What are the most effective problem solving techniques for interpreting in high-stress situations?

1 Analyze the problem

The first step to solve any problem is to identify and understand its nature, scope, and impact. As an interpreter, you need to analyze the problem from different perspectives: your own, the speakers', and the audience's. For example, if you are interpreting a speech and the speaker uses a term that you don't know, you need to consider how important that term is for the message, how familiar it is for the audience, and how confident you are to infer its meaning from the context. You also need to assess how much time and resources you have to deal with the problem, and what are the possible consequences of your actions.

2 Choose a strategy

Once you have analyzed the problem, you need to choose a strategy to solve it or minimize its impact. There are different strategies that interpreters can use depending on the situation, such as asking for clarification, using a paraphrase, consulting a reference, skipping or omitting a term, or admitting a mistake. You need to weigh the pros and cons of each strategy and decide which one is the most appropriate and effective for the problem at hand. You also need to be flexible and adaptable, as you may need to change your strategy if the problem persists or worsens.

3 Implement the solution

After you have chosen a strategy, you need to implement it in a clear, concise, and coherent way. As an interpreter, you need to communicate your solution to the speakers and the audience, while preserving the accuracy and quality of your interpretation. You also need to be respectful and polite, as your solution may affect the speakers' credibility, the audience's understanding, or the outcome of the event. You also need to be prepared for feedback or criticism, as your solution may not satisfy everyone's expectations or preferences.

4 Evaluate the outcome

The final step to solve a problem is to evaluate the outcome of your solution and learn from it. As an interpreter, you need to reflect on how your solution affected the communication process, the speakers' and the audience's reactions, and your own performance. You also need to identify what went well and what went wrong, and what you can do to improve your problem solving skills in the future. You can use different tools to evaluate your outcome, such as self-assessment, peer review, client feedback, or professional development.

5 Develop your skills

Problem solving is a skill that can be developed and improved with practice and experience. As an interpreter, you can enhance your problem solving skills by expanding your knowledge, improving your research skills, updating your terminology, practicing your interpreting skills, and participating in training or mentoring programs. You can also learn from other interpreters, by observing how they solve problems, exchanging tips and advice, or joining professional associations or networks. By developing your problem solving skills, you can increase your confidence, competence, and credibility as an interpreter.

6 Manage your stress

Problem solving in high-stress situations can be mentally and emotionally exhausting for interpreters. Therefore, it is important to manage your stress levels and take care of your well-being. As an interpreter, you can manage your stress by planning ahead, setting realistic goals, seeking support, taking breaks, and avoiding burnout. You can also use relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, to calm your nerves and cope with anxiety. By managing your stress, you can improve your focus, concentration, and resilience as an interpreter.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?