What is interpretation? In a nut shell, interpretation is “oral translation”. That is, an interpreter is responsible for transferring someone’s oral discourse (谈话) into an equivalent discourse in a different language. By definition, translators are interpreters -although a good interpreter, besides a knowledge of language, will also have experience and training in the field.

1. Be prepared: as early as possible (one week before a conference, a few hours before a telephone conversation), request material and read informative texts信息文本 (not glossaries术语表) about the subject, in both languages. For example, the speaker of a conference should provide ahead of time the text or the slides to be presented or any other related material.

2. Be informed: 1) about the place where the interpretation will held and the time; 2) about the speaker or speakers: know how to pronounce his or her name, know what country he or she is from, education, and other details of his or her biography个人简介 that may be mentioned in the event (if the speaker writes books, essays, etc. if he or she gives classes, etc.); 3) about the target audience of the even (professionals, students, general public, etc.); 4) the form of the event  (if there will be a Q & A session), etc.

3. Other practical aspects (important, although they may seem to be only details):

• dress properly and do not wear bright colors that may draw attention away from the speaker (in case of consecutive不断地 interpretations) and avoid strong perfumes香水;

• arrive early to check the location and try to talk to the speaker;

• ask for water (flat not sparkling, because it may spoil the natural flow of the discourse); an

• (in case of conferences/discourses) test the microphones.

4. Don't worry about translating every word. Try to grasp the main idea of the speaker and to render it into the target language.

5. Have a notepad 笔记本with you. I wouldn't advice you to note down everything the speaker says as this might be distracting 分心. But it's always good to note down any numbers, dates, titles. Cross off the information that is no longer needed so you don't get lost in your notes.

6. Make sure they give you your own microphone possibly one that you don't have to hold in your hand.

7. Try to get a seat as near the speakers as possible. Before the conference present yourself to the speakers as their interpreter. That will remind them that they have to cooperate with you.

8. If you feel the speaker is speaking for too long or people are beginning to speak at once don't hesitate to interrupt politely but firmly. Even the nicest speakers seem to forget sometimes that they are interpreted!

9. Try to look confident even if you do not feel confident. Speak in a steady pace, not too fast and not to slow.

10. Keep an eye contact with the audience. The audience won't notice minor errors but will quickly sense hesitation in your voice. Interpreting is a bit like acting!

11. And finally even if you feel you have made an error or think you have missed something stay calm and continue.