How do you cope with background noise when interpreting remotely?

1 Choose a quiet and comfortable workspace

One of the most important factors for remote interpreting is to have a suitable workspace. Ideally, you should choose a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable room where you can control the noise level and avoid interruptions. You may also want to invest in some equipment, such as a headset, a microphone, and a webcam, that can enhance your audio and visual communication. Make sure you test your devices and internet connection before each assignment and have a backup plan in case of technical problems.

2 Use noise-canceling and sound-enhancing tools

Another way to cope with background noise is to use noise-canceling and sound-enhancing tools. Noise-canceling tools can help you filter out unwanted sounds, such as traffic, music, or chatter, from your own or your speaker's environment. Sound-enhancing tools can help you adjust the volume, clarity, and speed of the audio input and output. Some examples of these tools are Krisp, Audacity, and Zoom. You can also use earplugs or headphones to block out external noise and focus on the speech.

3 Apply coping strategies and techniques

Sometimes, background noise is inevitable or unpredictable, and you may not be able to eliminate it completely. In these cases, you need to apply some coping strategies and techniques to deal with the situation. For example, you can ask the speaker to repeat, clarify, or slow down if you miss something. You can also use paraphrasing, summarizing, or omitting non-essential information if the noise is too loud or frequent. You can also signal to your listeners or clients that you are experiencing noise interference and ask for their patience and cooperation.

4 Take breaks and relax

Remote interpreting can be stressful and exhausting, especially when you have to deal with background noise. Therefore, it is important to take breaks and relax between or after your assignments. You can use some relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, or stretching, to calm your mind and body. You can also listen to some soothing music, read a book, or chat with a friend to unwind and recharge. Taking care of your mental and physical health can help you cope with background noise and improve your interpreting performance and satisfaction.

5 Seek feedback and support

Finally, you can cope with background noise by seeking feedback and support from your colleagues, clients, or mentors. Feedback can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas for improvement. Support can help you share your challenges and frustrations, as well as learn from others' experiences and advice. You can join some online communities, forums, or groups for interpreters, where you can exchange tips, resources, and stories with other professionals. You can also attend some webinars, workshops, or courses to update your skills and knowledge.