3 Assignment Hacks for Busy Interpreters

By: Sheekha Sanghvi

=Have you ever rushed out the door to an important appointment, convinced that you’ve forgotten something important? Pleading with any higher power that will listen for help?

Let’s face it: we’ve all been in that situation. But if you’re an interpreter, and you’ve forgotten something important on the way to their assignment or you’re distracted once you’re there, the impact can be damaging to your relationships with service providers, and it can negatively affect the end-user.

Fortunately, there is a solution for the busy interpreter! These 3 assignment hacks can help make you ready to fulfill your interpretation assignment and bring your “A” game.

Assignment Hack #1:  Be Ready

Depending on the nature of the interpretation assignment, you may need to be familiar with medical, legal or other industry-specific jargon. Re-familiarize yourself with the terminology and commonly used terms the day before.

Also: re-reading the assignment-specific details will help ensure that nothing is missed. Double check your travel arrangements to make sure that you arrive at your assignment in plenty of time to do any preparation needed.

Assignment Hack# 2: Be Present

There is more to life than just work. Your mind is filled with questions: What’s for dinner? How can I justify eating takeout five days in a row? Why do we park in a driveway and drive in a parkway?

But interpretation services are vitally important to the end-user, and they require your full attention as an interpreter.

When on an interpretation assignment, you need to be present: physically, mentally and emotionally. Interpreters are not only conduits for the spoken word, but also have to provide proper context for that information.

If needed, take a moment before starting your assignment and eliminate all your distractions so that you to truly present for the client.

Assignment Hack# 3:  Be Awesome

You got this!

Remember your training and be confident in your abilities as a trained interpreter. Remember that an interpretation assignment is not about you, it’s about the needs of the client.

Now that you’ve got a handle on some assignment hacks, you are better prepared to do a great job! We’re so grateful that you’ve chosen to work with us, and provide this important service.

By Gregory Bourne – Content Contributor