the people who bear a great interest in becoming a professional interpreter that you often find yourself browsing a bunch of articles to get tips surrounding the profession? If you are reading this now, then you have come to the right place because Pruf Ritz definitely has the best answers to satisfy your curiosity.
Interpreter plays an important role in assisting the process of knowledge and information transfer from certain languages. Pruf Ritz has successfully provided interpreting services in many major events held in Indonesia and abroad, such as the Indonesian Presidential Candidate Debate 2019, International Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) 2017, World Bank Mission on Ease of Doing Business (EODB) & Stunting Prevention 2019, Aseanapol Police Training Cooperation Meeting in ILEA Bangkok since 2017, and many more.
It is an undeniable fact that one needs specific expertise to master interpreting. Can’t wait to find out what competencies must be possessed by a professional interpreter? Check out the list below!
Comprehensively Mastering the Discussion Topic of an Event
A professional interpreter ought to know the ins and outs of the main topic of an event they interpret. For instance, during the Indonesian Presidential and Vice-Presidential Debate in 2019, Pruf Ritz’s interpreters needed to read the candidates’ biography, political and socio-economic track record, and the new programs they proposed.
Pruf Ritz’s interpreters also geared themselves up by watching and studying the recordings of the previous debate five years ago. Interpreters also need to start a new habit of listening to the MC and debate moderator’s hosting style to familiarize themselves with it.
Conquering the (Interpreting) Battlefield
Venue checks prior to d-day shall never be excluded from an interpreter’s to-do list, whether it is held on-site or online. In Pruf Ritz’s case, we usually visit the venue the day before the event to ensure we know the details of the location, such as the layout of the speaker’s stage, audience seats, and the interpreting booth.
Complete familiarity with the interpreting arena is a must as the interpreter team can gather some inputs and ensure the audio-visual system runs smoothly so that the interpreting process can go off without a hitch. This is the reason why we always conduct simulations beforehand with the event coordinators, moderators, and/or speakers.
Interpreting Simulation is a Must
An interpreter needs to conduct a simulation prior to the event as a crucial part of the mitigation procedure. Pruf Ritz’s team takes note of important points during this procedure, among others:
- Opening ceremony; coordinator, speaker, and participant introduction; and closing ceremony.
- Simultaneous Interpreting System test if the event requires simultaneous interpreting.
- Stage layout, audio-visual system, and position arrangement of speakers, moderators, and audience.
Discovering the Best Way to Coordinate in Tandem Interpreting
A number of interpreters are needed in a big event like a conference that requires simultaneous interpreting. Ideally, an interpreter works for 30 minutes before another interpreter takes over.
Pruf Ritz team is experienced in the relay interpreting process (interpreting from the tandem interpreter). For example, when the speaker speaks in French, the tandem interprets it into English, then the Pruf Ritz team is in charge of interpreting it into the Indonesian language.
Practicing Effective Communication
Broad knowledge is not the only thing that must be possessed by interpreters. A professional interpreter is obligated to grasp the keys to establishing effective communication with people.
An interpreter must practice how to speak eloquently and in a straightforward manner. Know who the audience is as they will be your listener. Then, adjust your interpreting style based on the event’s situation and atmosphere.
Maintaining Stamina and Physical Condition
This point is worth noting for an interpreter with considerable experience, and even more so for those who are required to travel out of town or even abroad. An interpreter must get sufficient sleep and rest, consume nutritious food, and avoid anything that will negatively impact their voice. Vocal cords are an interpreter’s major asset because the output they produce is in the form of verbal translation. Hence, at the minimum, avoiding greasy and high-sugar food is the best thing to do because it may affect your vocal cords and health.
Respecting the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with the Client
Once you enter the world of professional interpreting, you must maintain your client’s confidentiality. An interpreter is obliged to sign an NDA (confidentiality agreement) to keep confidential documents and an event’s details from being leaked and known to external parties.
This confidential agreement has a legal force and is binding in nature, which could lead to disastrous outcomes if you fail to protect the client’s classified information. Being an interpreter is not something that can be underestimated. Let’s say you work as an interpreter in a conflict-prone country or in a trial, or perhaps you have to assist a foreign consultant when a company conducts a business transformation, then you must maintain the confidentiality of the detailed information you acquire.
So, those are the 7 secrets to becoming a good interpreter which can serve as your go-to tips in pursuing a career as a professional interpreter. Interpreters are also responsible for ensuring that an event runs smoothly. Kindly keep in mind that Pruf Ritz team is just one call away whenever you need experienced interpreters for your important company events.
