many ways to say it
“I’m exhausted.”
I’m drained / I’m worn out / I’m dead tired.
Speaker talks too fast
Ask politely for clarification or summarize key ideas while staying calm.
“That’s interesting.” → Neutral and Sarcastic
Neutral: Eso es interesante. Sarcastic: Ah, qué interesante…
You hear confidential information.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
What is more important: speed or accuracy?
Accuracy first, then fluency
“This meeting is a disaster.”
This meeting is going terribly / This is a complete mess / Everything is falling apart.
Speaker changes topics suddenly.
Adapt quickly and focus on the main message instead of translating word by word.
“We appreciate your effort.”
Formal/professional
Apreciamos su esfuerzo.
Someone starts yelling during negotiations.
Stay neutral and continue interpreting calmly.
Why is active listening important?
Because interpreters must understand meaning, tone and intention quickly
“No me convence.”
→ I’m not convinced / I have doubts about it / It doesn’t fully persuade me.
You forget a word.
Paraphrase or explain the idea naturally without stopping communication.
“I wasn’t expecting this.” → Surprise and disappointment
→ Surprise: No esperaba esto. Disappointment: La verdad no esperaba este resultado.
Meeting becomes emotional.
Maintain professionalism while preserving tone and meaning.
What should interpreters avoid?
Adding opinions, changing meaning, overexplaining or panicking.
“That’s inappropriate.”
Say it in a Formal, casual and diplomatic way
Formal: That is inappropriate. Casual: That’s not okay. Diplomatic: That may not be the best approach.
Two people speak at the same time.
Ask them polite to speak one at a time to maintain accuracy.
Can we discuss this later?” → Diplomatic and uncomfortable
Diplo: ¿Podemos hablar de esto más tarde? Uncomfortable: Preferiría hablar de esto después.
Everyone goes silent after shocking news.
Wait appropriately and continue only when communication resumes.
How can interpreters sound natural?
Using clear phrasing, good pacing and understanding context.
“Necesitamos hablar.”
Say it: diplomatic, emotional. serious
Diplo: We need to discuss something important. Emotional: We need to talk. Serious: We need to have a conversation.
Speaker uses slang or an unknown idiom.
Interpret the meaning/context instead of translating literally.
Well… this changes everything. Neutrral
Bueno, esto cambia todo
Cultural misunderstanding happens.
Clarify meaning professionally without taking sides.
What makes someone a professional interpreter besides speaking English?
Listening skills, cultural awareness, neutrality, quick thinking and communication skills.