Table of Contents
Introduction
Most of us remember the feeling of acting in a school play. You practiced for hours until you memorized your lines flawlessly. You were confident and sure of yourself. Then, it’s opening night. You stand up on stage, under the hot lights, and in front of the crowd who is completely focused on you, and suddenly, you can’t remember what you’re supposed to say. Your mind goes blank, and all the lines you so carefully memorized disappear in an instant. This is a common experience, not just for actors, but for interpreters as well, especially when stage fright or the anxiety of forgetting lines strikes.
Although you are not the sole focus of the audience’s attention as a simultaneous interpreter, you are still an actor of sorts. You are responsible for transmitting both culture and language, whether you’re interpreting in real-time or from a prepared script. While you may have prepared for this moment, you do not have the luxury of pausing to search for just the right word. As an interpreter, your performance reflects upon the original speaker, as you are their voice to those listening to your interpretation. But what happens when you experience stage fright or when the speaker says something you don’t understand, didn’t catch, or aren’t sure how to interpret?
Stage Fright and Maintaining Focus During Simultaneous Interpretation
A presentation’s flow is one of its most important aspects, so you must take your cues from the speaker. Therefore, if the original speaker doesn’t pause, neither should you. You must keep pace, no matter what happens. Ideally, you would be familiar with every single term the speaker could possibly use and be able to translate it in real-time without hesitation. However, in real-life interpretation, speakers often use words and expressions that are unfamiliar, and listeners must adapt to these challenges.
For example, if you encounter a language barrier, context will help provide clues about what the speaker intended. As an interpreter, you could simply rephrase what was said in a slightly different way, assuming you had no idea what the presenter said. If you heard the speaker’s words but were unsure how to render them in the other language, it’s often best to quickly and confidently talk around the unfamiliar expression while conveying as much of its essence as possible. This is where simultaneous interpretation tips come in handy, allowing you to manage stage fright and perform under pressure.
In an unavoidable situation where you don’t understand what was said, you could admit to your audience that you didn’t fully catch the speaker’s words and ask the speaker to repeat. However, this should be avoided whenever possible, as it may cause you to appear careless and inattentive.
Related: Simultaneous Interpretation Introduction |Part 1 of 6
How to Avoid Forgetting Lines on Stage
No matter how prepared you are for your assignment, unexpected words or phrases may arise. Interpreter preparation is key to overcoming these obstacles and maintaining a confident flow in your interpretation. Sufficient preparation helps to reduce stage fright, allowing you to manage unexpected situations effectively.
While interpreting, you might sometimes experience forgetting lines on stage, but don’t panic. It’s essential to stay calm and remember the strategies you’ve learned. If a phrase is difficult to interpret immediately, don’t be afraid to improvise in simultaneous interpretation. The goal is to keep the message intact while ensuring the audience understands the essence of what’s being communicated.
Real-time interpreting requires both skill and composure, so having a few mental techniques to manage performance anxiety can make all the difference. In addition, being prepared for language barriers and knowing how to handle them will help you stay calm under pressure.
Related: Common Myths about Simultaneous Interpretation
Stage Fright Management Techniques
What can you do to manage stage fright and anxiety during your interpretation assignments? Here are some stage fright management techniques that can help:
- Mental Techniques to Overcome Performance Anxiety: Practice deep breathing and mindfulness exercises before and during your assignment to calm your nerves.
- Confidence Building: The more you practice and prepare for each interpretation, the more confident you will become in your abilities.
- Visualization: Visualize yourself performing well and confidently interpreting in real-time.
When interpreting under pressure, audience perception plays a big role in how smoothly the interpretation flows. If you remain calm and composed, the audience will feel more comfortable too.
Tips for Staying Calm Under Pressure During Interpretation
How difficult is simultaneous interpretation? Many interpreters face challenges in their work, but by practicing strategies for handling stage fright and real-time interpreting, you can improve your performance. Preparation is key, so always make time for proper practice before your assignments. By following best practices for simultaneous interpreters, you can ensure that your audience receives the most accurate interpretation possible.
Key Takeaways for Improving Interpretation Performance
- Be prepared for unexpected situations and unfamiliar words.
- Don’t let stage fright disrupt your performance — stay calm and maintain focus.
- Practice simultaneous interpretation and real-time interpreting to build confidence and improve your skills.
Do you have any tips to share as a simultaneous interpreter? What should listeners keep in mind when receiving a simultaneous interpretation?
Related: Simultaneous Interpretation Series Part 2 of 6: Selecting a Quality Simultaneous Interpreter
