In the world of interpretation, the focus is often placed—understandably—on linguistic expertise. After all, interpreters are tasked with the monumental job of accurately conveying meaning between people who don’t share the same language. But beyond fluency, grammar, and mastery of technical vocabulary lies a set of less visible yet equally vital skills that can determine the success or failure of the interaction being interpreted.
There’s a long-standing notion that interpreters should be “invisible”—silent conveyors of other people’s messages, heard but not seen. This idea paints interpreters as neutral conduits, devoid of personality or presence, serving solely as linguistic bridges. While neutrality and discretion are indeed key tenets of professional interpreting, the reality is that great interpreting goes far beyond the mere translation of words. The best interpreters possess certain soft skills that enable them to also interpret emotions, context, and cultural nuance that must be understood for clear and transparent communication.
In an age where AI is gaining ground across a number of language-centered fields, let’s explore why the human side of interpreting is so important—and which soft skills interpreters should be training in order to remain relevant and resistant to the influx of technology.
The Myth of the “Invisible Interpreter”
The “invisible interpreter” idea is rooted in the desire to maintain impartiality and prevent interpreters from influencing the message. In courtrooms, medical consultations, and diplomatic meetings, accuracy and neutrality are critical. Interpreters are expected to reflect not just the words spoken, but the intent, tone, and meaning—without inserting their own views.
But being invisible doesn’t mean being inhuman. Interpreters are often present in some of the most sensitive moments of a person’s life, including legal proceedings, asylum interviews, and emergency medical situations. In those moments, language is only one part of the equation. Human connection matters, contributing to just how well the parties are able to communicate and understand each other. Even in corporate situations—like high-stakes business negotiations—, tone of voice, body language, and cultural expectations still play a critical role in communication. Imagine a phrase spoken with sarcasm being interpreted quite literally; such an oversight could trigger a misunderstanding that endangers the entire outcome of the situation.
Why Soft Skills Matter
Soft skills are the non-technical abilities that allow a person to work well with others and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. For interpreters, these skills are not just helpful—they’re indispensable. Let’s take a look at some of the most important soft skills for interpreters to master:
1. Empathy
Empathy is the ability to put oneself in another person’s shoes—to understand and share their feelings. For interpreters, empathy helps navigate emotionally-charged conversations without becoming emotionally overwhelmed or losing clarity. In healthcare settings, for example, empathy helps medical interpreters understand the urgency and emotional weight of a diagnosis, enabling them to convey the message with appropriate sensitivity.
2. Patience
Interpreting also requires immense patience. Whether it’s a speaker who talks too fast, a concept that doesn’t translate cleanly, or a client who needs information repeated several times, interpreters must make an effort to remain calm and collected. Patience allows interpreters to avoid frustration, maintain professionalism, and ensure communication continues smoothly—even in the midst of challenges.
3. Trustworthiness
Trust is everything in interpretation. Clients and speakers must feel confident that what they say will be relayed accurately, discreetly, and without judgment. A trustworthy interpreter creates a safe space, particularly in settings like therapy or asylum interviews, where individuals may be sharing deeply personal or traumatic experiences. Confidentiality is often a key component of the interpreting contract, but that doesn’t always ensure that the parties will feel like opening up. An interpreter who is able to convey trust to their clients through demeanor and professionalism can make all the difference.
4. Cultural Sensitivity
Language is deeply tied to culture. Understanding cultural contexts, norms, and taboos helps interpreters navigate potentially sensitive issues with care. A word or phrase that’s acceptable in one culture might be offensive in another. One such example is the concept of ambition when translated from English to Spanish. While ambition is generally considered a positive quality in English-speaking countries, reflecting the drive to work hard and gain success, its counterpart in Spanish, ambición, carries a more negative connotation associated with greed and selfishness. Skilled interpreters will understand these cultural nuances and convey them appropriately.
5. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions while also recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. Interpreters with high emotional intelligence can stay composed under pressure, adapt to changing emotional tones, and respond with the appropriate level of warmth or formality. Interpreters may also recognize when emotions are running too high in a certain situation–to the point of triggering a breakdown in communication–and may step in as an intermediary, suggesting that the parties take a break to regroup when possible.
6. Active Listening
It might sound obvious, but active listening is an underrated art. Interpreters must be fully present and absorb not just the words being spoken, but the tone, pace, body language, and subtext. Active listening allows interpreters to capture the full meaning of a message and render it as faithfully as possible in the target language. For this same reason, it is important for conference interpreters–and others who work for extended periods of time–to work in pairs or as a team. This will allow them to take the appropriate breaks so that when they are interpreting, their listening abilities are as fresh and active as possible.
Human-Centered Interpreting Across Industries
These soft skills show up in different ways depending on the field of interpreting. In healthcare, empathy and trust among medical interpreters help patients feel safe and understood. In legal contexts, emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity among court interpreters ensure fairness and impartiality. In corporate settings, active listening and trustworthiness among business interpreters can help forge international relationships and close profitable deals.
Even in remote or virtual interpreting, where facial expressions and gestures may be limited, the best interpreters bring humanity into their work through tone of voice, thoughtful phrasing, and steady communication.
Embracing the Human Side of Interpreting
The idea that interpreters should be invisible is becoming increasingly outdated in a world that values human connection, even in the most technical or professional settings. Interpretation is not just a mechanical process—it’s an art form rooted in human understanding.
At Day Translations, we know that interpreting is as much about people as it is about language. That’s why we celebrate and cultivate not only the linguistic abilities of our interpreters but also the soft skills that make them exceptional. Because in every interaction—no matter how brief or high-stakes—our interpreters act as the trusted human bridge across cultures and conversations.
Are you looking for interpreting services that prioritize both technical accuracy and human connection? Get in touch with the Day Interpreting team today to learn more about our global network of expert interpreters.
Related Posts:
What Makes a Good Medical Interpreter?
The Human Touch: Exploring Empathy in Interpretation
What’s the Future of Human Interpreting in the Age of AI?
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