Interpreting can be a stressful job, especially in high-stakes environments like medical settings where the pressure is always on. Staying calm is crucial, but it’s easier said than done—especially for those just starting out or transitioning into medical interpreting.
In Episode 14 of The Invisible Profession Podcast, David sat down with Mike LeMay, known in the community as the “Hot Sauce Interpreter,” to explore how interpreters can manage their nerves, avoid panic, and thrive under pressure. From Mike’s own journey to his practical tips, this episode offers a wealth of advice for both new and experienced interpreters.
Building Confidence Through Community and Connection
One of the first points Mike made during the podcast was how isolating the interpreting profession can feel at times. Many interpreters, especially those working freelance or remotely, don’t have the luxury of a team or community around them. That’s why Mike stresses the importance of building a network and staying connected with other interpreters.
Mike himself found a community through Instagram, where he was pleasantly surprised to discover a whole world of interpreters sharing their stories, tips, and experiences. What started as a fun way to connect turned into a valuable resource for finding jobs and expanding his network. “Most of my work came from networking with interpreters on Instagram. It’s amazing—I get more work from Instagram than from LinkedIn!”
For new interpreters, whether you’re trying to break into the medical field or any other specialization, building your network can be crucial to your success. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others in the field—you never know where that next opportunity might come from.
How to Stay Calm and Maintain Accuracy as a Medical Interpreter
One of the biggest challenges interpreters face—especially in medical settings—is the pressure to remain calm and accurate. Mike shared a relatable story about how nerve-wracking interpreting can be when speakers talk fast or go off-script. Over time, he developed strategies to stay composed and continue delivering high-quality work.
Mike’s Tips for Staying Calm While Ensuring Accuracy:
- Strive for Accuracy, Recover Quickly When Needed: Mistakes can happen, but in medical interpreting, accuracy is critical. If you miss a word or phrase, don’t dwell on it—recover quickly and focus on delivering precise information from that point forward.
- Stay in the Present: If you lose a sentence or phrase, don’t scramble to catch up. Stay focused on the next line and keep the conversation moving.
- Prepare, but Be Flexible: While preparation is key, especially with medical terminology, things don’t always go as expected. Being flexible and adaptable will help you stay calm under pressure.
- Keep Expanding Your Knowledge: Interpreters aren’t dictionaries, but medical interpreters should continuously learn medical terms to minimize misunderstandings. If you’re unsure about a term, always ask for clarification rather than guessing.
- Stay Cool, Calm, and Collected: In medical settings, maintaining your composure is essential for ensuring patient safety. Keeping a level head under pressure will help you deliver the best possible service.
You’re not a dictionary. It’ll never be perfect. Just do your best, stay calm, and keep moving forward.
Making the Leap from Consecutive to Simultaneous Interpreting
Many interpreters start with consecutive interpreting, but moving into simultaneous interpreting can feel daunting. David and Mike discussed this transition and shared practical advice for those ready to take the leap.
Mike’s experience is unique—he never truly practiced consecutive interpreting in the formal sense. His style was what he called “simult-consec,” where he would ask speakers to limit their sentences to two at a time, so he could jump in quickly and maintain flow. This style allowed him to transition to simultaneous interpreting with ease.
For those interested in improving their simultaneous skills, Mike offers this advice:
- Practice “Mirroring”: Whether it’s shadowing a YouTube video or interpreting a live radio broadcast, constant practice will sharpen your ability to think quickly and respond simultaneously.
- Focus on Speed: Simultaneous interpreting requires the ability to process information quickly. Practice speaking as fast as you can while maintaining accuracy to train your brain for the fast-paced environment of the booth.
- Don’t Fear Mistakes: As Mike mentioned earlier, no one gets it perfect all the time. The key is to keep going, even when things don’t go as smoothly as you’d like.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing the Ups and Downs
Imposter syndrome is a familiar challenge for many interpreters. Even experienced interpreters like Mike have struggled with self-doubt, especially in situations where they felt unprepared or overwhelmed.
In the podcast, Mike shared a deeply personal story about being replaced mid-assignment early in his career. A high-profile job with a fast-talking speaker made him feel out of his depth, and despite all his preparation, he was asked to step out of the booth. This experience left him questioning whether he was cut out for the job.
“I wept. I thought, maybe this isn’t for me.”
But Mike didn’t let this setback define him. Over time, he built up his confidence, developed new skills, and eventually reconnected with the interpreter who replaced him, making peace with the experience.
For interpreters just starting out, it’s essential to understand that everyone faces highs and lows. The key is to stay resilient, keep learning, and push through the challenging moments.
Boost Your Interpreting Skills with Training and Community Support
Mike’s message to interpreters is simple: stay brave, take on challenges, and keep pushing forward. You’ll have great days where you feel like a superhero, and tough days where you question everything. But in the end, the rush and fulfillment that comes with interpreting make it all worthwhile.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your interpreting career, why not invest in your professional growth? Check out the 60-hour training with Linguava Interpreter Academy to deepen your skills, explore our upcoming workshops, or even join our team as an interpreter. There’s no better way to stay sharp and continue growing in this incredible field.
About Linguava Interpreters
At Linguava, we are here to support you as your partner in language access. We are ISO 9001, 17100, and 18587 certified, ensuring quality . As a leading provider of language services for the healthcare industry, we offer a wide range of services to help medical practices incorporate language access successfully. These include Translation and Localization , Scheduled Video Interpretation, Video Remote Interpretation, Over the Phone Interpretation, and American Sign Language Interpretation.
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