Providing effective and efficient communication services in our highly digital and fast-paced world is a must-have. At Day Interpreting we understand the importance of this need, which is why we have the Day Interpreting App. With the Day Interpreting App you gain access to on-demand interpreters for any occasion with just the click of a button.
There is a need, however, for interpreters within other spheres of the market. And this is why we’re unpacking some tips that you, a professional interpreter, can use during live TV broadcasts.
Before we dive in, however, let’s differentiate between an interpreter and a translator. Just for the benefit of those readers who aren’t familiar with these terms and their differences.
- An interpreter converts spoken messages from one language to another. Interpretation can be done in a few ways including Simultaneous Interpretation and Consecutive Interpretation. Of course, there are others. But for the purpose of this post and for your understanding, Simultaneous and Consecutive Interpretation are the two main types.
- A translator, on the other hand, converts any written text from one language to another. Of course, as a translator, if something does not fit the context of what the written text says, the translator can offer guidance on the best way to communicate the intended point.
Now that we have a clearer understanding of the differences between an interpreter and a translator, let’s dive right into these great tips you can use as a professional interpreter during live TV.
Tips for Interpreting During Live TV
Ensure Your Qualifications are Up-to-Date
Keeping up-to-date on your qualifications is absolutely important. Doing things such as making sure that your language proficiency is current as well as other certifications depending on your field.
For example, if you’re an interpreter within the medical, law, or business field, keep abreast of all the terminologies and vocabulary necessary for your field. This way, you can provide the best and most accurate interpretation service.
Ensure You’re Briefed on Exactly What to Expect During the Broadcast
Now that your qualifications and vocabulary are up-to-date, it’s time to familiarize yourself with what is required of you as an interpreter for the live TV broadcast.
Make sure you know and understand the who, what, where, and why before your session. With this knowledge in hand, you’re ahead of the game and aware of any sensitive points. It prepares you to deal with these sensitivities and provide the right tone appropriate for the points at hand.
Ask Everyone to Speak Clearly and in a Normal Tone of Voice
As an interpreter, especially within a space that requires real-time interpretation, you must ask everyone you’re working with to speak clearly. They also shouldn’t rush through their speech. With this request, you’re better able to interpret at a reasonable pace. It also helps eliminate the risk of miscommunication or need for repetition. And of course, deliver clear communication.
Do Not Change or Modify Anything They Say
As a professional interpreter, it’s best practice and highly recommended that you do not alter or change any part of the conversation or what is being said. The majority of the time, your client makes this request as well.
Your job is solely to interpret what is being said and to facilitate effective and efficient communication.
Be Knowledgeable of Any Cultural Factors
In addition to being briefed on what to expect and what is expected of you, it’s also important to have a working knowledge of all cultural factors that are at play. Having this type of knowledge, as a professional interpreter, is extremely fundamental to the success of your work.
As an interpreter, you are trained to have strong knowledge of social cues and idioms that are part of the cultural practices of those you are interpreting for. Therefore, choosing your words wisely is pertinent for both you and the speaker you are interpreting for.
You can give your client some tips (if it best fits the situation) such as using simple language and avoiding slang or overly complex sentence structures. By doing this, the interpretation process becomes much smoother and you can get more done in a short space of time.
Set a ‘Secret Signal’
The speaker you’re interpreting for may get carried away and forget that you’re working with them. It’s common for this to happen during live interpreting session. But because you don’t want to miss anything, it’s always best to develop a secret signal for each other.
With a secret signal in place, you and the speaker have a clear line of communication. This way, you can let each other know whether or not the flow of speech is going at an ok pace or if they need to slow down.
Of course, this secret signal that you both agree on should be simple and easy to recognize from both ends. A secret signal eliminates the need for the speech and flow of everything to be disrupted and keeps everyone involved in check.
Listen Keenly and Pay Attention to Body Language
Listening is an important skill all professional interpreters are required to master in order to excel in their field. Active listening is the key. With this in mind, listening allows for the interpretation process to run smoothly from all angles; the listeners’, the speakers’, and the interpreter’s end.
Body language also plays an important role in the interpretation process. As an interpreter, your posture, facial expressions, and gestures help in bringing your message across. Let’s say you’re interpreting good news. It’s a given that you simply cannot convey this message in a slouchy or nonchalant manner. Otherwise, those depending on you for a better understanding of what’s being said may get mixed signals and end up misunderstanding what is taking place.
Your body language as a professional interpreter also conveys trust in you from your client. When you are genuinely engaged in what is being communicated it shows in your body language and makes rapport much better.
You Are There to Interpret, Not to Assume
A professional interpreter’s job is to translate from one spoken language to another. With this in mind, ensure that your client understands that your job isn’t to assume any answers to any questions on their behalf. Nor is it your job to have an opinion in any way shape or form. Your job is to solely translate what is being said as it is said.
You are a neutral presence on set during live TV. You’re not there to cause any misunderstandings or to make errors. Ensure that your client understands that only what they say will be interpreted and nothing else.
Prepare for the Unexpected
No situation is perfect, and as a professional interpreter, it’s always good to prepare for the unexpected. Let’s say for instance that during the live TV broadcast a heated or exciting conversation develops. At this point in time, you may have to move at a faster pace. Perhaps you need to adjust your facial expressions and body language to aid in getting the intended message across.
Another aspect of being prepared involves dressing the part. Backtracking to being briefed on what is required of you should include the type setting you’ll be part of so that you can dress appropriately for the occasion.
A debriefing after your live TV event is also a useful tool for both you. It benefits the interpreter and the client. This is particularly important if you’re going to be working with the client again. Talk about what went well and the areas that need improvement. Be sure to also discuss any difficulties you may have faced and be sure to listen to the concerns of the client as well.
Of course, being prepared for anything and have a debriefing session after your live TV event helps make you a better interpreter for future projects.
Your Client Must Communicate with the Audience
If your client doesn’t already know, then be sure to tell them that they should speak directly to their audience and not to you. Because you are the one interpreting what is being said, it’s easy to assume that the speaker is to ‘communicate’ with you. But this is considered impolite in many instances and should not be put into practice.
Encourage your client to relax and communicate like they normally would. The only thing they should keep in mind is the need to speak one at a time. If there are more than one persons for whom you’re interpreting for. They should also speak in segments. This gives you time to convey all that is being said.
Conclusion
For the best professional interpreters in the industry contact us here at Day Interpreting. Our team of interpreters are here to provide you with the best experience possible while giving your clients the best customer experience while we’re at it.
Are you a professional interpreter who is passionate about languages like we are? Then apply today to work with an excellent team of like-minded professionals today.
Kayan is a multi-talented writer based in the beautiful island of Jamaica. Her strong point is ideation and she loves to take on new challenges.
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