Become a Successful Telephone Interpreter

Telephone interpreter opportunities are increasing. Because of the advancements in telephony, telephone interpretation is now a viable option for business (as well as other) communications. While interpreters often work in a variety of settings, it is important to remember that certain skills will help you become a successful over-the-phone interpreter.

These skills must be mastered by any would-be telephone interpreter:

1. Absolute fluency - This is obvious, but many don't realize that interpretation requires fluency in both the source and target language.

2. Organizational skills - Telephone interpreters must be able to organize the ideas and concepts expressed by both parties. Being able to take good notes (and then communicate from those notes) is essential.

3.Objectivity - It is also important that the interpreter express the ideas accurately and objectively without adding anything or not including anything.

4. Ability to recognize voice tone - In most interpretation settings, the interpreter has a view of the person they are interpreting. However, this is not the case for a telephone interpreter. Over-the-phone interpreters (or OPIs) must rely on voice tone to help them interpret because it is the only nonverbal clue they will have access to.

5. Cultural sensitivity - Telephone interpreters must be able to adapt to different cultures and different dialects at a moments notice.

6. Adaptability - Telephone interpreters don't quite know what they will be interpreting before the session starts, so it's important that they can quickly adapt to different subjects being discussed.

Back to Telephone Interpretation.